The MSI Contract Readiness Prize is a one-phase capacity building prize that aims to boost equity across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) contracting for small, medium, and large Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), including Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). This prize builds on the successes of the Biden Administration’s Justice40 Initiative by involving MSIs as key strategic partners. The goal is to increase capacity for winning contracts and build a pipeline of long-term institutional support, enabling MSIs to obtain future federal funding sources across all federal agencies. Up to 25 winners will be awarded a minimum of $10,000 based on their institution's size. Competitors will show increased contract readiness by attending technical trainings, participating in mentoring opportunities, and providing a clear action plan.