Opportunity
Simpler Grants.gov #2021-NIST-MEP-CAP-01
NIST Solicitation for MEP Program Enhancement Projects (Industry 4.0, Workforce, Supply Chain, AI)
Buyer
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Posted
December 28, 2020
Identifier
2021-NIST-MEP-CAP-01
NAICS
541611, 541330, 541690
This opportunity from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) invites active MEP Centers to propose projects that enhance the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program. - Government Buyer: - National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), U.S. Department of Commerce - Eligible Applicants: - Only current MEP Centers operating under NIST cooperative agreements - Products/Services Requested: - Enhancement services for the MEP Program, including but not limited to: - Industry/Manufacturing 4.0 initiatives - Manufacturing workforce services (recruitment, retention, development) - Supply chain management and resiliency - Artificial Intelligence (AI) application in manufacturing - Projects must provide new activities or services beyond existing MEP Center agreements - Funding Details: - Up to $1 million for single-center projects - Up to $5 million for multi-center collaborative projects - Performance period up to three years - No cost sharing required - Unique Requirements: - Proposals must address criteria in 15 U.S.C. 278k-1(e)(3) - Priority for projects in specified focus areas (Industry 4.0, workforce, supply chain, AI) - OEMs/Vendors: - NIST is the only government buyer and no commercial OEMs are specified
Description
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) invites applications from current Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers for projects that will add capabilities to the MEP Program by achieving one or more criteria set forth in 15 U.S.C. 278k-1(e)(3). Priority may be given to proposals addressing Program Themes such as Industry/Manufacturing 4.0, manufacturing workforce services including recruitment and development, supply chain management and resiliency, and Artificial Intelligence application. Funded projects must provide activities or services beyond those in existing MEP Center cooperative agreements. Awards may be up to $1 million for single MEP Centers and up to $5 million for multiple MEP Centers, with performance periods up to three years. Applicants must be active MEP Centers operating under current NIST MEP cooperative agreements.