Opportunity Information: Apply for 2021 NIST MEP CAP 01
The NIST MEP Competitive Awards Program is a discretionary funding opportunity from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that provides cooperative agreement awards to strengthen and expand the capabilities of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program. It is designed specifically for existing, currently funded MEP Centers that want to launch projects that go beyond their normal, base cooperative agreement scope and add new or enhanced services for U.S. manufacturers. In other words, this competition is not meant to sustain routine MEP Center operations; it is intended to push the network forward by supporting additional, targeted efforts that build capacity and deliver new value.
NIST is looking for projects that meet one or more of the capability-building criteria established in federal statute (15 U.S.C. 278k-1(e)(3)). While the notice points to the statute for the exact criteria, the practical takeaway is that proposals should clearly show how the project will expand what the MEP Program can do, not just continue what it already does. During the selection process, NIST may give preference to projects that also align with one or more program themes highlighted in the notice. Those themes center on high-priority needs in modern manufacturing: Industry/Manufacturing 4.0 (digital transformation and advanced manufacturing practices), manufacturing workforce services (including employee recruitment, retention, and employee development), supply chain management and resiliency, and practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Competitive proposals will typically connect the project activities to real, measurable improvements in these areas for manufacturing clients and for the MEP network overall.
Eligibility is limited to active MEP Centers operating under a current NIST MEP cooperative agreement. A Center can apply on its own or propose subawards to other organizations to carry out parts of the work, including subawards to other MEP Centers. Collaboration is explicitly encouraged and flexible: although a given MEP Center may submit only one proposal as the lead applicant, there is no limit to how many proposals it may participate in as a subrecipient or as a non-funded collaborator. This structure is intended to allow multi-center and multi-partner projects that spread effective tools, methods, and services across the national MEP system without forcing every Center to compete as the prime applicant.
Administratively, this opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement, which generally means NIST expects substantial involvement during the project period (for example, coordination, reporting, and alignment with program objectives), rather than a hands-off grant. The opportunity is listed under CFDA 11.611, categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, and is identified by Funding Opportunity Number 2021 NIST MEP CAP 01. The original closing date shown is May 8, 2026. The public summary provided does not specify the award ceiling or the expected number of awards, so applicants would need to review the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), particularly Section I and the budget sections, for funding ranges, performance periods, cost share expectations (if any), and other requirements.
Overall, the program is best understood as a competitive investment aimed at helping the MEP network deliver next-generation manufacturing support. Strong applications will make a clear case that the proposed work is additive to base MEP services, directly addresses one or more of the priority themes (Manufacturing 4.0, workforce development, supply chain resiliency, and/or AI applications), and is structured in a way that can be adopted, scaled, or replicated across other MEP Centers and their manufacturing clients.Apply for 2021 NIST MEP CAP 01
- The National Institute of Standards and Technology in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIST MEP Competitive Awards Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.611.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2020-12-28.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-05-08. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: NIST MEP Competitive Awards Program (MEP CAP)
What is the NIST MEP Competitive Awards Program?
The NIST MEP Competitive Awards Program is a discretionary funding opportunity from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It provides cooperative agreement awards to strengthen and expand the capabilities of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program through additional, targeted projects.
What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The purpose is to help existing, currently funded MEP Centers launch projects that go beyond their normal base cooperative agreement scope. The focus is on adding new or enhanced services for U.S. manufacturers and building capabilities across the MEP network.
Is this program intended to fund routine MEP Center operations?
No. This competition is not meant to sustain routine MEP Center operations. It is intended to support additive efforts that expand services, build capacity, and deliver new value beyond what is covered by a Center's base cooperative agreement.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to active MEP Centers operating under a current NIST MEP cooperative agreement.
Can an organization that is not an MEP Center apply directly?
Based on the information provided, the lead applicant must be an active MEP Center under a current NIST MEP cooperative agreement. Other organizations may be involved through subawards or collaboration as part of an eligible MEP Center's proposal.
Can an eligible MEP Center apply by itself, or are partners required?
An eligible MEP Center can apply on its own or propose subawards to other organizations to carry out parts of the work. Collaboration is encouraged but not described as mandatory in the summary provided.
Are subawards allowed under this opportunity?
Yes. A Center may propose subawards to other organizations to carry out portions of the project. Subawards to other MEP Centers are also allowed.
Can an MEP Center participate in multiple submissions?
Yes, with an important limitation. A given MEP Center may submit only one proposal as the lead applicant, but there is no limit to how many proposals it may participate in as a subrecipient or as a non-funded collaborator.
What kinds of projects is NIST looking to fund?
NIST is looking for projects that meet one or more capability-building criteria established in federal statute (15 U.S.C. 278k-1(e)(3)). The practical expectation is that proposals should clearly show how the project expands what the MEP Program can do, rather than continuing existing services.
Do projects need to align to specific focus areas or themes?
NIST may give preference to projects that align with one or more program themes highlighted in the notice. These themes reflect high-priority needs in modern manufacturing.
What are the program themes mentioned in the notice?
The themes highlighted are Industry/Manufacturing 4.0 (digital transformation and advanced manufacturing practices), manufacturing workforce services (including recruitment, retention, and employee development), supply chain management and resiliency, and practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
What does "Industry/Manufacturing 4.0" mean in this context?
In this notice, Industry/Manufacturing 4.0 refers to digital transformation and advanced manufacturing practices. Competitive proposals typically connect project activities to measurable improvements for manufacturing clients and the MEP network in these areas.
What types of workforce efforts fit this opportunity?
The notice highlights manufacturing workforce services, including employee recruitment, retention, and employee development, as a priority theme that may receive preference during selection.
