The 2024 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Measurement Science and Engineering (MSE) Research Grant Programs aim to advance research and development in critical fields aligned with NIST’s mission. This opportunity invites proposals from qualified non-Federal entities, including academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and businesses, for projects that align with NIST’s diverse research objectives. Through multiple divisions and laboratories, including Communications Technology, Fire Research, Information Technology, Neutron Research, and others, NIST supports the development of innovative measurement science, engineering practices, and standards. Awards are issued as grants or cooperative agreements, fostering research that contributes to national priorities in science, technology, and education.

NIST’s MSE program has 13 grant programs, each focused on a specific research area, such as the Associate Director for Innovation and Industry Services (ADIIS), Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL), Material Measurement Laboratory (MML), and more. Each program has designated statutory authorities and focuses on different fields ranging from advanced microelectronics and artificial intelligence to community resilience and energy efficiency in buildings. Specific program goals include establishing standards, developing data and metrology methods, enhancing U.S. competitiveness, and enabling sustainable technological advancements in various scientific fields. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with these research goals, ensuring relevance to the mission of each NIST program they are applying to.

Funding levels vary by program and range from $3,000 to as high as $12 million, depending on the scope and impact of the project. Funding instruments include either grants or cooperative agreements, with project periods generally extending up to five years. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but to be considered for funding in the current fiscal year, submissions should be received by May 1, 2024. The application process requires active registrations on SAM.gov and Grants.gov, and applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) as the government no longer uses DUNS numbers for grant identification.

Eligibility is open to all non-Federal entities, including foreign public entities and governments. However, individuals and unincorporated sole proprietors are not eligible. Proposals must meet specific criteria, such as demonstrating institutional capacity, staff qualifications, alignment with program objectives, and a reasonable budget for the proposed scope. Additional requirements include a detailed project narrative, resumes of key personnel, budget narrative and justification, indirect cost agreements, data management plans, and a description of any collaborations or use of federal facilities. Each program has tailored evaluation criteria that emphasize rationality, technical merit, institutional capability, and budget alignment, with some areas assigning additional weight to specific elements relevant to the program’s mission.

Applicants are advised to submit complete applications through Grants.gov, ensuring all required forms and supporting documentation are included. NIST will evaluate proposals based on technical merit and relevance, using peer reviewers, with final selections made by program officials based on funding availability and program alignment. Selected projects are expected to receive award notifications approximately 90 business days after the review process concludes.