CHIPS R&D Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

The CHIPS R&D Broad Agency Announcement is the primary live channel for all CHIPS R&D funding from the $11 billion Section 9906 appropriation. Released September 24, 2025, the BAA accepts white papers on a rolling basis through September 30, 2029, reviewed "as soon as practicable after they are submitted." Minimum award is $10 million per project. NIST explicitly directs new applicants to pursue the BAA for "compelling research, prototyping, and commercial solutions" rather than expecting new topic-specific NOFOs. The BAA has two paths. Path 1 (R&D Project) requires a white paper evaluated on national/economic security contribution, scientific merit, feasibility, and commercial viability; shortlisted applicants receive an invitation for a pre-negotiation package. Path 2 (Investment Fund, launched April 20, 2026) is for companies suited to equity or equity-like capital — a novel instrument for a federal agency — and requires the same white paper gatekeeper before an Investment Fund application invitation.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.