2026-NIST-MEP-02 NOFO.pdf

U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Technology and Standards (NIST), Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center State Competition, 2026-NIST-MEP-02

Funding Opportunity Description: The NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) is seeking applications from eligible applicants to establish and operate a MEP Center in the States of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah and Vermont, and in the U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico.

Announcement Type: Initial.

Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement.

Assistance Listing (CFDA Number):

11.611: Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

Award Project Period: Initial 5-year award period, subject to annual performance reviews, annual funding availability and the continued relevance of the project to the program and to Department of Commerce priorities, with an additional non-competitive 5-year award period based on annual performance reviews, annual funding availability, and the continued relevance of the project to the program and to Department of Commerce priorities.

Goals & Objectives: MEP Centers funded pursuant to this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFO) will provide support to small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs) to adopt and/or scale-up advanced manufacturing technologies that improve U.S.

industrial competitiveness and SMM economic outcomes. Advanced manufacturing technologies are those that integrate innovations such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, advanced materials, additive manufacturing, or biotechnology, into a manufacturing environment that optimize production, improve efficiency, or create new, highly customized products. Each MEP Center proposal is expected to meet the following objectives:

1. Identify manufacturing sectors that provide significant opportunities to augment or bolster the industrial competitiveness within https://sam.gov/fal/e33020522001415aad1d059a1b61ef8b/view a region from the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies by SMMs;

2. Focus on strategies that target key bottlenecks, gaps, or barriers for SMMs to add or expand capacity and/or capability in the identified manufacturing sector through the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies;

3. Catalyze engagement and investment by manufacturers with leading-edge, flagship production facilities, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), SMMs, advanced manufacturing technology solutions providers (e.g. robotics platforms, agentic AI, automation developers, manufacturing scale-up facilities), and other stakeholders to advance identified manufacturing sectors;

4. Catalyze engagement and investment by entities that finance SMMs, including commercial banks and credit unions, private equity and venture capital, as well as government loan and grant programs to advance identified manufacturing sectors;

5. Catalyze engagement and investment by entities that develop the workforce needed to advance identified manufacturing sectors, including vocational/trade schools, technical community colleges and other academic institutions that provide opportunities to potential workers, such as upskilling, retraining, certifications; and

6. Become an active partner within a network of MEP centers for advanced manufacturing technologies adoption and implementation across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Eligible Applicants: In accord with 15 U.S.C. § 278k(a)(5), eligibility for the program listed in this NOFO is open to a United States-based non-profit based institution, an institution of higher education, or a State, United States territory (specifically Puerto Rico), local, or tribal government, or a consortium thereof.

Funding Amounts: NIST anticipates funding fourteen (14) awards for the amounts listed in the table below and with an initial period of performance of up to five (5) years, subject to annual performance reviews, annual funding availability, and the continued relevance of the project to the program and to Department of Commerce priorities, with an additional non-competitive 5-year award period based on annual performance reviews, annual funding availability and the continued relevance of the project to the program and to Department of Commerce priorities.

Funding is contingent upon the availability of annual appropriations with funding provided only for the first year of the program. NIST has no obligation to provide any additional funding for future fiscal years. Awards issued pursuant to this NOFO are subject to annual, minimum non-Federal cost share requirements.

MEP Center Location and

Assigned Geographical Service Area

(by State)

Anticipated Federal

Funding for Year 1 of the

Award

Total Anticipated

Federal Funding for 5-Year Award

Period

Alabama $2,191,702 $10,958,510 Alaska $706,300 $3,531,500

Arkansas $1,291,618 $6,458,090 California $15,641,800 $78,209,000

Georgia $3,227,001 $16,135,005 Louisiana $1,537,719 $7,688,595

Massachusetts $2,959,870 $14,799,350 Missouri $2,656,601 $13,283,005 Montana $839,900 $4,199,500

Ohio $6,076,983 $30,384,915 Pennsylvania $6,110,684 $30,553,420 Puerto Rico $939,133 $4,695,665

Utah $1,492,598 $7,462,990 Vermont $812,300 $4,061,500

Cost Share/Matching Requirements:

Non-Federal cost share is required. Annual cost sharing of at least 50 percent is required for awards issued pursuant to this NOFO. See section III.2 of this NOFO.

Estimated Number (can give a range) and Type of Award(s):

Up to 14 award(s) issued as cooperative agreements.

Submission Dates and Times:

Application Due Date: August 21, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (ET)

How to Apply: Applications must be submitted using Grants.gov. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Review and Selection Process:

Group competition, preliminary review and panel review.

