 Commerce Implementation Update
Good afternoon,
The purpose of this bi-weekly digest is to share information regarding Department of Commerce announcements and implementation updates, so you are aware of the funding and engagement opportunities available to your constituents.
We hope you find this information useful. If you have any questions, please email CommerceImplementationUpdates@doc.gov or call (202) 482-3663.
 Susie Feliz Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Announcements
- Biden-Harris Administration Announces NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex as the first CHIPS for America R&D Flagship Facility and Planned Site for the estimated $825 Million CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator
- Biden-Harris Administration Announces Preliminary Terms with Hemlock Semiconductor for $325 Million to Significantly Expand U.S. Production Capacity of Semiconductor-Grade Polysilicon
- Biden-Harris Administration Announces Sunnyvale, CA as Expected Location for Second CHIPS for America R&D Flagship Facility
- Biden-Harris Administration Approves and Recommends for Award Georgia, Indiana, New Mexico, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin, Alabama, Utah, and West Virginia’s Digital Equity Capacity Grant Application Totaling More Than $214 Million
- Biden-Harris Administration Opens $100 million Competition to Accelerate R&D and AI Technologies for Sustainable Semiconductor Materials
- Two NOAA Fish Passage Funding Opportunities Now Open, One Focused on Tribes
- U.S. Department of Commerce Adds 26 Entities to the Entity List for Actions Contrary to U.S. National Security Interests
- U.S. Department of Commerce Marks One-Year Anniversary of Historic Biden-Harris Administration Executive Order on AI
- U.S. Department of Commerce Targets Illicit Procurement Networks Supplying Russia’s Military and Restricts Chemical Precursors Enabling Russia’s Use of Chemical Weapons Against Ukraine
Funding Opportunities
- CHIPS AI/AE for Rapid, Industry-informed Sustainable Semiconductor Materials and Processes (CARISSMA) Competition
- FY25 Aquaculture Internship Programs - Sea Grant Programs Only
- FY25 Establishing and Supporting Partnerships with Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in Aquaculture: Regional Collaboratives - Sea Grant Programs Only
- FY25 MARFIN
- FY25 NIST Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase I
- FY25 NOAA Hawaii Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program
- National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP) Advanced Packaging Research and Development (R&D)
- NIST Precision Measurement Grant Program
- NOAA's Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Grants Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law- Round 3
- NOAA Restoring Tribal Priority Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Notice of Funding Opportunity under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Round 3
- Ongoing Funding Opportunities
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Biden-Harris Administration Announces NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex as the first CHIPS for America R&D Flagship Facility and Planned Site for the estimated $825 Million CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator
On October 31st, the U.S. Department of Commerce and Natcast, the operator of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), announced the expected location for the first CHIPS for America research and development (R&D) flagship facility. The CHIPS for America Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Accelerator, an NSTC facility (EUV Accelerator), is expected to operate within NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex in Albany, New York, supported by a proposed federal investment of an estimated $825 million. The EUV Accelerator will focus on advancing state of the art EUV technology and the R&D that relies on it.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Preliminary Terms with Hemlock Semiconductor for $325 Million to Significantly Expand U.S. Production Capacity of Semiconductor-Grade Polysilicon
On October 21st, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce and Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) have signed a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) to provide up to $325 million in proposed direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act to solidify U.S. leadership in semiconductor-grade polysilicon production. President Biden and Vice President Harris signed the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to usher in a new era of semiconductor manufacturing in the United States, bringing with it a revitalized domestic supply chain, good-paying jobs, and investments in the industries of the future. The proposed funding would support the construction of a new manufacturing facility on HSC’s existing campus in Hemlock, Michigan, dedicated to the production and purification of hyper-pure semiconductor-grade polysilicon. The proposed project is estimated to create nearly 180 manufacturing jobs and over 1,000 construction jobs over time.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Sunnyvale, CA as Expected Location for Second CHIPS for America R&D Flagship Facility
On November 1st, the U.S. Department of Commerce and Natcast, the operator of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), announced Sunnyvale, California as the expected location for the CHIPS for America Design and Collaboration Facility (DCF), an NSTC Facility. The DCF will play an important role in advancing semiconductor design research, workforce development, investment, and collaboration across the entire semiconductor value chain.
