NIST CHIPS R&D Office — Broad Agency Announcement (CRDO BAA)
National Institute of Standards and Technology — CHIPS Research and Development Office
$10M minimum, no ceiling
CHIPS Act R&D funding for semiconductor and microelectronics companies
The CHIPS R&D Office (CRDO) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) funds research, prototyping, and commercial solutions to advance U.S. microelectronics technology leadership. For-profit companies, universities, nonprofits, and FFRDCs are all eligible. Proposals must address CRDO's focus areas: microelectronics R&D connected to AI, quantum technology, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and/or standards development. Minimum award size is $10 million; this is a program for serious commercial-stage semiconductor and chip technology companies. Rolling white paper submissions through September 2029.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Federal
- Amount range
- $10,000,000
- Realistic amount
- Awards to date have ranged from $10 million to several hundred million dollars for major chip design and manufacturing R…
- Deadline
- Rolling — white papers accepted on a rolling basis through September 30, 2029. Opportunities open: September 24, 2025. Contact research@chips.gov with subject '2025-NIST-CHIPS-CRDO-01 Questions'.
- Status
- active
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Must be a domestic (U.S.-based) entity — for-profit companies, nonprofits, universities, FFRDCs, and Federal entities are all eligible
- Foreign-owned entities may be eligible but subject to additional national security review
- Proposal must address microelectronics R&D in at least one of CRDO's focus areas: AI, Quantum Technology, Biotechnology, Biomanufacturing, Commercialization of Innovation, or Standards Development
- Cost share is required — percentage determined during negotiation (typically 25–50% for for-profit applicants)
- SAM.gov registration required before award
- Projects must advance U.S. technology leadership and commercial applications
Hard requirements
- Must be incorporated
- Restricted to industry: microelectronics, semiconductor, or adjacent advanced technology
- Minimum project size: $10,000,000
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Semiconductor R&D labor (scientists, engineers, technicians)
- Specialized laboratory equipment and instrumentation for microelectronics research
- Fabrication and prototyping costs at qualified facilities
- Materials and supplies for chip design and testing
- Subcontracts to universities, national labs, and research institutions
- Travel for collaboration with research partners and standards bodies
Ineligible expenses
- Non-U.S. activities (overseas R&D or manufacturing without prior approval)
- Lobbying and political activities
- Profit on cost-reimbursement contracts to for-profit recipients (fee must be negotiated separately)
- Activities unrelated to microelectronics technology advancement
- Capital expenditures above the simplified acquisition threshold without prior approval
How to apply
-
1
Prepare and submit white paper
Submit a white paper to grants.gov (under opportunity 2025-NIST-CHIPS-CRDO-01). The white paper introduces your organization, technology, proposed scope, and alignment with CRDO priorities. Length and format specified in the BAA. This is mandatory — no direct full proposal without prior white paper.
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2
NIST white paper review
NIST reviews all white papers for alignment with CRDO's strategic priorities. Review typically takes 4–8 weeks. NIST notifies applicants whether to proceed to the pre-negotiation package stage.
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3
Submit pre-negotiation package
Invited applicants submit a full pre-negotiation package including: detailed technical proposal, budget and justification, key personnel, data management plan, community benefits plan, and national security risk assessment.
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4
Negotiation and award
NIST negotiates the cooperative agreement terms including scope, milestones, cost share requirements, and IP provisions (NIST retains march-in rights under Bayh-Dole). Award execution can take 6–18 months from white paper submission.
Industry & certifications
NAICS codes: 334413, 334419, 334111, 541715, 541330
NIST holds informational webinars on the BAA — attend them and engage the program staff at research@chips.gov before submitting. White papers that frame their work explicitly around U.S. commercial leadership (not just academic publication) score significantly better.
Deadline & timing
Two-stage process: white paper first (mandatory), then invited pre-negotiation package. White papers accepted on rolling basis — no fixed cycle deadlines. Submit at least 90 days before your desired project start date to allow review time.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.