Agency Contacts: Programmatic and Technical Questions:

Bryana Head Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership mepnofo@nist.gov

Grant Rules and Regulations:

Michael Teske NOFO@nist.gov

Pre-Application Webinar

NIST MEP will post a recorded webinar for applicants who are interested in learning about this funding opportunity.

This webinar will provide general information regarding 2026-NIST-MEP-02 and offer general guidance on preparing proposals. Please reference https://www.nist.gov/mep for the most up to date information, including details about the webinar.

Remaining questions should be sent to mepnofo@nist.gov. Proprietary technical questions about specific proposal ideas will not be permitted, and NIST will not critique or provide feedback on any proposal ideas at any time before the deadline for all applications.

However, questions about the funding opportunity, eligibility requirements, evaluation and award criteria, selection process, and the general characteristics of a competitive application will be addressed by the webinar and by e-mail to mepnofo@nist.gov.

Table of Contents

I. Program Description II. Federal Award Information http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:mepnofo@nist.gov mailto:NOFO@nist.gov https://www.nist.gov/mep mailto:mepnofo@nist.gov mailto:mepnofo@nist.gov

III. Eligibility Information IV. Application and Submission Information V. Application Review Information VI. Federal Award Administration Information VII. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts VIII. Other Information

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

I. Program Description

The statutory authority for the NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership is 15 U.S.C.

§ 278k.

1. Background Information The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) program is focused on transforming U.S. manufacturers’ ability to compete globally by increasing adoption of advanced manufacturing technology to improve production capacity and capability, supporting supply chain integration, and developing a strong manufacturing workforce. Advanced manufacturing technologies are those that integrate innovations such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, advanced materials, additive manufacturing, and biotechnology, into a manufacturing environment that optimize production, improve efficiency, or create new, highly customized products.

As opposed to previous funding opportunities and iterations of the program that focused on non-strategic day-to-day activities to improve company productivity and efficiency improvements, such as lean manufacturing, business growth services, and streamlining human resources and payroll, it is imperative that the NIST MEP program be focused and structured to support strategic critical science and technology priorities of interest to sustain America’s economic and national security interests. The purpose of the NIST MEP Program is to provide support and facilitate cooperation between private sector industry partners, government agencies, academic institutions including community colleges and trade schools, economic development organizations, and other manufacturing ecosystem stakeholders for advanced manufacturing technologies demonstration, deployment, and adoption, with a focus on supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs).

MEP Centers are expected to actively engage with the manufacturing ecosystem to gain a full understanding of regional characteristics, including its composition, strengths, challenges, and opportunities. They will need to identify specific manufacturing sectors to work with that provide significant opportunities to augment or bolster the industrial competitiveness within a region from the adoption of technologies by SMMs. MEP Centers should provide expertise and solutions to strengthen and create robust manufacturing ecosystems, addressing the manufacturing sector’s most critical needs, including advanced manufacturing technologies adoption, implementation of process improvements and workforce development. Additionally, MEP Centers will connect manufacturers with institutions that finance SMMs, industry-led consortia, government and trade associations, technical and community colleges, universities, and research laboratories, and other resources to help manufacturers realize business and workforce development opportunities. This in-depth, real-time understanding of manufacturer needs and capabilities, along with the extensive integration with other regional manufacturing ecosystems across the country, provides NIST and US Department of Commerce with strategic insights and manufacturing intelligence that enhance its ability to disseminate effective solutions, identify and address national level challenges, and highlight investment opportunities.

MEP Centers are expected to deliver high-impact, proven solutions that strengthen the competitive position of the U.S. manufacturing base. The MEP National Network™ is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S.

manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. The MEP National Network™, whose mission is to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturers, is comprised of NIST MEP, the 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the MEP Advisory Board, and MEP Center Boards, as well as over 1,440 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 460 MEP service locations. This MEP National Network™ provides providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed and creates a dynamic intelligence resource that enables NIST and the Federal Government to more effectively support and improve industrial productivity and technology transfer initiatives. Through robust collaborations at all levels of the U.S. manufacturing ecosystem, MEP Centers can have impact beyond individual manufacturing interactions and foster the development of new product categories, the adoption of emerging technologies, and building resilient supply chains.

NIST encourages prospective applicants to review the resources available on the MEP Program at https://www.nist.gov/mep, particularly for connecting applicants with potential subrecipients, contractors, or other collaborators.

