The Precision Measurement Grant Program (PMGP) is a funding opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This grant program was established in 1970 to support fundamental research in measurement science, including the testing of physical laws and the determination of fundamental constants. It aims to enable faculty at universities, colleges, and research laboratories to conduct significant projects in this area, while also fostering collaboration with NIST scientists.

The PMGP provides funding for projects that align with NIST’s ongoing research efforts in developing new or improved fundamental measurement methods, testing the basic laws of physics, or refining fundamental constants. Eligible projects should address pressing problems or emerging opportunities in measurement science. The program offers some latitude in research topics, provided they support the advancement of measurement standards or contribute to the fundamental understanding of physics.

Applicants eligible for this funding opportunity include accredited institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations incorporated in the United States, state and local governments, territorial and Indian Tribal governments, as well as foreign public entities and organizations. However, federal entities are not eligible for funding, although they may participate as unfunded collaborators. Individuals and unincorporated sole proprietors do not qualify as eligible applicants under this NOFO.

NIST anticipates making one award under this funding opportunity, with a maximum annual funding of $50,000 for a period of up to three years, totaling a potential maximum award of $150,000. There is no cost-share or matching requirement for applicants. The awarded funding may be provided through either a grant or cooperative agreement, with NIST playing a collaborative role in project execution under a cooperative agreement.

The application process consists of two phases: a Pre-Application phase and a Full Application phase. All applicants must submit a Pre-Application via Grants.gov by February 3, 2025, after which selected finalists will be invited to submit a Full Application by May 21, 2025. Pre-Applications will be evaluated based on their relevance to NIST’s ongoing work, the importance and feasibility of the proposed research, and the qualifications of the applicant. Awards are expected to be announced in September 2025, with an anticipated project start date of October 2025.

Applicants are required to submit all necessary application forms via Grants.gov, including the SF-424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance, Research & Related Budget, Certification Regarding Lobbying (CD-511), and project-specific documents such as the Project Narrative, Resumes, Budget Narrative, and Data Management Plan. Full applications will be evaluated by a panel of at least three independent reviewers, who will score applications based on their merit and alignment with the program objectives.

For technical or programmatic questions, applicants may contact Dr. Joseph N. Tan at joseph.tan@nist.gov or 301-975-8985. For questions regarding grant rules and regulations, Nuria Martinez can be reached at NOFO@nist.gov. Additional details and updates about the program can be found at the NIST PMGP website.