CHIPS Research and Development Office (CRDO) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

CHIPS Research and Development Office (CRDO) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST), CHIPS Research and Development Office (CRDO)
Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
2025-NIST-CHIPS-CRDO-01
Funding Opportunity NIST is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants for research,
Description: prototyping, and commercial solutions that advance
microelectronics technology in the U.S., to be considered for
funding by the CHIPS Research and Development OJice (CRDO).
Announcement Type: Initial
Funding Instrument: This funding opportunity will result in the award of other
transaction agreements, in accordance with
15 U.S.C. § 4659(a)(1).
Assistance Listing 11.042: CHIPS R&D
(CFDA Number):
Period of The maximum project performance period is five (5) years.
Performance:
Goals & Objectives: To grow U.S. leadership in semiconductor technology and
accelerate the pace of commercialization to enable technology
dominance in the industries of the future, in areas including
advanced microelectronics research and development with a
nexus to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technology,
Biotechnology, Biomanufacturing, Commercialization of
Innovation, and/or Standards Development.
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Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants are for-profit organizations; non-profit
organizations; accredited institutions of higher education;
Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs),
and Federal entities (e.g., Federal departments and agencies –
see Section III.3). Eligible applicants must be a domestic entity.
Individuals and unincorporated sole proprietors are not eligible
to receive funding under this BAA. Eligible subawardees include
all eligible applicants as well as foreign partners not otherwise
prohibited (e.g., foreign adversaries), subject to compliance with
specific requirements (see Section VI). CRDO strongly
recommends that Federal entities and FFRDCs seeking to
respond to this BAA as an applicant first contact the CRDO POC
to discuss eligibility; in areas of mutual interest, alternative
funding mechanisms may be pursued independent of this BAA.
Funding Amount The number of awards is contingent upon the availability of funds
and the submission of a suJicient number of meritorious
proposals. Project budgets should be at least $10 million and
need to reflect the actual needs of the proposed project. All
funding considerations are based on the availability of funds.
Cost Share/Matching Cost sharing, as defined in 2 CFR § 200.1, is not required for all
Requirements: awards made under this BAA. However, CRDO may choose to
fund only a portion of a project’s total costs, contingent on the
recipient demonstrating it has access to suJicient funding to
complete the project.
Return on As a condition of receiving an award, applicants may be required
Investment: to issue to the Department equity, warrants, licenses to
intellectual property, royalties or revenue sharing, or other such
instruments to ensure a return on investment to the Government.
Submission Dates Applications will be accepted and considered on a rolling basis
and Times: as they are received. Applications will be accepted until
September 30, 2029, unless this BAA is amended to add an
earlier closing date.
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted using www.grants.gov. Paper
applications will not be accepted.
Review and Selection See Section V in the Full Announcement Text of this BAA.
Process:
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Informational CRDO will host an informational webinar to provide general
Webinar: information regarding this BAA, oJer general guidance on
preparing White Papers and if invited, Pre-negotiation Packages,
and answer questions submitted in advance. Proprietary
technical discussions about specific project ideas will not be
permitted during the webinar. However, questions about this
funding opportunity, eligibility requirements, evaluation and
award criteria, selection process, and the general characteristics
of a meritorious application will be addressed during the webinar
and by e-mail for inquiries sent to research@chips.gov with
“2025-NIST-CHIPS-CRDO-01 Questions” in the subject line.
There is no cost to attend the webinar, but participants must
register in advance. Participation in the webinar is not required
and will not be considered in the review and selection process
described in Section V of this BAA. Additional information can be
found at www.nist.gov/chips/crdo-broad-agency-
announcement-baa as it becomes available.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Program Description .................................................................................................... 5
II. Federal Award Information .......................................................................................... 8
III. Eligibility Information ................................................................................................. 8
IV. Submission Information ............................................................................................. 9
V. Submission Review Information ................................................................................. 10
VI. Administrative and National Policy Requirements ..................................................... 11
VII.Federal Awarding Agency Contacts .......................................................................... 13
Special Notes:
1. Updates and Amendments. Applicants are encouraged to frequently check the
application package, available at www.grants.gov under Funding Opportunity
Number 2025-NIST-CHIPS-CRDO-01, and the NIST website at www.chips.gov, for
updates and amendments to this BAA. Special Notices issued against this BAA will
be posted to www.grants.gov.
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FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT
I. Program Description
The United States is in a battle for global leadership in the critical and emerging
technologies (CETs) that will drive decades of national and economic security and
prosperity. To ensure U.S. global dominance in the industries of the future, we seek to
advance the President’s stated agenda to secure the U.S. position as the unrivaled world
leader in CETs. As the nation’s premier laboratory with the mission to promote U.S.
innovation and industrial competitiveness, NIST is poised to work with industry at every
step to support U.S. manufacturing and technological capacity in CETs.