2. Program Principles MEP Centers funded pursuant to this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFO) will provide support to small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs) to adopt and/or scale-up advanced manufacturing technologies that improve U.S. industrial competitiveness and SMM economic outcomes. Advanced manufacturing technologies are those that integrate innovations such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, advanced materials, additive manufacturing, or biotechnology, into a manufacturing environment that optimize production, improve efficiency, or create new, highly customized products. Each MEP Center proposal is expected to meet the following six requirements:

1. Identify priority manufacturing sectors to focus on that provide significant opportunities to augment or bolster the industrial competitiveness within a region from the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies by SMMs;

2. Deploy strategies that add or expand the capacity and/or capability of SMMs in identified manufacturing sectors through the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies;

3. Catalyze engagement and investment by manufacturers with leading-edge, flagship production facilities, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), SMMs, advanced manufacturing technology solutions providers (e.g. robotics platforms, agentic AI, automation developers, manufacturing scale-up facilities), and other stakeholders to advance identified manufacturing sectors;

4. Catalyze engagement and investment by entities that finance SMMs, including commercial banks and credit unions, private equity and venture capital, government https://www.nist.gov/mep loan and grant programs to advance identified manufacturing sectors,

5. Catalyze engagement and investment by entities that develop the workforce needed to advance identified manufacturing sectors including vocational/trade schools, technical community colleges and other academic institutions that provide opportunities to potential workers such as upskilling, retraining, certifications, and

6. Become an active partner within a network of MEP Centers for technology adoption and implementation across the United States and Puerto Rico.

3. Program Requirements

a. Boards: Oversight Boards and Advisory Boards

In accordance with 15 U.S.C. § 278k(k), MEP Centers must establish a board to oversee the operations of the Center. As provided in i. and ii. below, the recipient may establish the board as either an oversight board or an advisory board. Regardless of whether the board is an oversight board or an advisory board, it must meet the following requirements:

Standards. The board must be established consistent with the requirements set forth in the NIST MEP Oversight Board Standards (2025) (see Section 3.f. of this NOFO for access to these requirements), which, among other things, address membership, composition, term limits, and conflicts of interest.

Membership. The membership of each board must be broadly representative of the state service area and/or other service area as defined by the Program Office stakeholders with a majority of each board members drawn from small and medium-sized manufacturing firms.

Members of the board may not concurrently serve on more than one MEP Center board or serve as a vendor or provide contractual services to the recipient or to a subrecipient.

Bylaws. Additionally, each board shall adopt bylaws or equivalent governance documents setting forth the roles, responsibilities, and procedures of the board, including a conflict-of-interest policy to ensure relevant relationships are disclosed and appropriate recusal procedures are in place, which must be provided to NIST. Additionally, upon request, the board shall provide the NIST Grants Officer with copies of its organizational documents, including articles of incorporation or charters, ratified bylaws, and conflict of interest policies.

The sufficiency of the proposed board will be evaluated against the applicable evaluation criteria. (Section V.1.b.ii of this NOFO).

i. Oversight Board

Except as provided in Section I.3.a.iii of this NOFO, recipients are required to establish and maintain an oversight board, which has fiduciary responsibility for the governance and operation of the recipient organization.

ii. Advisory Board

The following types of recipients may establish an advisory board rather than an oversight board:

• A recipient of an MEP Center cooperative agreement that is an institution of higher education, State, local, or Tribal governmental entity, where State, local, or Tribal law or policy prohibits the establishment of an oversight board; and

• A recipient that is a nonprofit organization with multiple programs, and MEP Center program activities that are not the applicant's primary activity;

In determining whether the MEP Center is a primary activity of a recipient, MEP will consider unique factors and circumstances including, but not limited to: (1) the proportion of MEP Center funding (both Federal dollars and non- Federal match) relative to the applicant’s funding (or budget) for its other programs and activities, and (2) the duration of other funding sources over time.

An advisory board must provide regular strategic, policy, and programmatic input related to the needs of manufacturers and the regional community directly to the designated representative of the recipient.

Advisory board members may not serve as a vendor or provide contractual services to the recipient or to a subrecipient.

iii. New/Proposed Oversight or Advisory Board

If an oversight board or advisory board meeting the requirements of this section is not in place at the time an application is submitted, the applicant must submit a plan for establishing such structure, including oversight board or advisory board membership criteria. Upon request, an applicant shall provide the NIST Grants Officer copies of the organizational documents for its proposed oversight board or advisory committee including draft bylaws and conflict of interest policies. An awardee will have up to 90 calendar days from the award start date to establish its oversight board or advisory board, as the case may be. The sufficiency of the proposed oversight board or advisory board will be evaluated against the applicable evaluation criteria.

(See Section V.1.b.ii) of this NOFO).

