The Precision Measurement Grant Program (PMGP) from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers funding to support innovative research in fundamental measurement science, focusing on pressing issues in physics measurement methods, testing fundamental laws of physics, and determining fundamental constants. This program encourages advancements in measurement science and fosters collaboration between university researchers and NIST scientists. The PMGP, established in 1970, also aims to assist researchers in exploring new concepts that may lack other funding sources.

Eligible applicants include U.S. institutions of higher education, non-profit and for-profit organizations, local and state governments, tribal governments, and foreign organizations. Federal entities cannot receive funding but may participate as unfunded collaborators. Selected projects are funded up to $50,000 annually, renewable for up to three years, totaling a maximum of $150,000, contingent upon available funds and satisfactory project performance. The project must align with NIST’s ongoing efforts, and applicants do not need to provide matching funds.

Applications are submitted in two phases: Pre-Application and Full Application. The Pre-Application phase, due by February 3, 2025, requires a brief narrative outlining the project and addressing program criteria. NIST will review Pre-Applications and invite selected finalists by March 19, 2025, to submit Full Applications by May 21, 2025. Only invited applicants may submit Full Applications, which must detail research objectives, methodologies, and alignment with NIST’s goals in measurement science. All submissions must go through Grants.gov, and late applications will not be considered.

Proposals are evaluated based on four equally weighted criteria: the research’s importance, alignment with NIST’s priorities, feasibility, and the qualifications of the principal investigator. An independent panel will review and rank applications, with the top-ranking application recommended for funding. Final awards are expected to be announced by September 2025, with projects starting as early as October 2025.

Recipients must comply with reporting requirements, including semi-annual financial and performance reports. If applicable, awardees must also comply with policies regarding research involving human or vertebrate animal subjects, intellectual property, and collaboration with NIST employees. A Data Management Plan (DMP) is required, detailing how research data will be stored, maintained, and made publicly accessible.

For questions, applicants can contact Dr. Joseph N. Tan for program-specific inquiries or Nuria Martinez for regulatory guidance. Amendments or updates to the funding opportunity will be posted on Grants.gov and the NIST PMGP website.