CHIPS for America, administered through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is currently accepting applications for its reopened funding opportunity for domestic semiconductor manufacturing.

NIST amended the Facilities for Semiconductor Materials and Manufacturing Equipment notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) to accept concept plans through November 1, 2026 and eliminated the cost-share requirement. Award sizes are determined by the strength and impact of each project’s concept plan.

Program Eligibility

The CHIPS Incentives Program funds projects that strengthen the U.S. supply chain for semiconductor manufacturing, including funding for facilities that manufacture specialized equipment or produce materials used in manufacturing semiconductors. Manufacturers and suppliers with a direct role in the domestic semiconductor supply chain are eligible to apply. The Department of Commerce recommends this funding opportunity to planned projects investing over $20 million.

Application Process

This is a competitive federal program with a multi-stage application process:

  • The Concept Plan: Requires applicants to describe how their project addresses the program’s core economic and national security objectives. Concept plans are due November 1st, 2026.
  • Full Application: The Department of Commerce decides whether to invite a full application after reviewing the concept plan. If invited, the full application includes detailed sections on economic and national security alignment, commercial strategy, financial model, technical feasibility, and workforce and community investment plan.
  • Additional Requirements: Applicants also need to demonstrate a long-term workforce development strategy, show commercial viability, and make the case that the investment would not happen without CHIPS funding.

KE Andrews Grant-Writing Support

Our team supports companies through the entire incentive lifecycle, beginning with identifying the opportunity and building a competitive application. Our support continues through the award administration and program compliance, helping businesses to maximize incentives. With nearly 50 years of experience serving manufacturers, KE Andrews brings the tax, valuation, and incentives expertise needed to position a CHIPS Act application competitively, then manage the tax strategy around it.