Measurement Science and Engineering (MSE) Research Grant Programs | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The Measurement Science and Engineering (MSE) Research Grant Programs opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: 2015 NIST MSE 01) is a Fiscal Year 2015 funding solicitation from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support research and development tied to NISTs measurement science mission. The program is set up to fund work that advances the measurement methods, reference data, standards, tools, and related engineering or laboratory capabilities that underpin U.S. innovation, technology development, and public safety. Rather than being a single narrow topic, it is an umbrella announcement that routes proposals into one of several NIST laboratory or program offices, with applicants expected to align their proposed work to the specific priorities described in the Full Announcement (FFO).

This solicitation covers twelve component grant programs across NIST, reflecting the breadth of measurement science areas NIST leads. The covered programs are: the Material Measurement Laboratory (MML), Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML), Engineering Laboratory (EL), Fire Research (FR), Information Technology Laboratory (ITL), Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL), NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR), Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST), Special Programs Office (SPO), Standards Coordination Office (SCO), International and Academic Affairs Office (IAAO), and the Associate Director for Laboratory Programs (ADLP). In practical terms, that means proposals could span topics such as materials characterization and metrology, physical and chemical measurements, engineering performance and resilience, fire behavior and fire safety science, cybersecurity and information technology measurements, communications and spectrum-related measurements, neutron-based measurement techniques and research infrastructure, nanoscale measurement and nanofabrication, standards coordination and related programmatic needs, and other cross-cutting measurement science activities tied to the NIST laboratory enterprise. The specific research needs, expected outputs, and program priorities are not fully spelled out in the summary text itself and are instead contained in the FFO, which is the controlling document for determining fit and competitiveness within each component program.

NIST indicates that awards under this opportunity may be made using either grants or cooperative agreements. A grant generally supports work led primarily by the recipient with normal federal oversight, while a cooperative agreement is used when NIST expects to have substantial involvement during the project (for example, technical collaboration, shared planning, use of specialized facilities, or coordinated milestones). The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development, and there is no cost sharing or matching requirement stated for this opportunity, meaning applicants are not required to contribute non-federal funds as a condition of receiving an award (though voluntary cost share could still be allowed depending on the terms in the FFO).

Eligibility is notably broad and described as unrestricted to all non-federal entities. Eligible applicants include colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, state and local governments, Indian tribes, hospitals, foreign public entities, and foreign governments. One important limitation is that NIST cannot accept an application from an individual who is not affiliated with a sponsoring organization, so proposals must come through an eligible institution or organization rather than a standalone individual applicant. The notice also states that applicants selected for awards under 15 U.S.C. 278g-1 are encouraged, but not required, to select underrepresented minorities for participation, signaling an emphasis on inclusive participation without making it a strict eligibility condition.

The posting date and creation date are both June 4, 2015, and the archive date is June 3, 2016. The closing approach is mostly rolling: for all NIST MSE Research Grant Programs except the Fire Research Grant Program, applications are considered on a continuing/rolling basis. However, NIST flagged June 12, 2015 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) as an important practical cutoff, explaining that applications received after that time may still be processed, but could be considered either in the current fiscal year or the next fiscal year depending on funding availability and processing timelines. The Fire Research Grant Program has a more time-sensitive processing note: to give NIST a chance to process and issue awards before the end of FY 2015, paper fire program applications were recommended by 5:00 p.m. ET on June 12, 2015 and electronic fire program applications by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 12, 2015, while still allowing that late submissions might roll into later processing and potentially the next fiscal year.

For applicants, the key takeaway is that this is a broad NIST R&D funding vehicle designed to support measurement science and engineering work aligned with the needs of one of NISTs labs or offices, with flexible submission timing for most components and special timing considerations for fire-related proposals. The most important next step for anyone considering applying would be to use the provided Full Announcement/FFO document to identify the appropriate component program, match the proposal to that programs stated technical priorities, and follow the detailed instructions on project scope, evaluation criteria, required forms and narratives, submission method, and any program-specific requirements. For access issues with the full announcement, the listed contact is Christopher Hunton, Grants Technical Assistant, at 301-975-5718.

Browse more business programs for Engineering Companies

Browse more opportunities from the same agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Next opportunity: NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD YOUTH CORPS

Previous opportunity: Urban Archeology Corps MRCA SAMO

USGrants.org Applicant Portal:

Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.

Apply for 2015 NIST MSE 01

 

[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (2015 NIST MSE 01) also looked into and applied for these:

 

Grant application guides and resources

It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!

Apply for Grants

 

 

Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers

Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.

If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.

Subscribe to Leads

 

Request more information:

Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "2015 NIST MSE 01", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:

Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.