NOFO 2027-CAM-01 Final.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity for Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerator Program (“MMAP”) FY27

NOFO No. 2027-CAM-01

Massachusetts Technology Collaborative 75 North Drive

Westborough, MA 01581-3340 http://www.masstech.org

Procurement Team Leader: Austin Vella

Date Issued: June 11, 2026 Informational Session: June 18, 2026 @11AM Questions Due: Rolling Answers to Questions Posted: Rolling Responses Due: July 24, 2026 By 5:00PM EST http://www.masstech.org/

Massachusetts Technology Collaborative NOFO No.2027-CAM-01

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview

The Center for Advanced Manufacturing, a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative ("Mass Tech Collaborative" or "MassTech") is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerator Program, (NOFO No.2027-CAM-01) (the "NOFO”) to solicit responses from qualified entities (“Respondents”) interested in receiving grant funding to modernize, adopt technologies, and improve their operations. Respondents will be competing against each other for grant funding and the submissions of all Respondents shall be compared and evaluated pursuant to the evaluation criteria set forth in this NOFO; a single Respondent may be selected.

Mass Tech Collaborative will be the contracting entity on behalf of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing for the purposes of this NOFO, and (except where the specific context warrants otherwise), the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Mass Tech Collaborative are collectively referred to as Mass Tech Collaborative or MassTech.

1.2 Mass Tech Collaborative and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing

Mass Tech Collaborative is an independent public instrumentality of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts chartered by the Commonwealth to serve as a catalyst for growing its innovation economy. Mass Tech Collaborative brings together leaders from industry, academia, and government to advance technology-focused solutions that lead to economic growth, job creation, and public benefits in Massachusetts. For additional information about Mass Tech Collaborative and its programs and initiatives, please visit our website at www.masstech.org.

The mission of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing (“CAM”) is to foster the most complete, most connected, and fastest manufacturing ecosystem from innovation through production. CAM increases its impacts on the manufacturing sector by:

• Aligning investments in manufacturing with the state’s vision

• Leveraging existing programs for increased regional impact

• Supporting new initiatives from the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (“AMC”)

• Ensuring a deep pipeline for all programs, and

• Tracking outcomes and efficacy of all programs

For more information about CAM and its programs and activities generally, please visit the web site at https://cam.masstech.org.

2. The Grant

2.1 Grant Overview

The Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerator Program (“MMAP”) provides accelerator support and grant funding for small- and medium- manufacturers to modernize, adopt technology, and improve their operations.

This program aims to help Massachusetts-based small- to medium- sized manufacturers (defined for this NOFO as manufacturers with fewer than 500 employees) prepare their businesses to meet the evolving needs of customers and adapt to a changing manufacturing landscape. Manufacturers will share their current opportunities and challenges in their initial application, and applicants that are selected for the accelerator will undergo an in-depth, third-party assessment1 to identify the most effective capital

1 The third-party capital equipment assessment will be conducted by a CAM-selected nonprofit partner.

http://www.masstech.org/ https://cam.masstech.org/ purchases for their needs and propose a budget for a capital grant through the MMAP program.

Simultaneously, manufacturers will participate in cohort activities that foster shared learning and collaboration and connect with experts and resources from the MA manufacturing ecosystem. Activities may include peer-to-peer learning, access to expert guidance, speaker sessions and workshops, resource connections, etc.

The MMAP program is designed to support manufacturers as they improve their capabilities in areas such as, but not limited to, embracing digital transformation, leveraging AI, leveraging robotics and automation, improving quality assurance/quality control, and upskilling their current workforce. MMAP is not limited to manufacturers that produce goods in particular sectors.

2.2 Grant Requirements and Guidance

Application Applications as specified in Section 4 below must be completed and submitted to MassTech in response to this NOFO. Previous recipients of a MassTech MMAP grant are not eligible to apply to this NOFO.

