The Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) is issuing this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). Awards made under this FOA will be funded, in whole or in part, with funds appropriated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

The rapid development, deployment, and adoption of smart manufacturing technologies is a high priority for increasing economic competitiveness, efficiency, and productivity – and reducing greenhouse gas emissions – in manufacturing. This FOA will support States in accelerating the deployment of smart manufacturing and high-performance computing technologies across the small- and medium-sized manufacturing firm (SMM) base.

The activities to be funded under this FOA support BIL section 40534 and the broader government-wide approach to reinvigorating and reinvesting in the American industrial base; catalyzing American leadership and global competitiveness in the clean energy economy; and investing in the American manufacturing workforce.

DOE anticipates making awards to States in the form of cooperative agreements. Awardees must complete their projects not later than three years after the date of receipt of federal funds. The period of performance will be comprised of one or more budget periods. Project continuation will be contingent upon several elements, including satisfactory performance and DOE’s Go/No-Go decision.

DOE expects to make a total of approximately $46 million of federal funding available for new awards under this FOA, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Individual awards may vary between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000. DOE anticipates making approximately 20-25 awards under this FOA. DOE may issue one, multiple, or no awards.