The Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund (PWSCIF) Grant Program - Software Solutions for Industry Verticals and Integration Automation is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce. This grant program, established under the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 and funded through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, aims to foster innovation and competition in wireless supply chains, particularly in 5G and successor wireless technologies. By promoting the adoption of open and interoperable wireless networks, the program seeks to reduce dependency on a limited number of suppliers, improve security, and drive cost efficiencies.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is the third in a series issued under the Innovation Fund, focusing on two specific research areas: Industry Vertical Solutions (SRFA 1) and Integration Automation Solutions (SRFA 2). SRFA 1 supports the development of software solutions leveraging Open RAN (Radio Access Network) technology to enhance efficiency, cost savings, and productivity in industries such as utilities, mining, and manufacturing. SRFA 2 aims to fund software solutions that simplify multi-vendor Open RAN integration through automation, reducing costs and complexity associated with network deployment and management.

The total funding available under this NOFO is up to $450,000,000. The anticipated award range varies by research area: SRFA 1 projects may receive between $24,000,000 and $50,000,000 per award, while SRFA 2 projects may receive between $9,000,000 and $18,000,000 per award. Applicants must meet a mandatory cost-sharing requirement: 30% for SRFA 1 and 20% for SRFA 2. Funding is limited to U.S. and eligible foreign entities, but at least one applicant or partner must have Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) in the United States.

Eligible applicants include entities capable of developing, integrating, and commercially deploying software solutions that leverage Open RAN technologies. Applicants must form partnerships to ensure technical and commercial feasibility. SRFA 1 requires at least one partner, whereas SRFA 2 mandates partnerships with at least three RAN suppliers. Successful projects must demonstrate a working prototype in a real-world or lab setting and include a commercial transition plan to ensure scalability beyond the grant period.

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by April 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The review process includes an initial eligibility check, merit review, and programmatic review. Merit evaluation focuses on technical innovation, security, economic impact, and feasibility, while programmatic review assesses cost effectiveness, project readiness, and compliance with funding objectives. The NTIA expects to award grants on a rolling basis, meaning applications will be reviewed and funded progressively.

To apply, applicants must submit a technical proposal, work plan, budget, letters of commitment from partners, and compliance documentation. The NTIA encourages but does not require open-source software development. Award recipients must adhere to cybersecurity best practices and submit Product Security and Cybersecurity Management Plans. Additional information regarding eligibility, application components, and compliance requirements can be found in Section 4 of the NOFO.

For inquiries, applicants should contact the NTIA Innovation Fund Program Office via email or phone, as detailed in Section 6.4.23 of the NOFO.