The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM) has published a report outlining the evaluation and renewal process for NIST-sponsored Manufacturing USA institutes. The report describes the performance standards developed by NIST following Manufacturing USA’s 2019 reauthorization, which allows NIST to renew institute support, subject to a “rigorous merit review.”
NIST-funded Manufacturing USA institutes may apply for renewal of their support after an initial five to seven-year cooperative agreement during which there is requirement of at least 1:1 cost match of non-federal co-investment to NIST support over the award performance period. The renewal decision relies on a comprehensive performance assessment that considers 16 NIST performance standards. These standards are based on institute performance goals derived from the strategic goals and statutory purposes of the Manufacturing USA program.
Additional assessment elements used for the renewal determination include:
- A written report submitted before the assessment by the institute detailing its performance in support of NIST’s performance standards;
- An assessment of the institute’s performance by an independent, external evaluation panel;
- An internal summary of the institute’s compliance with its current award conditions.
The NIST performance standards, along with associated institute performance indicators and outcome measures, were piloted for The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) renewal assessment. They will be re-evaluated and updated for future institute renewal assessments.
Citation: Manufacturing USA Institute Evaluation: Renewal Process and Performance Standards, Office of Advanced Manufacturing, National Institute of Standards and Technology, July 2021 https://www.manufacturingusa.com/reports/manufacturing-usa-institute-ev…
