NIST Issues Broad Agency Announcement to Advance U.S. Microelectronics Technologies
Gaithersburg, Md., September 24, 2025 — The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeking proposals aimed at pushing the boundaries of microelectronics research, prototyping, and commercialization. This initiative is part of the ongoing CHIPS for America program, which focuses on strengthening the United States’ leadership in semiconductor technology and innovation.
NIST’s CHIPS Research and Development Office will consider proposals on a rolling basis, enabling timely support for cutting-edge projects. Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Acting NIST Director Craig Burkhardt emphasized the importance of this effort, stating, “This effort will allow us to identify and support innovative advanced microelectronics research that will grow U.S. leadership and accelerate technology development. We look forward to seeing ideas that together will advance microelectronics research and drive further innovation in emerging technologies such as quantum, artificial intelligence, and biomanufacturing.”
Key Focus Areas
Aligned with the recently published NIST Strategy for American Technology Leadership in the 21st Century, the announcement highlights several priority areas for proposals, including:
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Advanced Semiconductor Technologies: Research and prototyping to push forward the state of semiconductor materials and devices, alongside initiatives to expand the domestic semiconductor workforce.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI): Application of AI techniques for advanced microelectronics research and development to enhance design and manufacturing processes.
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Quantum Technologies: Exploration of quantum applications that could revolutionize microelectronics capabilities.
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Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing: Integration of biotechnological approaches with microelectronics innovation.
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Commercialization of Innovations: Efforts that translate research breakthroughs into market-ready technologies.
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Standards Development: Establishing and refining standards critical to technology interoperability and adoption.
Eligibility and Application Process
The BAA is open to a broad range of U.S.-based applicants, including for-profit companies, nonprofit organizations, accredited institutions of higher education, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and federal agencies. All interested parties must initially submit a white paper for consideration. Those whose submissions meet the required criteria will be invited to submit detailed pre-negotiation packages as the next step in the application process.
Upcoming Informational Webinar
To assist applicants, the CHIPS R&D office will host an informational webinar in the coming weeks. This session will provide guidance on preparing white papers and pre-negotiation packages, outline key aspects of the BAA, and respond to pre-submitted questions. Additional details about the webinar, including registration and question submission, will be made available on the CHIPS R&D BAA webpage shortly.
About the CHIPS for America Program
The CHIPS for America initiative is a strategic effort designed to support American innovation in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing, ensuring the nation’s competitiveness in the global technology ecosystem. NIST plays a critical role in this initiative by funding projects that promote U.S. technology leadership and advance the commercialization of next-generation microelectronics.
For more information on the BAA, application guidelines, and updates, interested parties can visit the NIST CHIPS R&D website.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Huergo
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (301) 975-6343
This announcement reflects the U.S. government’s ongoing commitment to advancing critical technologies and maintaining national leadership in microelectronics and related fields.
