FY26 MEP State Comp NOFO.pdf

NIST MEP Center State Competition

Notice of Funding Opportunity December 4, 2025

U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

MEP Center State Competition – 2026-NIST-MEP-01

Funding Opportunity Description: The NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is seeking competitive applications from eligible applicants to enter into a cooperative agreement with NIST to operate a MEP Center in the States of Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement

Assistance Listing (CFDA Number):

11.611: Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Award Project Period: 5-year initial award period, subject to performance reviews and funding availability, with an additional 5-year award period based on performance reviews and funding availability

Goals & Objectives: To establish and to operate a MEP Center in the following

States: Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The MEP Centers will provide comprehensive manufacturing extension services to small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs) and will become part of the MEP National Network,™ which consists of MEP Centers across the United States and Puerto Rico, with over 1,440 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 460 MEP service locations.

Eligible Projects:

N/A

Eligible Applicants: Eligibility for the program listed in this NOFO is open to all non-Federal entities, including an institution of higher education, a State, a United States territory, a local government, or a Tribal government, or a consortium thereof.

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Funding Amount:

In Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), NIST anticipates funding eight

(8) MEP Center cooperative agreements in each of the following states in the amounts referenced in the table below.

MEP Center Location and

Assigned Geographical Service Area

(by State)

Anticipated Federal

Funding for Each Year of the Award

Total Anticipated

Federal Funding for 5-Year Award

Period

Idaho $937,736 $4,688,680 Illinois $5,811,299 29,056,495

Minnesota $3,178,102 $15,890,510 New Jersey $3,355,074 $16,775,370 New York $6,877,960 $34,389,800

Washington $3,111,794 $15,558,970 West Virginia $713,200 $3,566,000

Wisconsin $3,836,698 $19,183,490

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.

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

Up to eight (8) award(s).

Submission Dates and Times:

Full applications must be received at Grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, January 5, 2026.

Applications received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered.

NIST expects to complete its review, selection of successful applicants, and award processing on an accelerated timeline. NIST expects the start date for awards under this NOFO to be March 1, 2026.

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 http://www.grants.gov/

Notice of Funding Opportunity December 4, 2025

Agency Contacts: Programmatic and Technical Questions:

Mellissa Ayala

NIST MEP

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-01 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.

mailto:mepnofo@nist.gov mailto:NOFO@nist.gov https://www.nist.gov/mep

Notice of Funding Opportunity December 4, 2025

Table of Contents I. Program Description II. Federal Award Information 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.

§ 278(k).

1. Background Information.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) Program is a nationwide network of Centers (referred to hereinafter as the MEP National Network™).1 The MEP National Network consists of NIST MEP, the MEP Centers located across the United States and Puerto Rico2, the MEP Advisory Board, MEP Center Boards, as well as over 1,440 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 460 MEP service locations, providing U.S. manufacturers with access to the resources they need to succeed. MEP Centers serve as trusted business advisors focused on transforming U.S.

manufacturers’ ability to compete globally, supporting supply chain integration, providing access to technology for improved productivity, and supporting a strong manufacturing workforce.

MEP Centers work directly with area manufacturers in each state to provide expertise and services tailored to manufacturers’ most critical needs, ranging from process improvement and workforce development to business practices and technology transfer and implementation. Additionally, MEP Centers connect manufacturers with industry-led consortia, government and trade associations, universities, technical and community colleges, and research laboratories, and a host of other public and private resources to help manufacturers realize individual business goals.

The MEP National Network™ is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers. Through collaborations at the Federal, State, and local levels, MEP Centers work with manufacturers to develop new products and customers, expand and diversify markets, adopt new technology, workforce strategies and enhance value within supply chains. MEP Centers are connected to the MEP National Network™ to learn and share distinctive practices.