Biden-Harris Administration Approves and Recommends for Award Georgia, Indiana, New Mexico, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin, Alabama, Utah, and West Virginia’s Digital Equity Capacity Grant Application Totaling More Than $214 Million
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved, and recommended for award, applications from Georgia, Indiana, New Mexico, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin, Alabama, Utah, and West Virginia allowing them to request access to more than $214 million to implement their Digital Equity Plans. This funding comes from the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Biden-Harris Administration Opens $100 million Competition to Accelerate R&D and AI Technologies for Sustainable Semiconductor Materials
On October 30th, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for activities that will use cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous experimentation (AE) technologies to support the long-term viability of next-generation semiconductor manufacturing. The CHIPS AI/AE for Rapid, Industry-informed Sustainable Semiconductor Materials and Processes (CARISSMA) funding opportunity will be critical in meeting the industry’s technology, economic, and sustainability goals.
Two NOAA Fish Passage Funding Opportunities Now Open, One Focused on Tribes
NOAA is announcing two funding opportunities for fish passage, including one funding opportunity focused on tribes. This significant funding is available under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Projects selected through these opportunities will help support sustainable fisheries, recover threatened and endangered migratory fish, and strengthen the resilience of coastal and Great Lakes communities and tribes. This is the third and final round of these funding opportunities under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
U.S. Department of Commerce Adds 26 Entities to the Entity List for Actions Contrary to U.S. National Security Interests
On October 21st, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) added 26 entities to the Entity List for activities contrary to U.S. national security and foreign policy under the destinations of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) (6), Egypt (1), Pakistan (16), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (3). These additions are related to alleged violations of export controls, involvement in weapons programs of concern, and evasion of U.S. sanctions and export controls on Russia and Iran.
U.S. Department of Commerce Marks One-Year Anniversary of Historic Biden-Harris Administration Executive Order on AI
On October 30th, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo marked the one-year anniversary of President Biden and Vice President Harris’ historic Executive Order (EO) on the Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Development of AI by reflecting on the progress made by the U.S. Department of Commerce to implement significant pieces of the landmark EO.
U.S. Department of Commerce Targets Illicit Procurement Networks Supplying Russia’s Military and Restricts Chemical Precursors Enabling Russia’s Use of Chemical Weapons Against Ukraine
On October 30th, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) added 40 foreign entities, as well as 4 addresses, to the Entity List in connection with their support for the Kremlin’s illegal war in Ukraine and tightening restrictions on 49 foreign entities that were already on the Entity List to address their procurement of high-priority U.S.-branded microelectronics and other items on behalf of Russia. These entities are located in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), as well as India, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, Türkiye, Estonia, Finland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United Kingdom (UK). BIS is also imposing additional restrictions on the export of 9 chemical precursors used to produce riot control agents (RCAs) and chemical weapons used on the battlefield against Ukraine in violation of treaty commitments. These actions underscore the extensive controls the United States has placed on entities enabling Russian aggression against Ukraine since the further invasion in February 2022.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
CHIPS AI/AE for Rapid, Industry-informed Sustainable Semiconductor Materials and Processes (CARISSMA) Competition
Subject to the availability of funds, this NOFO seeks applications for industry-informed, university-based artificial intelligence-powered autonomous experimentation (AI/AE) collaborations, including research and development, education and workforce development, and related activities relevant to sustainable semiconductor materials and processes. If successful, awards made under this NOFO will support the long-term viability of next-generation domestic semiconductor manufacturing, accelerating the discovery, design, synthesis, and adoption of materials and processes, and the development of new researchers needed to meet the industry’s technology, economic, and sustainability goals.
FY25 Aquaculture Internship Programs - Sea Grant Programs Only
The National Sea Grant College Program was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1966 (amended in 2020, Public Law 116-221) to support leveraged federal and state partnerships that harness the intellectual capacity of the nation’s universities and research institutions to solve problems and generate opportunities in coastal communities.
