Proposals Requested for $45 Million Pilot Institute for Additive Manufacturing

Three federal agencies (Departments of Commerce, Defense and Energy) are accepting applications for the establishment of a $45 million pilot Institute for Additive Manufacturing. The federal agencies intend for the Institute for Additive Manufacturing to accelerate research, development and demonstration in additive manufacturing and transition technology to manufacturing enterprises within the United States. It will serve as a proof-of-concept for the potential subsequent institutes in the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) — a network composed of up to fifteen institutes for manufacturing innovation around the country, each serving as a hub of manufacturing excellence in a specific research area.

The primary applicant must be an institution of higher education or a nonprofit organization. However, applicants should collaborate with industry partners and other key stakeholders in the establishment of the institute. The federal agencies also strongly desire a cost sharing (including in-kind such as equipment, facilities and manpower) of 50% recipient and 50% government. State and local funding (not originating from federal funds) will be considered, as well as private sector investment. Interested organizations should submit their proposals by June 14, 2012.