1 See https://www.nist.gov/mep 2 See https://www.nist.gov/mep/centers

NIST encourages 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 Requirements

a. Oversight Board or Advisory Committee

In accordance with 15 U.S.C. § 278k(k), MEP Centers are required to establish either an Oversight Board or an Advisory Committee.

b. Oversight Board

Except as provided in Section I.2.d of this NOFO, recipients that are nonprofit organizations will be required to establish and maintain an Oversight Board, which has fiduciary responsibility for the governance and operation of the recipient organization. The Oversight 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 the Oversight Board members drawn from small and medium-sized manufacturing firms. Members of the Oversight Board may not concurrently serve on more than one MEP Center Oversight Board or serve as a vendor or provide contractual services to the recipient or to a subrecipient.

Additionally, recipients shall adopt bylaws or equivalent governance documents setting forth the roles, responsibilities, and procedures of their Oversight Boards, 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, an applicant 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 Oversight or Advisory Committee Board will be evaluated against the applicable evaluation criteria. (Section V.1.b.ii of this NOFO).

c. Advisory Committee

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 compliance with the Oversight Board requirement, may establish an Advisory Committee.

The Advisory Committee must be broadly representative of state service area stakeholders, with the majority of its members drawn from small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms, and provide regular strategic, policy, and programmatic input directly to the designated representative of the recipient.

A recipient that is a nonprofit organization with multiple programs, and MEP Center program activities that are not the applicant's primary activity, may establish an Advisory Committee instead of an Oversight Board that conforms to membership requirements as set forth above.

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In determining whether the MEP Center is a primary activity of a recipient, MEP will consider unique factors and circumstances such as, 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, or (2) the duration of other funding sources over time.

Advisory Committee members may not concurrently serve on more than one MEP Center Advisory Committee or serve as a vendor or provide contractual services to the recipient or to a subrecipient. Recipients shall have bylaws or equivalent governance documents setting forth the roles, responsibilities, and procedures of its Advisory Committee, 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, an applicant shall provide the NIST Grants Officer with copies of ratified bylaws, and conflict of interest policies. The sufficiency of the proposed Oversight Board or Advisory Committee will be evaluated against the applicable evaluation criteria. (See Section V.1.b.ii) of this

NOFO).

d. New/Proposed Oversight and/or Advisory Committee

If an Oversight Board or Advisory Committee 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 Committee 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 Committee, as the case may be. The sufficiency of the proposed Oversight Board or Advisory Committee 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 Committee is in conformance with the requirements set forth in this section.

e. 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;

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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.

f. 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

• NIST MEP Strategic Plan

• 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)

• Required Five-Year NIST MEP Budget Summary Table Template (2025)

• Most recent NIST MEP Annual Report

• NIST MEP Oversight Board Standards (2025)

The NIST MEP program is an economic development program, not a federal research and development program. This program does not intend or provide funding for awardees to perform systematic research or to develop intellectual property.

II. Federal Award Information

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. Multi-Year Funding Policy. When a proposal for a multi-year award is approved, funding will usually 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. Continued funding will be contingent upon satisfactory performance, continued relevance to the mission and priorities of MEP, and the availability of funds.

3. Funding Availability. In Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), NIST anticipates funding one (1) award in each of the states of Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin . Each award will have an initial period of performance of up to five (5) years and will be funded on an annual basis at the anticipated amounts in Section II.5 below. NIST may terminate this award in accordance with 2 C.F.R.

200.340(a)(4) if this award no longer effectuates the program goals or NIST or Department of Commerce priorities.

4. 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 IV.8 of this NOFO.

5. Anticipated Amounts: In FY26, NIST anticipates funding eight (8) awards, each for an initial award period of up to five years. All funding is subject to the continued relevance of the MEP Program to NIST or Department of Commerce priorities.

MEP Center Location and Assigned

Geographical Service Area (by State)

Anticipated Federal Funding for Each Year of the Award

Total Anticipated Federal Funding for 5-Year Award

Period

Idaho $937,736 $4,688,680 Illinois $5,811,299 $29,056,495

Minnesota $3,178,102 $15,890,510 New Jersey $3,355,074 $16,775,370 New York $6,877,960 $34,389,800

Washington $3,111,794 $15,558,970 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414

Notice of Funding Opportunity December 4, 2025

West Virginia $713,200 $3,566,000 Wisconsin $3,836,698 $19,183,490

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 funds of at least 50 percent are required for awards issued pursuant to this NOFO. Non-federal cost sharing is that portion of the project costs not borne by the Federal Government. The applicant’s share of expenses may include cash, services, and third-party in-kind contributions, as described at 2 CFR §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 Narrative and Justification submitted with the application and will be considered as part of the review under the evaluation criterion found in Section IV.2.a.(7) of this NOFO. As with the Federal share, any proposed costs included as non-Federal cost sharing must be an allowable/eligible cost under this program and under the Federal cost principles set forth in 2 CFR part 200, Subpart E.