No Federal award funds will be released to an awardee until the NIST Grants Officer, in consultation with the MEP Program Office, determines that its oversight board or advisory board is in conformance with the requirements set forth in this section.

b. MEP Core Management and Oversight Functions

The operator of an MEP Center must possess, and maintain at all times during an award’s period of performance, accountability to directly manage and execute all functions material and inherent to the successful operation of a NIST MEP Center, which includes, but is not limited to, the following:

i. Budget execution, including the responsibility for determining and executing budget policy, guidance, and strategy, and the determination of program priorities and associated budget or funding requests;

ii. Policy implementation, including the responsibility for determining the content and implementation of financial and program policies and procedures impacting the recipient’s MEP project;

iii. Human resources management, including the responsibility for selecting individuals for Center employment and for selecting contractors and the direction, control, and performance management of Center employees and oversight of contractors; and

iv. Strategic planning and project execution and management, including the responsibility for:

a. Strategic planning functions such as the following: determination of project requirements, approval of a project implementation strategy, and the development and monitoring of agreements and statements of work with subrecipients, vendors, third-party contributors, and other strategic partners; and

b. Project execution and management functions such as submission of required financial and technical reports, and maintenance of a functioning financial management system that satisfies the requirements found in 2 C.F.R. § 200.302, to ensure that costs charged against an MEP award are reasonable, allocable, and allowable under applicable Federal cost principles; and adherence to the terms and conditions of the MEP award.

The sufficiency of the proposed Core Management and Oversight Functions will be evaluated in accord with Section V.1.c.i of this NOFO.

c. MEP Resources

The following competition-related resources are currently available on the MEP website:

https://www.nist.gov/mep/nist-mep-center-state-competition-fy2026

• Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Operating Outcome Plan Guidance

• Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership General Terms and Conditions (June 23, 2025), as may be periodically updated

• NIST MEP Reporting Guidelines

• Required NIST MEP Single Year Budget Workbook Template (2025)

• Most recent NIST MEP Annual Report

• NIST MEP Oversight Board Standards (2025)

II. Federal Award Information https://www.nist.gov/mep/nist-mep-center-state-competition-fy2026

1. Funding Instrument. The funding instrument that will be used is a cooperative agreement. Where cooperative agreements are used, the nature of NIST’s “substantial involvement” will generally include collaboration with the recipient organization in developing and implementing the approved scope of work, consistent with the definition of cooperative agreement in 2 CFR § 200.1. See also Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership General Terms and Conditions (June 23, 2025), as may be periodically updated, Section B.2., Award Instrument.

2. Funding Availability. NIST anticipates funding fourteen (14) awards for the amounts listed in the table below and with an initial period of performance of up to five (5) years, subject to annual performance reviews, annual funding availability and the continued relevance of the project to the program and to Department of Commerce priorities, with an additional non-competitive 5-year award period based on annual performance reviews, annual funding availability and the continued relevance of the project to the program and to Department of Commerce priorities. Funding is contingent upon the availability of annual appropriations with funding provided only for the first year of the program. NIST has no obligation to provide any additional funding for future fiscal years.

Awards issued pursuant to this NOFO are subject to annual, minimum non-Federal cost share requirements.

3. Multi-Year Funding Policy. When a proposal for a multi-year award is approved, funding will be provided for only the first year of the program. If a project is selected for funding, NIST has no obligation to provide any additional funding in connection with that award. Continuation of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the sole discretion of NIST. The Fiscal Year 2027 President’s Budget eliminates federal funding for NIST MEP. Continued funding will be contingent upon

MEP Center Location and

Assigned Geographical Service Area

(by State)

Anticipated Federal

Funding for Year 1 of the

Award

Total Anticipated

Federal Funding for 5-Year Award

Period

Alabama $2,191,702 $10,958,510 Alaska $706,300 $3,531,500

Arkansas $1,291,618 $6,458,090 California $15,641,800 $78,209,000

Georgia $3,227,001 $16,135,005 Louisiana $1,537,719 $7,688,595

Massachusetts $2,959,870 $14,799,350 Missouri $2,656,601 $13,283,005 Montana $839,900 $4,199,500

Ohio $6,076,983 $30,384,915 Pennsylvania $6,110,684 $30,553,420 Puerto Rico $939,133 $4,695,665

Utah $1,492,598 $7,462,990 Vermont $812,300 $4,061,500 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 satisfactory performance, and continued relevance to the mission and priorities of NIST MEP. Non-satisfactory performance may result in immediate termination of the cooperative agreement, including instances of fraud or misappropriation of funds. In accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.340(a)(4), NIST may terminate a MEP Center cooperative agreement if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities.

4. Potential for Additional Years. At the Agency’s sole discretion, NIST may exercise an annual option to renew on a non-competitive basis for up to 9 additional years in accord with 15 U.S.C. § 278k(h), subject to annual funding availability, annual satisfactory 5performance reviews and the continued relevance of the project to the program and to the Department of Commerce. If NIST exercises an annual option to renew an MEP cooperative agreement, the Agency retains the discretion to adjust the funding amount and/or the period of performance for such renewal. Non-satisfactory performance, including instances of fraud or misappropriation or unauthorized use of federal award funds, may result in immediate termination of the cooperative agreement. In accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.340(a)(4), NIST may terminate a MEP Center cooperative agreement if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities. The Fiscal Year 2027 President’s Budget eliminates federal funding for NIST

MEP.