Eligible and ineligible expenses

Grants are available for capital purchases only. Any capital expenditure to be funded by MassTech under this NOFO must be one that will be accounted for by the recipient of the equipment in its financial records as a capital expenditure under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”).

Eligible capital expenditures include only those that are justified by the third-party capital equipment assessment conducted by a CAM-selected nonprofit partner after the manufacturer has been selected for the MMAP program. Such capital expenditure could include the purchase of new or used equipment and the purchase of software that the applicant records as a capital expenditure under GAAP.

The acquisition of land and existing facilities, construction of new buildings, and the renovation of existing buildings are not allowable capital expenditures in this NOFO. Salaries of individuals at the manufacturers, training costs, and other operating costs, are not eligible expenditures for this program. Work that has been completed or equipment purchased prior to the application submission date is not allowable for reimbursement with grant funds.

Eligible locations All equipment must remain in Massachusetts for a minimum of five (5) years after installation. If the manufacturer ceases to operate or moves out of state prior to the expiration of the five (5) years then, at MassTech’s sole discretion, either (1) all equipment must be sold by the manufacturer, and the proceeds returned to MassTech for use by a nonprofit or academic ecosystem partner, or (2) manufacturer must repay MassTech the fair market value of the equipment at the time of move or cessation of business, for use by a nonprofit or academic ecosystem partner, or (3) all equipment must be returned to MassTech for transfer to an academic or nonprofit partner.

Eligible applicants and contracting specifications

Manufacturers that are based in Massachusetts and have fewer than 500 employees are eligible to apply for this program. Selection of manufacturers to the MMAP program will be done in a manner to promote geographic, social, racial, and economic equity.

Once accepted into the MMAP program, manufacturers will be assigned to a nonprofit partner selected by CAM to conduct an in-depth assessment for the identification of the appropriate capital expenses for the manufacturers’ grant award.

PLEASE NOTE- MassTech will contract only with this nonprofit partner; grant funds will flow directly to the nonprofit partner, and the nonprofit partner will be responsible for ensuring all contractual requirements are met, including invoicing MassTech and reimbursing the manufacturer. In no event will grant funds be paid directly hy MassTech to a manufacturer.

The manufacturer will own all equipment purchased with MMAP grant funds.

Required match contribution All grant awards will require a match from the manufacturer.

For grant sizes up to $100,000, the manufacturer will be required to provide a 50% match. For grant sizes between $100,001 and the maximum award size of $300,000, the manufacturer will be required to provide a 100% match. PLEASE NOTE: The match amount submitted with an application, even if in excess of these requirements, will be the match specified in the grant agreement.

For example, if a manufacturer requests a grant of $100,000 and is therefore required to provide a 50% match, if the application budget specifies an amount grater than 50%, that will be the required match amount in the agreement.

The match can be in the form of capital or non-capital expenditures (i.e., employee salaries construction of new buildings) or in-kind contributions (i.e. donated labor, donated equipment, or materials) from the applicant, third parties, other private investments, or federal grants. Funding from other State sources, such as a state agency or state institution of higher education, cannot be used to satisfy matching requirements.

The match must be necessary and directly related to the accomplishments of the project objectives.

Contributions of employee salaries cannot exceed 50% of the required match amount.

Duration of contracts All award funds should be spent within eighteen (18) months of

MassTech executing a grant agreement with the non-profit partner incorporating the manufacturer’s approved final budget.

2.3 Evaluation Process and Criteria

MassTech will evaluate each application that is properly submitted, and a subset of applications will be reviewed by an independent review board of industry experts. As part of the selection process, Mass Tech Collaborative may invite finalists to answer questions regarding their application in person or in writing. In its sole discretion, Mass Tech Collaborative may also choose to enter into a negotiation period with one or more finalist Respondent(s) and then ask the Respondent(s) to submit an updated application and budget.