The statutory authority for the CRDO BAA is 15 U.S.C. §§ 272(b) and (c), 15 U.S.C. § 4656,
and Title II, Division B, the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act
(Pub. L. 117-167).
As authorized by 15 U.S.C. § 4656 and in alignment with the NIST Strategy for American
Technology Leadership in the 21st Century, the following are general topic areas that have
been identified as priority areas for proposals under this BAA.
1. Semiconductors. Proposed projects may include conducting research and
prototyping of advanced semiconductor technologies and growing the domestic
semiconductor workforce, to strengthen the economic competitiveness and
security of the domestic supply chain, overcome R&D ecosystem gaps, and develop
innovative advanced packaging manufacturing technologies, including but not
limited to:
a. Semiconductor advanced test, assembly, and packaging capability in the
domestic ecosystem.
b. Materials characterization, instrumentation, and testing for next generation
microelectronics.
c. Virtualization and automation of maintenance of semiconductor machinery.
d. Metrology for security and supply chain verification.
Example technical areas of interest include but are not limited to:
• Next generation lithography beyond 1nm: next generation materials and
approaches.
• Semiconductor devices: next generation materials, process tools/flows,
devices and architectures that may include digital, analog, mixed signal,
power, radio-frequency, optoelectronic, sensors, or other.
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• Next generation memory devices: next generation materials, architectures,
and interfaces.
• Advanced Packaging: heterogeneous integration and 3D packaging, chiplets,
3D stacking, novel memory architectures, 2.5D packaging, integrated
photonic packages, ultrahigh density interposers, and next generation
assembly and systems packaging.
• Next generation design: design and system level co-optimization, AI-enabled
devices through system designs, advanced design automation
• Accelerating domestic manufacturing fabs: robotics, automation, digital
twins, AI-enabled manufacturing, national security manufacturing, and
securing critical supply chains.
2. Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for advanced microelectronics
research and development. Proposed projects may include the development and
adoption of AI-driven autonomous agents, AI-based agents for cybersecurity, and
consistency in AI system performance measurement. General applications of AI
technologies not directly related to advanced microelectronics research and
development are not within the scope of this BAA.
Example technical areas of interest for the demonstration of AI using
semiconductors include, but are not limited to:
• Compute eJiciency
• Novel memory stacks
• Cryogenic operations
• AI at edge
• Stacked machine health monitoring
• AI devices for extreme environments
• Using AI to accelerate domestic manufacturing fabs to secure critical supply
chains
3. Application of quantum technology for advanced microelectronics research
and development. Proposed projects may include research and prototyping of
advanced semiconductor technology for quantum technology, manufacturing of
quantum sensors, scalable high-performance quantum components, and
development of quantum networks.
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Example technical areas of interest for the demonstration of quantum technology
using semiconductors include, but are not limited to:
• Scalable quantum computing
• Quantum networks and communications
• Quantum sensing and metrology
• Accelerating domestic manufacturing fabs: scale domestic production of
quantum hardware, domestic buildout of cryogenic, optical, and ultra-high
vacuum manufacturing lines, national security manufacturing, secure
critical supply chains
4. Application of biotechnology and biomanufacturing technology for advanced
microelectronics research and development. Proposed projects may include
adoption of emerging biotechnologies, development of biomanufactured products,
and creation of AI-enhanced biotechnology solutions.
Example technical areas of interest for the demonstration of biotechnology and
biomanufacturing using semiconductors include, but are not limited to:
• Bioelectronics
• Medical implantable devices
• Accelerating domestic bio-electronics manufacturing fabs: scale domestic
production, national security manufacturing, secure critical supply chains
5. Commercialization of innovations. Proposed projects may include the adoption
and commercialization of federally funded scientific discoveries and technology
advancements.
Examples within commercialization of innovation using semiconductors include but
are not limited to advanced testing, assembly, and packaging capability that involve
eligible participants, that may include Manufacturing USA institutes (established
and operated consistent with the requirements of 15 U.S.C. § 278s(e), as amended)
or other consortiums to adopt and commercialize innovations.
6. Standards Development. Proposed projects may include promoting U.S.
engagement and leadership in international standards for CETs and development of
science-based standards.
Example standards development areas of interest include:
• Quantum manufacturing standards
• Data standards
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• Design standards
• Provenance and security standards
II. Federal Award Information
1. Funding Instrument. Awards under the BAA will take the form of other transaction
(OT) agreements. Each OT Agreement is negotiated with the applicant and details
the agreed-upon terms and conditions for that award.
2. Multi-Phase Funding Policy. When an application for a multi-phase award is
approved, funding will be provided only for the first phase of the project; additional
phases may be funded incrementally. Funding for subsequent phases of a project
will be contingent upon satisfactory performance as determined by CRDO,
continued relevance to the mission, goals, and priorities of CRDO, and the
availability of funds.
