Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program for CHIPS For America – CHIPS Metrology

Background
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program for CHIPS for America – CHIPS Metrology seeks applications from eligible applicants to explore the technical merit or feasibility of an innovative idea or technology with the aim of developing a viable product or service that will be introduced to the commercial microelectronics marketplace. The program aims to accelerate the development and commercial deployment of foundational semiconductor technologies by establishing, connecting, and providing access to domestic research efforts, tools, resources, workers, and facilities.

The program also emphasizes measurements that are accurate, precise, and fit-for-purpose for the production of microelectronic materials, devices, circuits, and systems.

Grant Details
The NOFO contains multiple topics on research projects for critically needed measurement services, tools, and instrumentation; innovative manufacturing metrologies; novel assurance and provenance technologies and advanced metrology research and development (R&D) testbeds to help secure U.S. leadership in the global semiconductor industry. The program is conducting a competition as a Fast-Track program for open topics and is available as a Fast-Track Program or a Phase II program for applicants that have received and successfully completed a related SBIR Phase I from NIST or another federal agency.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program was established to strengthen the role of innovative small business concerns in Federally-funded research or research and development (R/R&D).

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must qualify as a Small Business Concern for Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) purposes at the time of award. The primary employment of the principal investigator must be with the small business at the time of the award and during the conduct of the proposed research.

Non-federal cost share is not required for awards issued pursuant to this NOFO.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for Phase I awards is up to six (6) months with an additional month allotted after the six-month period for the recipient to prepare and submit a final report. Individual award amounts for Phase I awards may be up to $283,500 with up to an additional $6,500 for Technical and Business Assistance (TABA).

For Phase II awards, the period of performance is up to 24 months with up to $50,000 for TABA.

Grant Value
NIST anticipates funding approximately twenty-four (24) awards with individual award amounts for Phase I awards up to $283,500 and individual award amounts for Phase II awards up to $1,910,000.

Place of Performance
The R/R&D work must be performed in the United States.