Projects must demonstrate clear benefit for the economy of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Applications will be evaluated based on criteria that includes, but is not limited to:

• Company Profile & Readiness: Clear description of the company’s business model, manufacturing capabilities, growth history, and leadership commitment to modernization.

• Alignment with Accelerator Priorities: Demonstrated interest in and potential for adopting technologies in areas such as AI, automation, digitization, robotics, quality assurance/quality control, and workforce upskilling.

• Workforce Impact: Potential to upskill existing employees, create new jobs, and strengthen the long-term talent pipeline.

• Process Improvement & Innovation: Opportunities for measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and innovation, including development of new products or capabilities.

• Market Potential: Likelihood that the proposed project will expand market opportunities, generate new revenue streams, or enhance competitiveness.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Social, racial, gender, and geographic diversity among company leadership and across the awardee pool, with attention to ensuring participation by SMEs located outside of Greater Boston.

The order of these factors does not generally denote relative importance. MassTech reserves the right to consider such other relevant factors as it deems appropriate. Lack of debarment status by both the state and federal government is also required.

3. APPLICATION PROCESS

3.1 Application and Submission Instructions

Respondents are cautioned to read this NOFO carefully and to conform to its requirements. Failure to comply with the requirements of this NOFO may serve as grounds for rejection of an application.

a) All applications must be submitted here:

https://airtable.com/appU2xlKaBWKNlbTH/pagn0aLXRKXsdORwq/form

b) Required submissions: all applications must include, at a minimum, the items listed below:

a. A description of the manufacturer responding to the NOFO (including industry, products manufactured, and market(s) served),

b. Size of manufacturer, including number of employees,

c. A description of the technological challenges you are currently facing,

d. What industry(s) you support,

e. A description, if applicable, of potential new market opportunities,

f. Manufacturer’s requested grant budget, including match

g. A video, not to exceed 5 minutes, introducing you and your manufacturing company, the need for your new equipment, an overview of the information included in your application and why you believe the state should invest in your business. A look inside the manufacturing facility and relevant equipment is helpful but not required. Mp4 is the preferred file format. Videos from cell phones are acceptable. Any material shared as part of the MMAP application, including the video, is considered a public record and therefore subject to disclosure if requested. We will not use any part of the application, including the video, for any other purpose beyond judging, without consent from the applicant.

h. A copy of Respondent’s W9

c) Any and all responses, applications, data, materials, information and documentation submitted to

Mass Tech Collaborative in response to this NOFO shall become Mass Tech Collaborative’s property and shall be subject to public disclosure. As a public entity, the Mass Tech Collaborative is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (set forth at Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66). There are very limited and narrow exceptions to disclosure under the Public Records Law. If a Respondent wishes to have the Mass Tech Collaborative treat certain information or documentation as confidential, the Respondent must submit a written request to https://airtable.com/appU2xlKaBWKNlbTH/pagn0aLXRKXsdORwq/form the Mass Tech Collaborative’s General Counsel’s office no later than 5:00 p.m. ten (10) business days prior to the required date of application submission. The request must precisely identify the information and/or documentation that is the subject of the request and provide a detailed explanation supporting the application of the statutory exemption(s) from the public records cited by the Respondent. The General Counsel will determine whether an applicable exemption applies within five (5) business days of receipt of the written request. If the General Counsel approves the request, the Respondent shall clearly label the relevant information and/or documentation as “CONFIDENTIAL” in the application. Any statements in an application reserving any confidentiality or privacy rights that is inconsistent with these requirements and procedures may be disregarded.

3.2 Application Timeframe

The application process will proceed according to the following schedule. The target dates are subject to change. Therefore, Respondents are encouraged to check Mass Tech Collaborative’s website frequently for updates to the schedule.

Task Date

NOFO Released June 11, 2026

Informational Session June 18, 2026 @ 11AM EST

Questions Due Rolling

Question and Answer File Posted Rolling

Applications Due July 24, 2026 @ 5PM EST

3.3 Informational Webinar

An informational webinar will be held on June 18, 2026, at 11AM EST. Please register HERE.

