Precision Measurement Grant Program
🏛 National Institute of Standards and Technology
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and organizations seeking to advance precision measurement science and technology. Eligible applicants typically include academic institutions, research organizations, small businesses, and consortia capable of conducting high-quality research in measurement science, quantum standards, atomic spectroscopy, or related precision metrology fields. The program supports fundamental and applied research that improves measurement capabilities and standards. Applicants must demonstrate research capacity and institutional infrastructure. Geographic scope is United States. The program particularly supports work that advances NIST's mission in precision measurement and contributes to U.S. competitiveness in advanced technologies and scientific instrumentation.
This grant is for researchers and organizations seeking to advance precision measurement science and technology. Eligible applicants typically include academic institutions, research organizations, small businesses, and consortia capable of conducting high-quality research in measurement science, quantum standards, atomic spectroscopy, or related precision metrology fields. The program supports fundamental and applied research that improves measurement capabilities and standards. Applicants must demonstrate research capacity and institutional infrastructure. Geographic scope is United States. The program particularly supports work that advances NIST's mission in precision measurement and contributes to U.S. competitiveness in advanced technologies and scientific instrumentation.
Program description
The Precision Measurement Grant Program (PMGP) is seeking applications from eligible applicants for activities to conduct research work in the field of fundamental measurement, testing the basic laws of physics, and/or the determination of fundamental constants, with emphasis on pressing problems or emerging opportunities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for researchers and organizations seeking to advance precision measurement science and technology. Eligible applicants typically include academic institutions, research organizations, small businesses, and consortia capable of conducting high-quality research in measurement science, quantum standards, atomic spectroscopy, or related precision metrology fields. The program supports fundamental and applied research that improves measurement capabilities and standards. Applicants must demonstrate research capacity and institutional infrastructure. Geographic scope is United States. The program particularly supports work that advances NIST's mission in precision measurement and contributes to U.S. competitiveness in advanced technologies and scientific instrumentation.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement (Project Narrative and Research Plan)
- Detailed project narrative with objectives, methodology, and timeline
- Budget narrative and budget justification forms
- Curriculum vitae or biographical sketches of key personnel
- Institutional support letter and overhead/F&A rate agreement
- Letters of commitment from partners or collaborating institutions (if applicable)
- Preliminary results and data supporting feasibility
- NIST-required forms (specific to precision measurement track, if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Karla Villalobos Grantor
- 📧 grants@nist.gov
- 📞 301-975-8817
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 11.053 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 11.053). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $300,000 | |
| 2025 | $300,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $300,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the Precision Measurement Grant Program?
Academic institutions, research organizations, small businesses, and eligible consortia can apply. Applicants must have research capacity and capability to conduct rigorous measurement science research.
What is the typical deadline?
NIST precision measurement grants typically have fixed deadlines in spring (commonly June), with application windows opening several months prior. Check Grants.gov for the exact deadline for this funding cycle.
What types of research activities are supported?
The program supports fundamental and applied research in precision measurement, quantum standards, atomic spectroscopy, dimensional metrology, and related fields that advance measurement science and technology.
How competitive is this funding?
NIST research grants are highly competitive. Success rates typically range from 10–25% depending on the program area. Applicants should have strong preliminary data, clear research objectives, and demonstrated expertise.
What is the typical funding range?
NIST precision measurement grants typically award $150,000 to $500,000+ per project, though amounts vary by research scope and program priorities. Check the NIST announcement for specific guidance on budget limits.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with NIST's published research priorities and align your proposal to their strategic goals in quantum science, advanced manufacturing, or cybersecurity-related measurement needs.
- Include preliminary results and pilot data demonstrating feasibility; reviewers expect evidence that your team can execute the proposed work.
- Clearly articulate the impact on measurement science and practical applications—explain how improved measurement capabilities benefit industry, science, or public health.
- Build partnerships with complementary institutions or industry; collaborative proposals often score well and demonstrate broader relevance.
- Allow substantial time for institutional approvals, cost-share verification, and NIST-specific compliance requirements; rushing the final submission often results in incomplete applications.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Many proposals fail because they lack clear connection to NIST's strategic measurement science priorities or focus too heavily on theoretical work without practical applications. Applications that underestimate the work required, lack institutional support letters, or have unrealistic budgets are frequently rejected. Weak preliminary data or failure to demonstrate team expertise in precision measurement also commonly results in low scores.
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