Non-federal cost sharing incorporated into the budget of an approved financial assistance award is subject to audit in the same general manner as Federal award funds. See 2 CFR part 200, Subpart F.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306

Notice of Funding Opportunity

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-01.

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-01.

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, and its submission details are found in Section IV.a.2 of this NOFO.

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 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

Notice of Funding Opportunity December 4, 2025 award. These costs should reflect the total Federal share plus non-Federal cost share for each category. Section B, Column (2) of the SF-424A should reflect the costs for each object class category, to include indirect charges, for the second year of the award. These costs should reflect the total Federal share plus non-Federal cost share for each category. Section B, Column (3) of the SF-424A should reflect the costs for each object class category, to include indirect charges, for the third year of the award. These costs should reflect the total Federal share plus non-Federal cost share for each category. Section B, Column (4) of the SF-424A should reflect the costs for each object class category, to include indirect charges, for the fourth 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-01” 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.

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. 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.

Any acronyms or abbreviations used in this project description must be defined. 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 extension services 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.

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c) Project Impacts and Evaluation. A detailed discussion of the: (i) anticipated impacts of the proposed project; (ii) methodology for identifying and evaluating project outcomes; 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 NOFOV 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.

e) Dissemination Plan. A description of the applicant’s approach to disseminate the results of the project broadly to the public. The plan should include an approach to publish results in appropriate literature, and through presentations at public meetings or events.

(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. There is no set format for the Budget Narrative and Justification; however, further explanation must be provided for the specific cost categories and line items that you identified in the SF-424A form as well as any other information you deem necessary for NIST’s consideration.

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

Notice of Funding Opportunity December 4, 2025 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 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 III.2 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 Section V.1.c (Budget Narrative). 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) Compensation Paid to NIST MEP personnel: NIST MEP and Financial Assistance Agreements Management Office (FAAMO) will review all proposed personnel compensation for allowability in accordance with Section B.4 of the MEP General Terms and Conditions (June 23, 2025), as may be periodically updated, and 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.403-405 and 200.430-

431. The review of MEP Center compensation will occur as part of NIST’s pre-award evaluation, annually as part of the renewal of funding, and as part of compliance reviews, as well as during any budget revisions made by the recipient during the life of the award.

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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200

Notice of Funding Opportunity December 4, 2025 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 or Subawards): Each contract or subaward should be treated as a separate item. Identify the cost and describe the services to be provided and the necessity of the subaward or contract 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. A subaward is for the purpose of carrying out a portion of a Federal award and creates a Federal assistance relationship with the subrecipient.

h) Construction: Not an allowable activity or 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.

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.(8) of this

(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

Notice of Funding Opportunity December 4, 2025 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 of the application. Please be aware that Foreign applicants will be limited to use of the de minimis rate and will not have the opportunity to negotiate an indirect cost rate with NIST.

(9) SF-424A, Budget Information- Non-Construction Programs (for applications with five-year projects). The SF-424A form that appears as part of the mandatory forms in the Grants.gov application package covers the first four (4) years of the project. For projects covering five years, a second SF-424A form should be submitted to cover year five (5) of the project. A fillable SF-424A form can be found in the SF-424 Family section of the grants.gov Forms Repository (see “Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)”). Applicants should download the fillable SF-424A form, complete the information for year five (5) of the project and submit the completed form as an attachment, using the procedure described in Section IV.2.b., Attachment of Required Application Documents.