FY25 Establishing and Supporting Partnerships with Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in Aquaculture: Regional Collaboratives - Sea Grant Programs Only
The National Sea Grant College Program was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1966 (amended in 2020, Public Law 116-221) to support leveraged federal and state partnerships that harness the intellectual capacity of the nation’s universities and research institutions to solve problems and generate opportunities in coastal communities. Subject to the availability of funding, Sea Grant anticipates that approximately $4,000,000 will be available for research projects and programs to create up to four Regional Collaboratives (one per region) focused on enhancing engagement of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in aquaculture, with up to $1,000,000 available for each. MSIs are defined as institutions of higher education that serve minority populations.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southeast Region, is seeking proposals under the Marine Fisheries Initiative Program (MARFIN), for research and development projects that optimize the use of fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and off the South Atlantic states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, involving the U.S. fishing industry (recreational and commercial), including fishery biology, resources assessment, socio-economic assessment, management and conservation, selected harvesting methods, and fish handling and processing. This program addresses NOAA's mission goal "Healthy Oceans."
FY25 NIST Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase I
The NIST Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase I is seeking applications from eligible applicants to explore the technical merit or feasibility of an innovative idea or technology with the aim of developing a viable product or service, and/or a standard, that will be introduced to the commercial marketplace.
FY25 NOAA Hawaii Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program
The NOAA Hawaii Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program is an environmental education program that meets NOAA’s mission of science, service, and stewardship. The Hawaii B-WET program supports a vision of a future where societies and ecosystems are healthy and resilient in the face of sudden or prolonged change. The purpose for this funding opportunity is to support our communities by developing well-informed members of society, who are involved in decision-making that positively impacts our coastal, marine, and watershed ecosystems in the Hawaiian Islands. This is a competitive opportunity for grants to assist in the development of new programs, encourage innovative partnerships among environmental education programs, and support geographically targeted programs to advance environmental education efforts that complement national and state school requirements. The Hawaii B-WET program plays a foundational role as an environmental education program that promotes locally relevant, experiential learning in the K-12 environment on Priority Content Areas such as Science with an emphasis on climate and Indigenous Knowledge (IK). Funded projects provide Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) for students and professional development for teachers that support regional education and environmental priorities. More information about the B-WET program is online at https://www.noaa.gov/office-education/bwet.
National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP) Advanced Packaging Research and Development (R&D)
Applications such as high performance computing and low-power electronics, both needed for artificial intelligence (AI), require leap-ahead advances in semiconductor advanced packaging. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seeks proposals for R&D activities that will establish and accelerate domestic semiconductor advanced packaging through investments in five (5) R&D Areas: (1) Equipment, Tools, Processes, and Process Integration; (2) Power Delivery and Thermal Management; (3) Connector Technology, including Photonics and Radio Frequency (RF); (4) Chiplets Ecosystem; and (5) Co-design/Electronic Design Automation (EDA).
NIST Precision Measurement Grant Program
The Precision Measurement Grant Program (PMGP) is seeking applications from eligible applicants for research work in the field of fundamental measurement, testing the basic laws of physics, and/or the determination of fundamental constants, with emphasis on pressing problems or emerging opportunities.
NOAA's Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Grants Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law- Round 3
The principal objective of NOAA’s Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Notice of Funding Opportunity is to provide federal financial and technical assistance to fish passage through the removal of dams and other in-stream barriers for native migratory or sea-run fish. Funding will be used for fish passage that rebuilds productive and sustainable fisheries, contributes to the recovery and conservation of threatened and endangered species, enhances watershed health, promotes resilient ecosystems and communities, especially in underserved communities, and improves economic vitality, including local employment. This funding opportunity announcement is authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Public Law 117-58).
NOAA Restoring Tribal Priority Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Notice of Funding Opportunity under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Round 3
The principal objective of the Restoring Tribal Priority Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Funding Opportunity is to provide federal financial and technical assistance to Indian tribes and organizations that represent Indian tribes through formal legal agreements to remove barriers to fish passage for native migratory or sea-run fish. Funding will be used for fish passage that rebuilds productive and sustainable fisheries, contributes to the recovery and conservation of threatened and endangered species, enhances watershed health, promotes resilient ecosystems and communities, and increases tribal capacity to participate in fish passage barrier removal efforts while improving tribal commercial, recreational, subsistence and cultural practice opportunities. This funding opportunity announcement is authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Public Law 117-58).
Ongoing Funding Opportunities
For a list of all open funding opportunities through the U.S. Department of Commerce, please visit our Grant.gov landing page.
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