5. Indirect (F&A) Costs. NIST will reimburse applicants for proposed indirect (F&A) costs in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414. Applicants proposing indirect (F&A) costs must follow the application requirements set forth in Section V. of this NOFO.

6. Kick-off Conference. A recipient will be required to attend a kickoff conference, which will generally be held within 30 calendar days after the date of the award. The purpose of this kickoff conference is to help ensure that the MEP Center operator has a clear understanding of the program and its components.

The kickoff conference may take place at either NIST MEP headquarters in Gaithersburg, MD or virtually. The kickoff conference will take approximately three (3) days and must be attended by the MEP Center Director and up to two (2) additional MEP Center employees. Applicants must include travel and related expenses for the attending the kickoff as part of the budget for year one (1). These costs should be reflected in the SF-424A form. These costs must also be reflected in the budget table and budget narrative for year one (1), which is submitted as part of the budget summary tables and budget narrative section of the Technical Proposal. Representatives from key subrecipients and other key strategic partners may attend the kickoff conference with the prior written approval of the Grants Officer. Applicants proposing to have key subrecipients and/or other key strategy partners attend the kickoff conference should clearly indicate that fact as part of the budget narrative for year one of the project.

7. MEP Network Wide Meetings. NIST MEP intends to organize network-wide meetings several times a year to share best practices, new and emerging trends, and additional topics of interest. These meetings are rotated throughout the United States and typically involve 3-4 days of resource time and associated travel costs for each meeting. Applicants must include travel and related costs for approximately two (2) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414

MEP network-wide meetings in each of the five (5) project years (2 meetings per year; 10 total meetings over 5-year award period). These costs must be reflected in the MEP Single Year Budget Workbook.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants In accord with 15 U.S.C. § 278k(a)(5), eligibility for the program listed in this NOFO is open to a United States-based non-profit based institution, an institution of higher education, or a State, United States territory, local, or tribal government, or a consortium thereof. Per 15 U.S.C.§ 278k(h)(2), operators of incumbent MEP Centers that have received financial assistance for ten (10) consecutive years and that the Secretary determines are in good standing are eligible to apply under this NOFO.

The eligibility requirements set forth in this NOFO will be used in lieu of, and to the extent they are inconsistent with will supersede, those given in the MEP regulations found at 15 C.F.R. part 290, specifically 15 C.F.R. § 290.5(a)(1).

Please note that individuals and unincorporated sole proprietors are not considered “non-Federal entities” and are not eligible to apply under this NOFO.

Although Federal entities are not eligible to receive funding under this NOFO, they may participate as unfunded collaborators.

As discussed in Section I.2. of this NOFO, NIST generally will not fund applications that propose an organizational or operational structure that, in whole or in part, delegates or transfers to another person, institution, or organization the applicant’s responsibility for core MEP Center management and Oversight functions. In addition, the applicant must have or propose an Oversight Board or Advisory Committee structure or plan for establishing a board structure within 90 days from the award start date.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

The NIST MEP program requires non-Federal cost share of at least 50 percent of the total annual allowable project costs. The NIST MEP statute requires Centers to meet this minimum cost share requirement annually. See 15 U.S.C.278k(e)(2). There can be no carryover of excess cost share from one year to the next or to another year, should the awardee receive an additional year(s) of funding. Program income, as defined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.1, generated by an MEP Center may be used by the recipient to meet the annual cost share requirement.

Non-Federal cost sharing is that portion of the project costs not borne by the Federal government. The applicant’s share of the MEP Center expenses may include cash, services, and third-party in-kind contributions as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.306. The source and detailed rationale of the cost share, including cash, full and part-time personnel, and in-kind donations, must be documented in the budget tables and budget narratives submitted with the application and will be considered as part of the review under the evaluation criterion found in Section V.1. of this NOFO.

As with the Federal share, any proposed costs included as non-Federal cost sharing must be allowable/eligible cost under this program and under the Federal cost principles set forth under 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E. Non-Federal cost sharing incorporated into the budget is subject to audit in the same manner as Federal award funds. See 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart F, for more information on audits.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

The application package is available at Grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Number

2026-NIST-MEP-02.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission. Set forth below are the required content and form of applications submitted pursuant to this NOFO.

a. Required Forms and Documents. The Application must contain the following:

(1) SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. The SF-424 must be signed by an authorized representative of the applicant organization.

