NTIA Opens Applications for $140M Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund
Eligible applicants: forprofits, nonprofits, higher education institutions. Applications are due: June 2, 2023
Opportunity: Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program – Expanding Testing and Evaluation
Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (the program is now open to applications)
Overview and Eligible Uses: This NOFO is part of NTIA's Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund (Innovation Fund) series, aimed at accelerating the development, deployment, and adoption of open and interoperable 5G radio access networks (RAN) through a competitive grant program. This funding opportunity covers two specific research focus areas that applicants can apply for:
T&E Activities and Testing Methods R&D. T&E Activities will use existing industry-accepted tests and best practices to test and evaluate interoperability, performance, and security of open 5G radio access networks. Testing Methods R&D projects will focus on addressing gaps not currently met by industry-accepted tests. Applicants can apply for grants for one or both focus areas. NTIA is looking for proposals to expand industry-accepted T&E, making it more accessible and affordable to lower barriers of entry for new entities.
Specific Research Focus Area 2: Testing Methods R&D NTIA will fund projects that develop new and enhanced testing methods for open and interoperable, standards-based 5G radio access networks. These projects will address gaps not currently met by industry-accepted tests and best practices, focusing on performance indicators, test criteria, cybersecurity testing, and innovative solutions. Examples of testing methods R&D include energy and spectrum efficiency indicators, enhanced test criteria, new cybersecurity testing methods, and virtualized testing environments. Applicants can propose one or more topics and must demonstrate a clear strategy for facilitating industry adoption of the developed methods.
CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 provided critical appropriations for the Innovation Fund, investing $1.5 billion over 10 years to accelerate the development and deployment of open and interoperable, standards-based Radio Access Network (RAN).
Amount: $140.5M in federal funding, with awards ranging from $250K to $50M.
Award Type: Competitive grant
Eligible Applicants: for-profit companies, non-profit companies, institutions of higher education, industry groups, and consortia including two or more such entities.
Key Dates: Applications are due on June 2, 2023
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