What does "supply chain management and resiliency" refer to for this program?
It refers to efforts that help manufacturers and/or the MEP network strengthen supply chain performance and resilience, which is identified as one of the program's priority themes.
How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) positioned in this opportunity?
The notice highlights practical applications of AI as a priority theme. Projects that propose real, measurable improvements using AI in manufacturing support may align well with this theme.
What makes a proposal "competitive" based on the summary provided?
Competitive proposals typically (1) clearly show the work is additive to base MEP services, (2) directly address one or more priority themes (Manufacturing 4.0, workforce, supply chain resiliency, and/or AI), and (3) are structured so the resulting tools, methods, or services can be adopted, scaled, or replicated across other MEP Centers and their manufacturing clients.
What is a cooperative agreement, and why does it matter here?
This opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement, which generally means NIST expects substantial involvement during the project period. That involvement can include coordination, reporting, and alignment with program objectives, rather than a hands-off grant relationship.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?
The Funding Opportunity Number is 2021 NIST MEP CAP 01.
What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 11.611.
How is this opportunity categorized?
It is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.
What is the application deadline?
The original closing date shown is May 8, 2026.
How much funding is available per award?
The public summary provided does not specify the award ceiling or funding range. Applicants would need to review the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), particularly Section I and the budget sections, for funding ranges.
How many awards does NIST expect to make?
The public summary provided does not specify the expected number of awards. The full NOFO would be the place to confirm this information.
Are there cost share or matching requirements?
The public summary does not state cost share expectations. Applicants should review the full NOFO, especially the budget sections, to confirm whether any cost share requirements apply.
Where can applicants find the exact capability-building criteria?
The notice points to federal statute (15 U.S.C. 278k-1(e)(3)) for the exact capability-building criteria. The practical takeaway in the summary is that proposals should clearly demonstrate capability expansion rather than continuation of existing services.
What should applicants review in the NOFO before applying?
Based on the summary, applicants should review the full NOFO for key details not included in the public summary, including funding ranges, performance periods, cost share expectations (if any), and other requirements, especially in Section I and the budget sections.
Who benefits from projects funded under this program?
The program is described as a competitive investment aimed at helping the MEP network deliver next-generation manufacturing support. Projects should deliver new value for U.S. manufacturers and strengthen or expand capabilities across the MEP system.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Previous opportunity: International Religious Freedom Fund (I-REFF) Emergency Assistance
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 2021 NIST MEP CAP 01
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (2021 NIST MEP CAP 01) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Ecosystem and Natural Resource Range Study at Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia Apply for W9126G262SOI8766 Funding Number: W9126G262SOI8766 Agency: Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,468,658 |
| The State Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program Apply for G26AS00011 Funding Number: G26AS00011 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| USGS Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program Announcement for Fiscal Year 2026 Apply for G26AS00010 Funding Number: G26AS00010 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| U.S.-Kenya Freedom 250 Tech and Innovation Exchange Apply for DOS NBO PDS FY26 001 Funding Number: DOS NBO PDS FY26 001 Agency: U.S. Mission to Kenya Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,300,000 |
| Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development Apply for 2026 NIST RAMPS 01 Funding Number: 2026 NIST RAMPS 01 Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Integrated Data Systems & Services Apply for 26 509 Funding Number: 26 509 Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $30,000,000 |
| Invertebrate Habitat Modeling and Enhancement for Fort Carson and Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in Colorado Apply for W9126G262SOI9212 Funding Number: W9126G262SOI9212 Agency: Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,750,000 |
| Alumni Engagement and Innovation Fund 2026 Apply for OFOP0002591 Funding Number: OFOP0002591 Agency: U.S. Mission to Moldova Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Housing Policy Research Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity Apply for PDR 2600 DC 029M Funding Number: PDR 2600 DC 029M Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| AFCEC Land Management Mapping for CONUS/Europe/PACAF Air Force Installations Apply for W9126G262SOI9008 Funding Number: W9126G262SOI9008 Agency: Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $59,332,041 |
| FY25 Center of Excellence-University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Supplemental) Apply for FR RRD 25 003 Funding Number: FR RRD 25 003 Agency: DOT - Federal Railroad Administration Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| Maneuver Damage Coordination Support for Fort Polk Apply for W9126G262SOI8897 Funding Number: W9126G262SOI8897 Agency: Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,957,595 |
| Cultural Resources Technical Guidance Support for Joint Base San Antonio, Texas Apply for W9126G262SOI9201 Funding Number: W9126G262SOI9201 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,125,629 |
| Tree Island Wildlife Habitat Assessment for Water Conservation Area 3 and Everglades National Park, Florida Apply for W9126G262SOI9343 Funding Number: W9126G262SOI9343 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $630,500 |
| USGS Earthquake Hazards Program External Research Support Announcement for Fiscal Year 2027 Apply for G27AS00075 Funding Number: G27AS00075 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Evaluation of Muskellunge Management and Stocking Strategies in Iowa Apply for W81EWF 26 SOI 0005 Funding Number: W81EWF 26 SOI 0005 Agency: Engineer Research and Development Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $155,000 |
| NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation on Forensic Science Systems Apply for O NIJ 2025 172599 Funding Number: O NIJ 2025 172599 Agency: National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| NIJ FY25 Research and Development of Innovations in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes Apply for O NIJ 2025 172598 Funding Number: O NIJ 2025 172598 Agency: National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $12,500,000 |
| NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation on Corrections Apply for O NIJ 2025 172600 Funding Number: O NIJ 2025 172600 Agency: National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation on School Safety Apply for O NIJ 2025 172601 Funding Number: O NIJ 2025 172601 Agency: National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
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
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
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.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "2021 NIST MEP CAP 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.