(10) Letters of Commitment. In obtaining letters of commitment, please note that it is inappropriate for federal employees to critique or provide feedback on project ideas, etc., and it is also inappropriate for federal employees to provide letters of endorsement or support.

a. Non-profit applicants: A resolution from the fiduciary board authorizing submission of the MEP Center application to NIST supporting the activities described therein is required.

b. Applicant Non-Federal Cost Sharing: Except for a commitment letter from the applicant, letters of commitment for all other third-party sources of non-Federal cost sharing identified in a proposal are not required but are strongly encouraged.

Applications without commitment letters for each item of third-party, non-Federal cost sharing may be considered less favorably during the application review process. Applicants may submit a summary listing of non-Federal cost share, which will not be counted toward the page limit. For Applicant Non-Federal Cost Sharing, a letter of commitment is required from an authorized representative of the applicant, stating the total amount of cost share to be contributed by the applicant towards the proposed MEP Center project. This stand-alone letter must cover all five (5) years of the proposed MEP Center project and include a per-year break-out of the applicant’s contribution of non-Federal cost share, as well as a per-year break-out of anticipated program income (if any).

https://www.commerce.gov/oam/policy/financial-assistance-policy https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/appendix-Appendix%20VII%20to%20Part%20200 https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

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c. Third Party Cost Sharing (Cash and In-kind): The applicant is strongly encouraged to include in its application a letter of commitment from an authorized representative of each third-party organization providing cash or in-kind contributions that are to be used as a cost share under the proposed MEP Center project. Any such letter(s) should clearly state whether the third-party contribution will consist of cash contributions, in-kind contributions, or a combination thereof;

the total amount of the contribution, including a break-out of cash versus in-kind contributions (as applicable); the time period over which the third-party contribution will be made; and any interim performance requirements for phased contributions.

d. Subrecipients: Letters of commitment from subrecipients who are key to the technical plan’s success are useful for verifying the availability of resources but are not required. Applications without commitment letters from all identified, proposed key subrecipients may be considered less favorably during the application review process. The applicant should include information regarding any planned cost-share contribution from a subrecipient in their letter of commitment. If an award is issued, the recipient is ultimately the entity that is committing to the cost share being obtained from the subrecipient. If a subrecipient fails to meet the cost share expectations, the award recipient is required to meet the shortfall. In addition, applicants planning to use subawards are responsible for evaluating the financial viability of subrecipients to meet proposed cost-share levels.

e. Prospective Key Employees: Letters of commitment to join the proposing organization’s team are useful for verifying the availability of key employees who are not yet employed at the proposing organization to participate in the project if the project is funded. These letters are not required, but they can play an important role in conveying the qualifications of key employees, especially for projects involving small companies or startups. Applications without commitment letters from all prospective key employees may be considered less favorably during the application review process.

f. Contractors: Letters of commitment from contractors who are key to the technical plan’s success are useful for verifying the availability of resources but are not required. Applications without commitment letters from all identified, proposed key contractors may be considered less favorably during the application review process. Contractors may not contribute cost share towards the project, except with prior written approval from the NIST Grants Officer.

(11) Current and Pending Support Form. Any application that includes investigators, researchers, and key personnel must identify all sources of current and potential funding, including this proposal. Any current project support (e.g., Federal, state, local, public, or private foundations, etc.) must be listed on this form. The proposed project and all other projects or activities requiring a portion of time of the Principal Investigator (PI), co-PI, and key personnel must be included, even if no salary support is received. The total award amount for the entire award period covered, including indirect costs, must be shown as well as the number of person-months

Notice of Funding Opportunity December 4, 2025 per year to be devoted to the project, regardless of the source of support. Similar information must be provided for all proposals already submitted or that are being submitted concurrently to other potential funders.

Applicants must complete the Current and Pending (Other) Support Common Form, using multiple forms as necessary to account for all activity for each individual identified in the PI, co-PI, and key personnel roles. A separate form should be used for each identified individual.

Applicants must download the NIST Current and Pending Support and reference the guidance provided as it contains information to assist with accurately completing the form.

(12) MEP Single Year Budget Workbook and Five-Year Budget Summary Table.

In addition to the SF-424A being submitted, applicants will be required to submit additional budget documentation to include, the MEP Single-Year Budget Workbook which must be provided for year one (1) of the award and the MEP Five-Year Budget Summary Table which must be provided for year one (1) of the award.