For SF-424, Item 8.d. Zip/Postal Code field, should reflect the Zip code + 4 (#####-####) format.

For SF-424, Item 12, should list the NOFO number 2026-NIST-MEP-02.

SF-424, Item 18, should list the total budget information for the duration of the project.

The list of certifications and assurances referenced in Item 21 of the SF-424 is contained in the Federal Financial Assistance Certifications and Representations (Certs and Reps) as part of the SAM.gov entity registration.

(2) SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs. The budget should reflect anticipated Federal and non-Federal expenses for the entire project, considering all potential cost increases, including cost of living adjustments. Expenses must be reflected in whole dollars (no cents).

a) The applicant should reflect each year of the project, up to the first four (4) years, on the SF-424A form that appears as part of the mandatory forms in the Grants.gov application package. The second SF-424A form should be submitted to cover year five (5) of the project.

b) In Section A, the Grant Program Function or Activity on Line 1 under Column (a) should be entered as Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, CFDA 11.611, or an abbreviation thereof. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number on Line 1 under Column (b) should be entered as “11.611”. The total Federal budget amount for the term of the http://www.grants.gov/ award should be listed in Section A, Line 1, Column (e). The total non- Federal budget amount for the term of the award should be listed in Section A, Line 1, Column (f).

c) Section B, Column (1) of the SF-424A should reflect the costs for each object class category, to include indirect charges, for the first year of the award. These costs should reflect the total Federal share plus non-Federal cost share for each category.

d) Section C must account for all non-Federal resources/match for the entire project. For Column (b) enter resources provided by the applicant. If not applicable, leave blank. For Column (c), enter resources provided by one or more states. If not applicable, leave blank. For Column (d) enter resources provided by other sources (e.g., in-kind contribution, program income). If not applicable, leave blank.

e) Section D requires a breakdown of the first year’s Federal share and non-

Federal share of the budget by quarter.

f) Section E requires the budget estimate of Federal funds needed for each year of the project. The budget estimate for the first year of the award should be entered in Section E, Line 16, Column (b). The budget estimate for the second year of the award should be entered in Section E, Line 16, Column (c). The budget estimate for the third year of the award should be entered in Section E, Line 16, Column (d). And the budget estimate for the fourth year of the award should be entered in Section E, Line 16, Column (e).

(3) CD-511, Certification Regarding Lobbying. Enter “2026-NIST-

MEP-02” in the Award Number field. Enter the title of the application, or an abbreviation of that title, in the Project Name field.

(4) SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable).

(5) Project Narrative. The Project Narrative is a word-processed document of no more than twenty-five (25) pages (double-spaced between lines), which is responsive to the program description and the evaluation criteria. Any acronyms or abbreviations used in the Project Narrative must be defined.

The page limit includes Cover Page; Table of Contents (if included); Project Narrative with all required information, including figures, graphs, tables, images, and pictures).

The projective narrative should contain the following information:

a) Executive Summary. An executive summary of the proposed project, consistent with the objectives, requirements, and priorities of this program

(see Section I. of this NOFO). The executive summary should include information indicating how each evaluation criterion (see Section V.1. of this NOFO) and its sub-factors are addressed. A table can be helpful in providing this information. The executive summary should not exceed two

(2) pages.

Applicants should name the state in which they are seeking to operate an MEP Center in the first sentence of the Executive Summary. A project description, as described below, should follow.

The first paragraph of the Executive Summary should be a project description in the following format:

• Purpose: State the specific purpose of the proposed project in one to two sentences;

• Activities: Describe the major activities to be performed in one to three sentences;

• Outcomes: State the specific expected outcomes of the proposed project in one to three sentences;

• Beneficiaries: Name or describe the intended beneficiaries of the expected outcomes in one to two sentences; and

• Subrecipients: If applicable, describe the major activities to be performed by subrecipients in one to three sentences total.

Please note that if an applicant’s proposal is selected for funding, NIST may use all or a portion of the Executive Summary as part of a press release issued by NIST, or for other public information and outreach purposes.

