NIST Launches Funding Opportunity for COVID-19 Response Efforts; Wilbur Ross Quoted

 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has unveiled a funding opportunity to back rapid initiatives that will assist U.S. response efforts against COVID-19.

NIST said Tuesday it envisions projects that cover technology road-mapping for pandemic response and recovery activities, equipment, supplies, additional production facilities, supply chain sustainment, the creation of conventional drugs as well as medical and non-medical countermeasures.

Applicants may also submit proposals in workforce development and training efforts for production personnel.

Funds for the program will be provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security act. Member institutes from the Manufacturing USA network are eligible to participate in the funding opportunity.

“These grants will be awarded with speed and agility, as the Department of Commerce aims to work at the ‘speed of business’ to meet this unprecedented health challenge,” said Wilbur Ross, secretary at the Department of Commerce.

Manufacturing USA is composed of 14 national manufacturing institutes and aims to foster collaborative activities with the private and academic sectors on research, development and production skills training.