The MEP Single Year Budget Workbook and MEP Five-Year Budget Summary Table template (OMB Control Number 0693-0032) are available on the MEP website at:

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

The MEP Single Year Budget Workbook includes templates for a detailed budget (revenue and expenses), budget narrative, budget justification, subrecipient agreement, and third-party contribution information.

The MEP Five-Year Budget Summary Table includes a template for a budget summary for year one (1), in accordance with applicable Federal cost principles.

Sample budget summary tables and a sample budget narrative are available on the MEP website under “MEP Resources.” See Section I.2 of this NOFO.

The detailed budget should reflect anticipated expenses with corresponding narratives and justifications that support all costs identified in the Single Year Budget Workbook. For example, the personnel category includes position title, employee name, annual salary, and percentage of time dedicated to the project, travel includes but is not limited to airfare, lodging, per diem, number of travelers and days for each proposed trip, and any anticipated sub-recipients, contractors, or third-party contributor costs/contributions with a detailed description of the purpose and how it relates to the overall project.

The proposed costs must be consistent with the project scope and as outlined in the budget narrative. The budget must include the required minimum 50 percent non-Federal cost share described in Section III.2 of this NOFO.

https://www.nist.gov/oaam/grants-management-division/current-and-pending-support

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The Budget, Narrative, and Justification must clearly identify whether the applicant or any of its subrecipients anticipate generating program income pursuant to the proposed activities (e.g., client service fees). If program income is anticipated under the proposal (including at the subrecipient level), the applicant must identify the anticipated amount of program income, disclose how program income will be expended in the Form SF-424A and in the Budget Narrative and Justification, and will be required to properly report all program income generated pursuant to the project in the Form SF-425.

This section of the application will be evaluated in accordance with the Budget Narrative and Justification evaluation criteria in Section V.1.d of this NOFO. It will also be reviewed to determine if all costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable.

Information on cost allowability is available in the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, under 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Subpart E, Cost Principles, which apply to awards in this program.

If the applicant is successful, additional MEP Single Year Budget Workbooks must be submitted for future years.

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.

When cost share is included in the budget, the written justification must also identify the Federal and non-Federal portion of each cost, including indirect costs, as applicable. (See Cost Sharing, Section III.2, this NOFO for match requirements).

The applicant should include information regarding any planned cost-share contribution from a subrecipient in their letter of commitment. If an award is issued, the recipient is ultimately the entity that is committing to the cost share being obtained from the subrecipient. If a subrecipient fails to meet the cost share expectations, the award recipient is required to meet the shortfall. In addition, applicants planning to use subawards are responsible for evaluating the financial viability of subrecipients to meet proposed cost-share levels.

(13) Intellectual Property Plan.

Each applicant must include in the application a proposal for the allocation of the legal rights associated with any intellectual property which may result from the activities of the Center. See 15 U.S.C. 278k(f)(4).

b. Attachment of Required Documents

Items IV.2.a.(1) through IV.2.a.(4) above are part of the standard application package in Grants.gov and can be completed through the download application process.

Items IV.2.a.(5) through IV.2.a.(13) should be attached to field 15 of the SF-424 form by clicking on “Add Attachments”.

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Following these directions will create zip files which permit transmittal of the documents electronically via Grants.gov.

Applicants should carefully follow specific Grants.gov instructions at Grants.gov to ensure the attachments will be accepted by the Grants.gov system. A receipt from Grants.gov indicates only that an application was transferred to a system. It does not provide details concerning whether all attachments (or how many attachments) transferred successfully. Applicants will receive a series of e-mail messages over a period of up to two business days before learning whether a Federal agency’s electronic system has received its application.

Applicants are strongly advised to use “Download Submitted Forms and Applications” on grants.gov to check that their application’s required attachments were contained in their submission.

After submitting the application, check the status of your application here: Check Application Status. If any, or all, of the required attachments are absent from the submission, follow the attachment directions found above, resubmit the application, and check again for the presence of the required attachments.

If the directions found on the Grants.gov Online Help page are not effective, please…