3. Funding Availability. The number of awards is contingent upon the availability of
funds and the submission of a suJicient number of meritorious proposals. Project
budgets should be at least $10 million and need to reflect the actual needs of the
proposed project. All funding considerations are based on the availability of funds.
4. Cost Sharing or Matching. Cost sharing, as defined in 2 CFR § 200.1, is not required
for all awards in this program. However, CRDO may choose to fund only a portion of
a project’s total costs, contingent on the recipient demonstrating it has access to
suJicient funding to complete the project.
5. Return on Investment. As a condition of receiving an award, applicants may be
required to issue to the Department equity, warrants, licenses to intellectual
property, royalties or revenue sharing, or other such instruments as may be required
to ensure a return on investment to the Government.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants. Eligible applicants are for-profit organizations; non-profit
organizations; accredited institutions of higher education; Federally Funded
Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and Federal entities (e.g., Federal
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departments and agencies). Eligible applicants must be a domestic entity.1
Individuals and unincorporated sole proprietors are not eligible applicants.
2. Eligible Subawardees. Eligible subawardees include all eligible applicants as well
as foreign partners not otherwise prohibited (e.g., foreign adversaries2), subject to
compliance with specific requirements (see Section VI). Eligible subawardees may
participate in multiple applications. Vendors selling goods or services in the
ordinary course of business are not considered subawardees.
3. Federal Entities and FFRDCs. Federal entities and FFRDCs may only participate to
the extent allowed by law and subject to applicable direct competition
requirements. Applications involving such entities must clearly demonstrate that (1)
the proposed work does not compete with the private sector, and (2) provide written
documentation citing the specific statutory authority and contractual authority, if
relevant, establishing their ability to receive Federal award funds. CRDO strongly
recommends that Federal entities and FFRDCs seeking to respond to this BAA as an
applicant first contact the CRDO POC to discuss eligibility; in areas of mutual
interest, alternative funding mechanisms may be pursued independent of this BAA.
IV. Submission Information
Submission to this BAA is in two parts: a required White Paper and, if invited to proceed, a
Pre-negotiation Package. More information regarding submission instructions and
requirements can be found at www.nist.gov/chips/submission-instructions-and-package-
requirements.
1. White Paper. White Papers are required and may be submitted at any time via
grants.gov. CRDO will review White Paper submissions as soon as practicable after
they are submitted. An initial review of White Papers will be conducted for eligibility,
completeness, and responsiveness. White Papers deemed ineligible, incomplete, or
nonresponsive will receive no further consideration. White Papers deemed eligible,
complete, and responsive will be reviewed for (1) scientific and technical merit and
(2) the potential contribution to national and economic security. White Papers with
1 For the purposes of this BAA, a domestic entity is an entity (a) organized under the laws of the United States
or any jurisdiction within the United States and (b) having a principal place of business in the United States.
The principal place of business generally means the place where an entity’s officers direct, control, and
coordinate the entity’s activities. A foreign adversary cannot be considered a domestic entity.
2 Foreign adversaries include any “foreign entity of concern” and “foreign country of concern,” as those terms
are defined in 15 U.S.C. § 4651(7)-(8) and 15 C.F.R. §§ 231.102 and 231.104, as well as any entity whose
actions, policies, or personnel decisions are controlled by a “foreign entity of concern” or “foreign country of
concern.”
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insuJicient scientific and technical merit and/or relevance to national and
economic security will not receive further review and will not be invited to submit a
Pre-negotiation Package. However, CRDO may also provide technical feedback and
request resubmission of White Papers.
2. Pre-negotiation Package. Applicants whose White Papers are determined to have
suJicient scientific and technical merit and potential contributions to national and
economic security will be invited to submit a Pre-negotiation Package, which will
include a detailed technical and cost proposal, and other required documents.
Pre-negotiation Packages may only be submitted by entities that are invited to do so
by CRDO. Pre-negotiation Packages submitted in the absence of a specific invitation
will not be reviewed or evaluated in any way.
Pre-negotiation Packages will undergo prioritization for evaluation. CRDO will give
the greatest weight to the first factor in this review.
• Contribution to economic and national security, consistent with relevant
strategic goals in published Administration strategies and policies and the
evaluation criteria.
• Whether the project duplicates other projects funded by the Department or
other Federal agencies.
• EJicient use of taxpayer dollars and suJicient return to the taxpayer.
3. Submission Method. White Papers and Pre-negotiation Packages must be
submitted electronically at www.grants.gov, under announcement 2025-NIST-
CHIPS-CRDO-01; paper, email, fax, or other submission methods will not be
accepted.
