November 2022 NIST Congressional and Legislative Affairs Constituent Newsletter

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NIST Congressional and
Legislative Affairs

Constituent Newsletter  – November 2022

Recent News


CHIPS for America Seeks Public Input on Financial Incentives, New Institutes for Semiconductor Manufacturing

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) CHIPS for America initiative is seeking public input on two programs that aim to restore U.S. global leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. Both were authorized under the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act.  NIST has issued two Requests for Information (RFIs) to gather feedback from the public.

With the Incentives Program RFI, NIST’s CHIPS Program Office seeks public input on the design and implementation of incentive programs, including grants, loans and loan guarantees to encourage investment in domestic manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. 

The Manufacturing USA Institute RFI seeks public input on the development of up to three new Manufacturing USA institutes that will enhance U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing through advanced research, education and workforce development. 

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U.S. Department of Commerce Appoints Members for New Internet of Things Advisory Board

The U.S. Department of Commerce has appointed 16 experts for the new Internet of Things Advisory Board (IoTAB), to advise the Internet of Things Federal Working Group. The advisory board includes a wide range of stakeholders outside of the federal government with expertise relating to the Internet of Things (IoT).

The board consists of 16 members and represents a broad range of disciplines from across academia, industry and civil society. Board members will serve two-year appointments, and all meetings are open to the public. 

NIST will provide administrative support to the advisory board, and information on board activities can be found on the NIST website

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Awards Made to Manufacturing Centers in Kentucky, Nebraska, Rhode Island and South Dakota

NIST announced cooperative agreement awards totaling nearly $19.8 million to four organizations to operate Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers in Kentucky, Nebraska, Rhode Island and South Dakota. The MEP Centers will be operated by the four awardees, the University of Louisville Research Foundation, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation, and South Dakota’s Lake Area Technical College, and will provide services to small and medium-sized manufacturers in their states.

NIST’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program strengthens U.S. manufacturing by supporting 51 centers across the 50 states and Puerto Rico. Through this program, more than 1,400 manufacturing experts provide hands-on technical expertise that addresses the critical needs of manufacturers in their states.

The total anticipated funding over five years to each awardee is:

  • Kentucky: $6,217,500
  • Nebraska: $3,978,500
  • Rhode Island: $6,021,500
  • South Dakota: $3,561,000

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Manufacturing USA White House Summit and 2022 Highlights Report

The White House convened a Manufacturing USA leadership summit on October 24 with directors of all 16 Manufacturing USA institutes, Administration officials, and federal agency leaders. Institute directors discussed the role the Manufacturing USA institutes play in advancing American manufacturing. 

During the White House summit, the Manufacturing USA 2022 Highlights Report was released. The report showcases the manufacturing technology and workforce development innovations underway at the Manufacturing USA institutes, which are delivering value for manufacturers and the American public. In FY 2021, the institutes collectively: worked with over 2,300 member organizations; conducted 708 major research and development projects; engaged more than 90,000 students, workers and teachers in advanced manufacturing workforce development and training; and leveraged $127 million in base federal funds to attract $354 million in funds from state, federal and pandemic funds, and private funds.

 

Events


NIST Webinar: The History & Future of the PSCR Drone Program

NIST’s Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) Division is hosting the “History & Future of the PSCR Drone Program” webinar on November 17, 2022 at 11 a.m. MT. During the webinar, PSCR’s Terese Manley and Don Harriss will discuss the history and impacts of the uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), aka drone, prize challenge program to date. Additionally, the team will provide updates on the current UAS Indoor Challenge and discuss the future of the PSCR drone program. More information and webinar registration is available here.