Notice of Funding Opportunity for State Grants to Support Federal CHIPS and Science Program Applications

NOFO No. 2025-STRAT-01

The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFOs”) for State Grants to Support Federal CHIPS and Science Program Applications, (NOFO No. 2025-STRAT-01) for companies, institutions, organizations, and coalitions (“Respondents”) that are applying to federal NOFOs stemming from the United States (“U.S.”) CHIPS and Science Act that are administered by the United States Department of Commerce (“USDOC”), the United States Department of Energy (“USDOE”), the United State Department of Defense (“USDOD”), and the National Science Foundation (“NSF”), and are seeking a state capital grant award as part of the offer of a “qualified covered state incentive”, “cost share”, or “co-investment” that must be included in an application for federal funding. Funding for state grant awards in support of federal CHIPS and Science Act program applications will be made available primarily through annual bond allocations given to MassTech for capital expenditures.

MassTech is working with the Executive Office of Economic Development and the Federal Funds & Infrastructure Office (“FFIO”) within the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (“A&F”) to offer state grants in of support a federal CHIPS and Science Act program applications by companies, institutions, organizations, and coalitions.  MassTech’s Strategic Investment and Business Operations team is leading this notice of funding opportunity and working in collaboration with the agency’s John Adams Innovation Institute, Center for Advanced Manufacturing, and others as applicable.

The MassTech Collaborative is issuing this notice of funding opportunity in order to help Massachusetts-based companies, institutions, organizations, and coalitions achieve their goals of securing federal CHIPS and Science Act funding as part of their plans to expand innovation, technology development, and manufacturing in the Commonwealth while supporting federal economic and national security objectives.

Proposals led by Massachusetts-based entities or coalitions that either:

• create new, expand, or modernize capability or capacity of microelectronics production facilities, lifecycle processes such as packaging, test and integration, supply chain (e.g. materials) and equipment producers; and/or
• support technology and innovation use-inspired research, development, and commercialization of key technologies identified in the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act: artificial intelligence, high-performance computing & semiconductors, quantum science and technology, advanced manufacturing, disaster prevention, advanced communications technology, cybersecurity, biotechnology, advanced energy technology & efficiency, material science; and/or
• address societal, national, and geostrategic challenges identified in the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act: bolstering U.S. national security, mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability, strengthening U.S. manufacturing and industrial productivity, addressing inequitable access to education, opportunity, and services; and closing skills gaps in the workforce;

and that meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the NOFO will be considered.

MA-based entities playing a significant role in federal proposals led by non-MA-based entities, but are addressing the criteria above, are also eligible; however, priority will be given to MA-led proposals and proposals that create the most benefit for the Commonwealth.

Desired outcomes and direct impact within the Commonwealth based on grant awards in support of federal CHIPS and Science Program applications include but are not limited to:

• leveraging federal, private, and/or other public funding for projects
• growth in economic opportunity across all regions of the Commonwealth;
• leveraging, or strengthening, the existing research, technology development, and innovation ecosystem through partnerships;
• translating or commercializing research and intellectual property (IP) to create economic opportunity and impact through the formation of new companies or corporate partnerships
• expanded and equitable employment of diverse talent and workforce;
• deeper connections and collaborations with talent, education, and skills partners;
  • increase STEM engagement across the education and workforce development pipeline;
• increased customer base or revenue for companies through increased production volume or new products and services;
• establishment of more resilient and interconnected regional supply chains that include MA-based small/medium manufacturers; helping to create more sustainable manufacturing processes to reduce environmental impact

Full details included in the Solicitation below.

Download Application Documents:

• Download NOFO No. 2024-STRAT-01 (PDF) amended 11/19/24
• Attachment A - Authorized Respondent's Signature (PDF)
• Attachment B - Grant Budget Template (Excel) amended 11/19/24
• Download Questions & Answers Document: TBD