The State Manufacturing Leadership Program (SMLP) is a funding opportunity aimed at expanding access to smart manufacturing technologies and high-performance computing (HPC) resources for small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs). The program provides funding to state entities, state-funded universities, and state-funded community and technical colleges to help SMMs adopt smart manufacturing practices. This includes training and re-skilling workers, offering technical assistance, and directly implementing new technologies. The program aligns with national priorities to enhance economic competitiveness, improve energy efficiency, and reduce emissions across U.S. manufacturing sectors.

The primary objectives of this solicitation are to increase the productivity and competitiveness of domestic manufacturers, support workforce development in smart manufacturing, and build a strong support network for SMMs. By removing cost and complexity barriers, the Department of Energy (DOE) seeks to make smart manufacturing more accessible. Additionally, funding will help expand workforce training programs, including apprenticeship, internship, certification, and degree programs, to equip workers with the necessary skills. The program also aims to enhance coordination between federal, state, and local technical resources to create a more integrated support system for manufacturers.

The funding can be used for a variety of activities, including outreach efforts to educate SMMs on smart manufacturing benefits, workforce training initiatives, facility and product assessments, strategic planning for technology adoption, and direct financial assistance for implementing smart manufacturing and HPC resources. To be eligible, applicants must be a state entity, a state-funded university, or a state-funded community or technical college. The cost-sharing requirement mandates that at least 23.1% of the total project cost must come from non-federal sources.

Applicants must submit a detailed proposal outlining their approach to achieving the program's goals. Required elements include a project design that addresses the five key focus areas, a clear engagement strategy to reach SMMs, an assessment of the project's impact, a work plan with a reasonable budget, and a demonstration of the qualifications and resources available to execute the project. Partnerships with regional or national organizations that can enhance the program's effectiveness are encouraged.

Applications will be evaluated based on their technical merit, innovation, impact, and feasibility. Reviewers will assess whether the proposed project effectively addresses the needs of SMMs, the strength of its outreach and workforce development strategies, and the potential for measurable outcomes such as job training, emissions reductions, and direct technology adoption. The strength of the work plan, budget, and applicant’s qualifications will also play a role in determining funding decisions.

The submission window for applications opens on January 15, 2025, and closes on April 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET. Several informational webinars and office hours will be held to provide additional guidance to applicants. DOE encourages interested parties to participate in these sessions to gain insights into the program's objectives and application requirements.

For further details, applicants should refer to the Solicitation Overview and Cost Share Handout provided by DOE. Additional questions can be directed to the DOE through the contact information available in the program announcement.
The program focuses on five key areas to achieve its objectives. First, it promotes Outreach by raising awareness of smart manufacturing technologies and encouraging adoption in alignment with regional and national economic priorities. Second, Training and Workforce Development helps build a pipeline of skilled workers by offering certifications, apprenticeships, internships, and degree programs tailored to advanced manufacturing. Third, Facility, Product, or Process Assessments involve evaluations to identify opportunities for improving energy efficiency and integrating smart technologies. Fourth, Roadmapping supports manufacturers in creating actionable plans to upgrade processes and adopt innovative tools. Finally, Direct Technology Implementation provides financial and technical assistance for integrating new technologies and HPC systems into operations.

SMLP aligns with federal goals of boosting U.S. manufacturing leadership, improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and fostering economic growth. The program encourages collaboration across state, local, and national levels by building robust support networks for manufacturers. Additionally, it addresses workforce development by expanding training programs at state-funded educational institutions, equipping workers with the skills necessary for careers in advanced manufacturing.

Applications for SMLP must clearly outline measurable outcomes, such as the number of workers trained, facility assessments conducted, certifications earned, or new technologies implemented. Eligible projects must serve SMMs, defined as manufacturers with fewer than 500 employees, annual energy bills between $100,000 and $3,500,000, and annual sales below $100 million. All projects require a 23.1% non-federal cost share and must prioritize sustainability to create long-term value beyond the funding period.

Through this program, DOE aims to catalyze innovation and position U.S. manufacturers to compete effectively in global markets. SMLP’s targeted investments ensure that smaller manufacturers can overcome traditional barriers to smart technology adoption, access advanced tools like HPC resources, and build capacity for the future. By doing so, the program contributes to creating a more resilient, energy-efficient, and competitive manufacturing sector in the United States.