Applicants are advised not to incorporate information that concerns business trade secrets or other confidential commercial or financial information as part of the Executive Summary. See 15 C.F.R. § 4.9(b) concerning the designation of business information by the applicant.

b) Project Approach and Project Execution Plan. A detailed description of the proposed approach to establish and operate an MEP Center. The project narrative must also identify tasks, measurable milestones, and outcomes in providing manufacturing solutions to primarily small and medium-sized manufacturers in the designated state, sufficient to permit evaluation of the application, in accordance with the Project Narrative evaluation sub-criteria (See Section V.1.a of this NOFO). If relevant, an applicant should provide information that helps the reviewers understand the applicant's experience in serving small and medium-sized manufacturers.

c) Project Impacts and Evaluation: A detailed discussion of the: (i) anticipated impacts of the proposed project, including the increased uptake of advanced manufacturing technologies by SMMs served; (ii) methodology for identifying and evaluating project outcomes, including the increased uptake of advanced manufacturing technologies by SMMs served; and (iii) dissemination of project learnings consistent with the objectives, requirements, and priorities of this program.

d) Qualifications. A description of the qualifications and proposed Center operational or management activities of key personnel who will be assigned to work on the proposed project, and a description of program management plans, sufficient to permit evaluation of the application, in accordance with the Qualifications of the Applicant sub-criteria (See Section V.1.b of this NOFO). The applicant should include a description of its proposed organizational structure for executing the MEP Center Core Management and Oversight Functions. The applicant must provide enough information for NIST to determine whether the proposed structure meets the requirements of Section I.2, Program Requirements, of this NOFO.

The applicant should also provide a description of its established or proposed MEP Center Oversight Board or Advisory Committee, including a listing of the members and their organizational affiliation or intended members and a discussion of the governing documents (i.e., bylaws, policies or procedures, and conflict-of-interest policies) with enough information for NIST to determine whether the proposed Oversight Board or Advisory Committee meets the requirements of Section I.2 of this NOFO. If an applicant’s Oversight Board or Advisory Committee does not currently meet the requirements set forth in Section I.2 of this NOFO or is not expected to meet these requirements at the time of the MEP award, the applicant must provide a feasible plan to bring its Oversight Board or Advisory Committee into compliance with Section I.2 of the NOFO within 90 days of award start date.

(6) Resume(s) of Key Personnel. Resumes for all key personnel assigned to the project must be provided. Resumes are limited to two (2) pages per individual.

(7) Budget Narrative and Justification. A standard format is required for the Budget Narrative and Justification. Applicants must complete and submit the MEP Single Year Budget Workbook, which provides the required structure and format for detailing cost categories and line items. The workbook must include sufficient detail to justify all proposed costs identified in the SF-424A and clearly demonstrate the necessity and reasonableness of each expense for NIST’s consideration. The written justification should align with the project scope and proposed funding levels. All costs must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with 2 C.F.R. Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards).

The written justification should include the necessity and the basis for the cost, as described below. Proposed funding levels must be consistent with the project scope, and only allowable costs should be included in the budget, and all funds should be in whole dollars (no cents). Information on cost allowability is available in the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, which apply to awards in https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 this program.

When cost share is included in the budget, the written justification must also identify the Federal and non-Federal portion of each cost, to include indirect costs, as applicable. (see Cost Sharing section of this NOFO for match requirements).

The Budget Narrative does not count against the twenty-five (25) page limit of the Project Narrative.

This section will be evaluated in accordance with the Budget Narrative evaluation criteria (see Section V.1.c). It will also be reviewed to determine if all costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable under 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Subpart E, Cost Principles.

Information needed for each budget category is as follows:

a) Personnel - At a minimum, the budget justification for all personnel should include the following: job title, commitment of effort on the proposed project in terms of average number of hours per week or percentage of time, salary rate, total personnel charges for each identified position on the proposed project, description of the role of the individual on the proposed project and the work to be performed.

b) Limitations on Total Annual Compensation Paid to MEP Center Personnel -Total annual compensation for personal services, including salaries, bonuses, fringe benefits and other forms of remuneration paid to MEP Center personnel, including personnel of subrecipients, must be allowable as determined by the criteria set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§200.403-405 and §§200.430-431. See Section B.4. of the NIST MEP General Terms and Conditions (June 23, 2025).

NIST restricts the total amount of annual compensation paid to personnel under a NIST MEP cooperative agreement or subaward to a rate no greater than Executive Level I of the current OPM Rates of Pay for the Executive Schedule pay table found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/. This salary restriction applies to the Federal and non-Federal shares of an MEP Center cooperative agreement.

The limitation on total compensation applies both to compensation being charged against the MEP Center award as a direct cost (e.g., compensation paid to MEP Center personnel working directly on the project), as well as to the total compensation paid to personnel as an indirect cost (e.g., executive salaries in various uncapped pools).

For purposes of determining total annual compensation under an MEP cooperative agreement (both direct and indirect), the total compensation of the subject personnel, as reflected in the project budget or in an indirect cost rate proposal, will be annualized based on a 100 percent level of effort.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/

For example, if the total compensation charged to a MEP Center cooperative agreement for a MEP Center staff member is $130,000 at a 50% level of effort, the total compensation for purposes of determining compliance with this term and condition would be $260,000 (i.e., $130,000 divided by 50%).

