Measurement Science and Engineering (MSE) Research Grant Programs
🏛 National Institute of Standards and Technology
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and research institutions seeking to advance measurement science and engineering through fundamental and applied research. Typically eligible applicants include universities (including HBCUs and HSIs), research institutions, federal laboratories, and small businesses engaged in scientific research. The program supports research that develops new measurement methods, standards, or technologies with broad applicability across industries. Activities include basic research, applied research, and development of measurement standards and calibration services. Geographic scope is national, and the program prioritizes projects that address industry needs and have potential for commercialization or public benefit.
Program description
To support activities that develop, expand, strengthen, or sustain NIST partnership programs and/or support the conduct of research or a recipient’s portion of collaborative research in a variety of areas including, but not limited to: Metrology; Standards; Nanotechnology; Artificial Intelligence; Advanced Communications; Advanced Manufacturing; Promotion of U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness; Measurements in Sciences; Neutron Research; and enhancing coordination of the U.S. Standards System with government and private sector organizations.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) and related R&R forms (PD-424, R&R Budget Form)
- Project narrative (typically 15 pages maximum), including technical approach, goals, and significance
- Detailed budget and budget justification
- Biographical sketches or resumes of key personnel (2-page limit per person, typically)
- Letters of support or commitment from collaborators or partner institutions
- Current and pending support documentation
- Facilities and equipment description (if applicable)
- Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest
- Data management plan or statement on research data sharing
Program contact
- 👤 Misty L Roosa Management Analyst
- 📧 nofo@nist.gov
- 📞 301-975-3007
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 11.619 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$83,000,000
-
$70,000,000
-
$70,000,000
-
$11,116,421
-
$4,982,299
-
$4,974,630
-
$4,895,709
-
$4,729,691
-
$4,638,882
-
$4,075,202
Top States by Funding
- DE 3 awards $223.0M
- NY 5 awards $14.8M
- MA 1 awards $11.1M
- PA 4 awards $8.5M
- CA 3 awards $5.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 11.619). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $25,145,550 | |
| 2025 | $36,915,682 | |
| 2026 est. | $36,640,800 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the MSE Research Grant?
Universities, colleges, research institutions, federal laboratories, small businesses, and other organizations conducting research in measurement science and engineering are typically eligible. Foreign entities may participate as subawardees but not as primary applicants.
What types of research projects are supported?
The program supports fundamental research, applied research, and development of measurement technologies, standards, calibration methods, and measurement systems that advance the field and have practical applications.
What is the typical funding range and project duration?
Typical grant awards range from $100,000 to $500,000+ for multi-year projects, though awards vary based on project scope. Project periods are typically 2-3 years.
How competitive is this grant program?
NIST research grants are highly competitive. Programs typically fund 10-20% of applications. Success requires strong preliminary data, clear innovation, and demonstrated capacity to execute the proposed work.
When are deadlines and how often can I apply?
This program operates on a rolling deadline basis, with submissions typically accepted year-round. Check the NIST website for specific annual deadlines and submission windows.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate clear innovation in measurement science or engineering. Focus on gaps in existing measurement capabilities and explain why current methods are insufficient. Reviewers want to see novel approaches or significant improvements over state-of-the-art.
- Include preliminary data and feasibility evidence. Even proof-of-concept results strengthen your proposal and show you've thought through technical challenges. NIST reviewers expect researchers to de-risk the project.
- Clearly articulate the impact and applications of your work. Connect your measurement research to real-world needs in industry, commerce, or public health. Explain how other researchers or practitioners will use your results.
- Build partnerships with industry or end-users when possible. Letters of support from companies or institutions that would benefit from your measurement technology strengthen competitiveness and demonstrate demand.
- Follow NIST's specific formatting and proposal guidelines carefully. Budget narratives must be detailed and justified. Use the required forms (SF-424, R&R) correctly, as administrative errors can lead to desk rejection or funding delays.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail because they lack a clear innovation story or overestimate what can be accomplished in the proposed timeline. Proposals may also underestimate the technical challenges of developing new measurement standards or fail to articulate realistic commercialization or adoption pathways. Weak applications frequently lack sufficient preliminary data, fail to engage potential end-users, or don't clearly explain why this work matters beyond academic interest. Finally, inadequate budget justification or poorly scoped work packages can signal a lack of project readiness.
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