Applicant organizations may submit more than one White Paper, provided that each
White Paper represents a technically distinct project. CRDO will not accept
duplicate or overlapping White Papers from a single organization (normally
identified by having a separate Unique Entity Identifier in SAM.gov).
V. Submission Review Information
More information regarding evaluation criteria and the review process can be found at
www.nist.gov/chips/submission-instructions-and-package-requirements.
1. Evaluation Criteria. The evaluation criteria that will be used in evaluating White
Papers and Pre-negotiation Packages submitted under this BAA are as follows:
a) National and Economic Security. The extent to which an application
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furthers economic and national security by advancing technology leadership
in the United States, strengthening the supply chain for domestic
semiconductor manufacturing, accelerating the pace of innovation, and
growing the semiconductor workforce.
b) Scientific and Technical Merit. The extent to which the proposed technical
approach is innovative, feasible, achievable, and complete. This includes
the extent to which the task descriptions and associated technical elements
are comprehensive and presented in a logical sequence with all proposed
deliverables clearly defined, resulting in a clear picture of how an award will
achieve the desired goal(s).
c) Project Feasibility. The degree to which the project plan is feasible to
execute, including: the extent to which the applicant and key partners have
the necessary experience and plans to complete and operate the project; the
extent to which the proposed costs are realistic for the technical and
management approach; and the likelihood and extent to which the project
could mitigate any technical and operational risk.
d) Commercial Viability. The completeness, coherence, and viability of the
plan to transition project technology from research and development to
commercialization, including evidence of a market environment, demand for
the project’s output, and a suitable return on investment.
e) Financial Viability. The extent of the applicant and project’s financial
viability, including the comprehensiveness and reasonableness of the
projected capital expenditures, the applicant’s overall financial health, and
the specificity, credibility, and viability of the applicant’s capital raising plan
(as applicable).
2. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates. Awards will be made on a rolling
basis as Pre-negotiation Packages are received and evaluated, and terms of the
other transaction agreements are finalized.
3. Retention of Unsuccessful Applications. Copies of each unsuccessful application
will be retained in accordance with the Records Schedule DAA-0167-2023-0001.
VI. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
The terms and conditions of each OT Agreement will be set forth in the agreement
negotiated between the NIST and the recipient. OT Agreements will include terms and
conditions based on administrative and national policy requirements, including those
summarized below. More information regarding administrative and national policy
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requirements can be found at www.nist.gov/chips/administrative-and-national-policy-
requirements.
1. Intellectual Property (IP) and Domestic Production. As set forth in 15 U.S.C. §
4656(g), the Department of Commerce must “develop policies to require domestic
production, to the extent possible, for any intellectual property” resulting from R&D
conducted using Federal funds awarded under this BAA. Further, 15 U.S.C. § 4656(g)
requires CRDO to develop domestic control requirements to protect any such IP
(which may include software) from foreign adversaries. To ensure compliance with
these requirements of 15 U.S.C. § 4656(g), CRDO will include award terms and
conditions related to domestic control and domestic production of Federally-
funded intellectual property. CRDO will also require applicants to provide a
Commercial Viability and Domestic Production Plan describing potential pathways
to transition CHIPS-funded innovations to commercial viability and domestic
production.
2. Investment and Research Security. Awards made under this BAA are subject to
multiple statutes and directives requiring protection of Federally-funded intellectual
property, including:
• 15 U.S.C. § 4656(g) requires the protection of Federally-funded intellectual
property from foreign adversaries
• 15 U.S.C. § 4657 prohibits providing any Federal funds awarded under this
BAA to any foreign entity of concern
• National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33) and 42 U.S.C. §
6605 requires participants in the Federal R&D enterprise to periodically
disclose information related to potential conflicts of interest and
commitment, including monetary and non-monetary research support
• 42 U.S.C. §§ 19231 – 19237 prohibits certain research participants from
participating in malign foreign talent recruitment programs
To ensure compliance with these requirements, NIST reserves the right to request
additional information to assess any identified risks to the protection of Federally-
funded intellectual property or to develop and require risk mitigation strategies.
3. Reporting. Each recipient will be required to submit financial, performance, and/or
technical reports. Detailed reporting requirements will be outlined in the terms and
conditions of the award.
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VII. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts
Questions should be directed to the following contacts:
Subject Area Point of Contact
Programmatic, Technical, CHIPS Research and Development OJice
and Administrative
E-mail: research@chips.gov with “2025-NIST-CHIPS-CRDO-01
Questions
Questions” in the subject line
Technical Assistance with Grants.gov
Grants.gov Submissions
Phone: 800-518-4726
E-mail: support@grants.gov
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Subawardees and Unfunded Collaborators

SUBAWARDEES AND UNFUNDED COLLABORATORS