The US CHIPS Act
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The US CHIPS Act
Follow the latest news affecting the optics and photonics industry.
Get Involved
The US CHIPS Act
This page is no longer being updated. Visit www.nist.gov/chips up-to-date information, or contact USCHIPS@optica.org, askchips@chips.gov or apply@chips.gov to learn more.
(Last updated: 16 August 2023)
About the US CHIPS Act
The US Chips and Science Act was passed into law in August 2022 as a plan to invest in America, stimulate private sector investment, create good-paying jobs, make more semiconductors in the United States, and revitalize communities.
The Act provides spending guidance on US$ 278 billion for semiconductor incentives, workforce development and science and technology research across a huge swath of new and existing federal programs. US$ 54.2 billion of this total is actual spending largely focused on the semiconductor ecosystem, whereas the remainder is only authorized to be spent if Congress grants permission and covers a far broader R&D portfolio.
The CHIPS program is implemented by the CHIPS Program Office, responsible for manufacturing incentives, and the CHIPS Research and Development (R&D) Office, responsible for R&D programs. Both offices sit within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the Department of Commerce.
NIST promotes US innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. NIST is uniquely positioned to successfully administer the CHIPS act because of the bureau’s strong relationships with US industries, its deep understanding of the semiconductor ecosystem, and its reputation as fair and trusted.
According to NIST, "The CHIPS program is a marathon, not a sprint.” There are and will continue to be many opportunities for the optics and photonics community to shape, participate in and benefit from the new semiconductor incentive programs.
Visit www.nist.gov/chips to learn more.
For questions about the US CHIPS Act, contact USCHIPS@optica.org, askchips@chips.gov or apply@chips.gov.
Open and Upcoming Calls
Submit a statement of interest to the CHIPS Program Office
All companies—including suppliers—are encouraged to submit a statement now, as this will help the CHIPS Program Office gauge interest in the program and plan for application review.
Unique Entity Identification (UEI) Application
Any potential applicants for funding should register UEI a if they do not already have one as soon as possible per NIST’s recommendation
For leading-edge commercial facilities
Both pre-applications (optional) and full applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.
For current-generation and mature-node commercial facilities
Both pre-applications (optional) and full applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.
For larger materials and manufacturing equipment supplier facility projects with capital investments equal to or exceeding $300 million
Pre-applications (optional but recommended) will be accepted on a rolling basis starting September 1, 2023, and full applications will be accepted on a rolling basis starting October 23, 2023.
For supplier projects below the $300 million threshold
The Commerce Department plans to release an additional funding opportunity in Fall 2023 with a tailored application that smaller business can navigate
Recompete Pilot Program Funding Opportunity
EDA is now accepting applications for the new $200 million Recompete Pilot Program. The program targets areas where prime-age (25-54 years) employment significantly trails the national average and will be rolled out in two phases.
Click Here to Read the Phase 1 Notice of Funding Opportunity. The Phase 1 NOFO deadline is October 5, 2023.
Informational Webinars by EDA will be on July 7 and July 11, 2023, about the Recompete Pilot Program. To register, click on the date of the webinar you would like to attend: July 7th at 12:00 pm EDT and July 11th at 4:30 pm EDT.
Past Calls
- Call from the Department of Commerce seeking public input on the guardrails included in the CHIPS Incentives Program
- Notice of proposed rulemaking for the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (CHIPS ITC) established by the CHIPS Act of 2022
- Notice of Funding Opportunity for commercial leading-edge, current, and mature node fabrication facilities
- Commerce Department Seeks Public Input on New Recompete Pilot Program
For Potential Applicants (inside or outside the US)
CHIPS funds must be used for facilities built in the United States and cannot support facilities being constructed or operated abroad. Domestic companies and foreign companies (except those that are a “foreign entity of concern”) that seek to use CHIPS funds for qualifying investments in the United States can be eligible. The Department encourages potential applicants to consider forming collaborations with suppliers, customers, investors, state, local, or tribal governments, or other relevant entities as appropriate.
Awards and loans will be made on a rolling basis as soon as applications can be responsibly processed, evaluated and negotiated.
Be An Advocate
Write to your representatives to communicate how the CHIPS incentives can benefit your organization, community, state, and the US. Reach out by phone and/or email–it does actually make a difference! You can find your representatives at all levels of government using the resources provided at USA.gov and a third-party provider.
Official Resources
