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MCME (Manufacturing and Construction Machines and Equipment) Program FAQs

What is the MCME program?

The Manufacturing and Construction Machines and Equipment (MCME) program is a National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant opportunity that supports fundamental, science-driven advances in the machines, tools, and processes used in manufacturing and construction.

What is the main goal of MCME-funded research?

The central goal is to shift manufacturing and construction away from reliance on hands-on skill and trial-and-error and toward knowledge-based practice grounded in measurable physics, validated models, and data-informed decision making. MCME projects are expected to build deeper understanding of underlying physical processes so outcomes can be better predicted, controlled, and improved in real-world applications.

What kinds of research outcomes does MCME emphasize?

MCME strongly emphasizes research that explains why processes behave the way they do and translates that understanding into predictive models. The focus is on improving forecasting of process results (for example, quality, performance, reliability, or failure modes) and using those predictions to guide design choices, process planning, equipment design, and operational decisions.

Does MCME focus on applied engineering or fundamental science?

Based on the program description, MCME is oriented toward fundamental, science-driven advances. The emphasis is on physics-based understanding, validated models, and prediction/control of processes, with the intention that this fundamental knowledge enables better outcomes in practical manufacturing and construction settings.

What types of process results is the program interested in predicting and improving?

The opportunity highlights process results such as quality, performance, reliability, and failure modes. Projects are expected to improve the ability to predict these outcomes and then use predictions to inform better decisions in design and operations.

How does MCME connect research to real-world decision making?

The program description emphasizes turning scientific understanding into predictive models and data-informed decision making. Those predictions are intended to guide design choices, process planning, equipment design, and operational decisions to achieve better control and better outcomes.

Are environmental and societal impacts part of the program’s priorities?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly highlights environmental and societal considerations and aims to support research that helps manufacturing and construction become lower-impact activities. Examples mentioned include reducing waste, energy use, emissions, noise, and other negative externalities, and improving safety and broader societal outcomes through smarter machines and more reliable processes.

Does MCME support additive manufacturing or 3D printing research?

MCME supports research on solid freeform fabrication, which includes many forms of additive and layer-based fabrication.

Are there scale limitations on solid freeform fabrication research under MCME?

The solicitation spans a wide range of scales, from micron-level features up to meter-scale structures. It also clarifies that additive manufacturing at the nanometer scale is handled under a different NSF program (Nanomanufacturing), so MCME’s scope covers freeform fabrication beyond nanoscale and relevant to manufacturing and construction.

What is outside MCME’s scope regarding additive manufacturing?

Additive manufacturing at the nanometer scale is indicated as being handled under a different NSF program (Nanomanufacturing), rather than MCME.

What federal assistance listing category does this opportunity fall under?

The listing describes MCME as a discretionary NSF grant program in the Science and Technology / Research and Development category, under CFDA 47.041 (Engineering Grants).

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The archived record states that cost sharing or matching was not required.

How much funding is indicated in the archived record?

The archived record lists an estimated total funding amount of $300,000. It also lists an award ceiling of $300,000 and an award floor of $1.

Does the listing indicate how many awards were expected?

The posting indicates “ExpectedAwards: 0.” The description notes that this typically reflects how the listing was captured rather than being a definitive statement that no awards would be made.

Who was eligible to apply, according to the listing?

The eligible applicant category is listed as unrestricted, meaning it was broadly open to applicants, subject to any specific eligibility language that would have appeared in the full program text.

When was the opportunity posted, and what submission windows were noted?

Key dates in the record show the opportunity was posted on August 20, 2010. The record also notes annual closing windows of September 1/October 1 and January 15/February 15.

Is this opportunity still active?

The listing was later archived on December 9, 2011. The archive note says it was replaced by “12 1468,” indicating a subsequent program description or updated solicitation.

What does it mean that the listing was replaced by “12 1468”?

Based on the archive note, “12 1468” appears to reference a newer program description or updated solicitation that replaced the archived listing.

Where can applicants get help if they cannot access the announcement electronically?

The contact guidance directs applicants to NSF’s Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov for difficulties accessing the announcement electronically. It also notes to contact NSF regarding problems linking to the funding announcement.

What should applicants do if they have problems linking to the funding announcement?

The listing includes a note to contact NSF regarding problems linking to the funding announcement.