The objective of this solicitation is to expand access to smart manufacturing technologies and practices and high-performance computing resources for small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMMs).

Awards are to state entities, state-funded universities, and state-funded community and technical colleges, for accelerating the use of smart manufacturing by small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMMs) in areas such as training and re-skilling, technical assistance, and direct technology implementation.

This solicitation will support state entities, state-funded universities, and state-funded community or technical colleges to establish new or expand existing programs that assist SMMs to:

• implement smart manufacturing technologies and practices; and
• access high-performance computing resources.

In doing so, this solicitation contributes to the Administration’s goals of catalyzing American leadership and global competitiveness. The rapid development, deployment, and adoption of smart manufacturing technologies is a high priority for increasing economic competitiveness, efficiency, and energy productivity – and decreasing emissions – in all U.S. manufacturing sectors

• Increase Productivity & Competitiveness of Domestic Manufacturing Base: Through this solicitation, DOE strives to make adoption of smart manufacturing technologies far more accessible across the country’s manufacturing base by working with states, state-funded universities, and state-funded community and technical colleges to remove cost and complexity barriers.
• Develop American Industrial Workforce: This solicitation aims to expand smart manufacturing training for American workers. Funding can help state entities increase the capacity of existing state, local, and regional workforce development programs. It can also help fund state-funded universities and state-funded community and technical colleges to develop or expand curriculums for degrees or credentials that can lead to careers in the manufacturing sector leveraging smart manufacturing technologies.
• Support a Robust & Integrated Support System for SMMs: DOE seeks applications that will further enhance and integrate a robust ecosystem of support for American SMMs. The solicitation seeks to drive coordination and communication across the Federal Government and with local, state, and national technical resources.