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"NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center Competition for AI, Robotics, and Advanced Technology Adoption by Small and Medium Manufacturers" is currently closed and not accepting applications.
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is NIST's national network of centers that deliver hands-on technical assistance to small and medium-sized manufacturers, and this competition re-competes center cooperative agreements with an explicitly modernized technology mandate.
NIST has pledged $46,500,000 across the network, with the stated goal of helping manufacturers strengthen manufacturing ecosystems by encouraging the adoption or scale-up of advanced technologies to improve production capacity and capability.
The named technology set puts AI at the center alongside robotics, automation, advanced materials, additive manufacturing, and biotechnology - which is the significant shift from MEP's historical lean-manufacturing and quality-systems orientation toward AI and robotics deployment on the factory floor.
Award sizes are allocated by state and territory rather than competed head-to-head on a national pool, ranging from roughly $706,300 for Alaska to $15,641,800 for California, so the size of the opportunity is essentially fixed by geography before a proposal is written.
Two structural terms shape the economics: recipients must secure a minimum 50% non-federal cost match, and awards are made annually for up to five years subject to performance review and funding availability, with the potential for an additional non-competitive five-year period thereafter.
Successful applicants enter a cooperative agreement with NIST, meaning substantial federal involvement in program execution rather than arms-length grant administration. Applications are due 21 August 2026.
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Or search similar grants →According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Eligible applicants are organizations capable of operating an MEP Center serving small and medium-sized manufacturers in a defined state or territory, including existing MEP centers, universities, nonprofit organizations, and state economic development entities. Recipients must secure a minimum 50% non-federal matching contribution and enter into a cooperative agreement with NIST. Award amounts are set by state and territory, ranging from approximately $706,300 to $15,641,800. Funding is annual for up to five years subject to performance reviews and funding availability, with the potential for an additional non-competitive five-year period. Applications are due 21 August 2026. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows NIST has pledged $46,500,000 in total. Individual center awards vary by state and territory, ranging from approximately $706,300 (Alaska) to $15,641,800 (California). Recipients must secure a minimum 50% non-federal cost match. Awards are made annually for up to five years subject to performance review and funding availability, with the potential for an additional non-competitive five-year period. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
The published deadline was August 21, 2026, which has passed. Check the official notice for any future application windows before investing time in a proposal.
NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center Competition for AI, Robotics, and Advanced Technology Adoption by Small and Medium Manufacturers is funded by U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), U.S. Department of Commerce. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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