NIST’s review of the amount of MEP Center total annual compensation to be charged to an award will occur at the time of the initial award, annually as part of the renewal of funding, part of compliance reviews, during any budget revisions made by the Recipient during the life of the award, and as otherwise determined by NIST. Instructions on how to submit the required compensation information will be provided by NIST.

In addition, MEP Center Recipients are subject to the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) (31 U.S.C. §6101 note) requiring the Federal reporting of certain subawards and executive compensation. See Department of Commerce Financial Assistance General Terms and Conditions at G.05.o.

MEP Center Director. For purposes of a NIST MEP Cooperative Agreement, the Center Director of an MEP Center must be a full-time employee of the Recipient organization and provide a Level of Effort (LOE) of 100 percent on the award. This requirement also applies to Subrecipients per 2 C.F.R.

§200.332 where the Center Director of the Subrecipient is a full-time employee of the Subrecipient organization and provides a LOE of 100 percent on the subaward. See Section B.10. of the NIST MEP Center General Terms and Conditions (June 23, 2025).

c) Fringe Benefits - Fringe benefits for each position should be identified separately from salaries and wages and based on rates determined by organizational policy. The items included in the fringe benefit rate (e.g., health insurance, parking, etc.) should not be charged under another cost category.

d) Travel - For all travel costs, the budget justification for travel should include the following: destination; names or number of people traveling;

dates and/or duration; mode of transportation, lodging and subsistence rates; and description of how the travel is directly related to the proposed project. For travel that is yet to be determined, please provide best estimates based on prior experience. If a destination is not known, an approximate amount may be used with the assumptions given for the location of the meeting.

e) Equipment - Equipment is defined as an item of property that has an acquisition cost of $10,000 or more (unless the organization has established lower levels) and an expected service life of more than one year. The budget justification should list each piece of equipment, the cost, and a description of how it will be used and why it is necessary to the successful completion of the proposed project. Please note that any general use equipment (computers, etc.) charged directly to the award should be allocated to the award according to expected usage on the project.

f) Supplies - Supplies are defined as all tangible personal property other than that described as equipment. Provide a list of each supply, and the breakdown of the total costs by quantity or unit of cost. Include the necessity of the cost for the completion of the proposed project.

g) Contractual (i.e., Contracts) - Each contract should be treated as a separate item. Identify the cost and describe the services to be provided and the necessity to the successful performance of the proposed project.

Contracts are for obtaining goods and services for the Non-Federal Entity’s own use and creates a procurement relationship with the contractor.

h) Construction - For this purpose, “construction” generally includes the construction of new buildings, completion of shell space in existing buildings, renovation or rehabilitation of existing buildings, and construction or development of real property infrastructure improvements (e.g., site preparation, utilities, streets, curbs, sidewalks, parking lots, streetscaping improvements). Construction is not an allowable cost under this NOFO.

i) Other Direct Costs - For costs that do not easily fit into the other cost categories, please list the cost, and the breakdown of the total costs by quantity or unit of cost. Include the necessity of the cost for the completion of the proposed project. Only allowable costs can be charged to the award.

Applicants should identify any subawards costs in this category and provide the necessity of the subaward to the successful performance of the proposed project.

Each subaward must complete and submit the MEP Single-Year Budget Workbook, which provides the required structure and format for detailing cost categories and line items. The workbook must include sufficient detail to justify all proposed costs and clearly demonstrate the necessity and reasonableness of each expense for NIST’s consideration. NIST is not responsible for oversight of subawards; that responsibility lies solely with the Non-Federal entity making the subaward.

j) Indirect Costs - Commonly referred to as Facilities & Administrative Costs, Indirect Costs are defined as costs incurred by the applicant organization that cannot otherwise be directly assigned or attributed to a specific project. The justification should include a cost calculation that reflects the applicable indirect cost rate. For more details, see Section IV.2.a.(8) of this

NOFO.

(8) Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. If indirect costs are included in the proposed budget, provide a copy of the approved negotiated agreement if this rate was negotiated with a cognizant Federal audit agency. If the rate was not established by a cognizant Federal audit agency, provide a statement to this effect. If the successful applicant includes indirect costs in the budget and has not established an indirect cost rate with a cognizant Federal audit agency, the applicant will be required to obtain such a rate in accordance with Section B.06 of the DOC Financial Assistance General Terms and Conditions.

Alternatively, in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.414(f), applicants that do not have a current negotiated (including provisional) indirect cost rate except for those non- Federal entities described in appendix VII, paragraph D.1.b. of 2 CFR 200 may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 15 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC).

Applicants proposing a 15 percent de minimis rate pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.414(f) should note this election as part of the budget portion…