3.4 Questions

Questions regarding this NOFO must be submitted by email to proposals@masstech.org with the following Subject Line: “Questions – NOFO No. 2027-CAM-01“. Responses to all questions received will be posted to Mass Tech Collaborative and Commbuys website(s).

4.0 GENERAL CONDITIONS

4.1 General Information

a) If an application fails to meet any material terms, conditions, requirements or procedures, it may be deemed unresponsive and disqualified. The Mass Tech Collaborative reserves the right to waive omissions or irregularities that it determines to be not material.

b) This NOFO, as may be amended from time to time by Mass Tech Collaborative, does not commit Mass Tech Collaborative to select any organization(s), award any grant funds pursuant to this NOFO, or pay any costs incurred in responding to this NOFO. Mass Tech Collaborative reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to withdraw the NOFO, to engage in preliminary discussions with prospective Respondents, to accept or reject any or all Applications received, to request supplemental or clarifying information, to negotiate with any or all qualified Respondents, and to request modifications to Applications in accordance with negotiations, all to the same extent as if this were a Request for Information.

c) On matters related solely to this NOFO that arise prior to an award decision by the Mass Tech Collaborative, Respondents shall limit communications with the Mass Tech Collaborative to the Procurement Team Leader and such other individuals as the Mass Tech Collaborative https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a091222a-0fdf-49c0-9eca-e6d0c99ce34a@318235ce-5f03-49c3-bab7-713f88e6fc2e mailto:proposals@masstech.org may designate from time to time. No other Mass Tech Collaborative employee or representative is authorized to provide any information or respond to any questions or inquiries concerning this NOFO. Respondents may contact the Procurement Team Leader for this NOFO in the event this NOFO is incomplete.

d) The Mass Tech Collaborative may provide reasonable accommodations, including the provision of materials in an alternative format, for Respondents with disabilities or other hardships. Respondents requiring accommodations shall submit requests in writing, with supporting documentation justifying the accommodations, to the Procurement Team Leader.

The Mass Tech Collaborative reserves the right to grant or reject any request for accommodations.

e) Respondent’s Application shall be treated by the Mass Tech Collaborative as an accurate statement of Respondent’s capabilities and experience. Should any statement asserted by Respondent prove to be inaccurate or inconsistent with the foregoing, such inaccuracy or inconsistency shall constitute sufficient cause for Mass Tech Collaborative in its sole discretion to reject the Application and/or terminate of any resulting Agreement.

f) Costs that are not specifically identified in the Respondent’s response and/or not specifically accepted by Mass Tech Collaborative as part of the Agreement will not be compensated under any contract awarded pursuant to this NOFO.

g) Mass Tech Collaborative’s prior approval is required for any subcontracted services under any Agreement entered into as a result of this NOFO. The selected Respondent will take all appropriate steps to assure that minority firms, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. The selected Respondent is responsible for the satisfactory performance and adequate oversight of its subcontractors. Subcontractors are required to meet the same requirements and are held to the same reimbursable cost standards as the selected Respondent.

h) Submitted responses must be valid in all respects for a minimum period of sixty (60) days after the deadline for submission.

4.2 Posting of Modifications/Addenda to NOFO

This NOFO has been distributed electronically using the Mass Tech Collaborative and COMMBUYS websites. If Mass Tech Collaborative determines that it is necessary to revise any part of this NOFO, or if additional data is necessary to clarify any of its provisions, an addendum will be posted to the websites. Mass Tech Collaborative may also include important clarifications in the Q&A document. It is the responsibility of each potential Respondent to check the Mass Tech Collaborative and COMMBUYS websites for any addenda, Q&A document, or modifications to the NOFO. The Mass Tech Collaborative accepts no liability and will provide no accommodation to Respondents who submit a response based on an out-of-date NOFO.