Precision Measurement Grant Program

The Precision Measurement Grant Program (PMGP) is a funding opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This grant program was established in 1970 to support fundamental research in measurement science, including the testing of physical laws and the determination of fundamental constants. It aims to enable faculty at universities, colleges, and research laboratories to conduct significant projects in this area, while also fostering collaboration with NIST scientists. The PMGP provides funding for projects that align with NIST’s ongoing research efforts in developing new or improved fundamental measurement methods, testing the basic laws of physics, or refining fundamental constants. Eligible projects should address pressing problems or emerging opportunities in measurement science. The program offers some latitude in research topics, provided they support the advancement of measurement standards or contribute to the fundamental understanding of physics. Applicants eligible for this funding opportunity include accredited institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations incorporated in the United States, state and local governments, territorial and Indian Tribal governments, as well as foreign public entities and organizations. However, federal entities are not eligible for funding, although they may participate as unfunded collaborators. Individuals and unincorporated sole proprietors do not qualify as eligible applicants under this NOFO. NIST anticipates making one award under this funding opportunity, with a maximum annual funding of $50,000 for a period of up to three years, totaling a potential maximum award of $150,000. There is no cost-share or matching requirement for applicants. The awarded funding may be provided through either a grant or cooperative agreement, with NIST playing a collaborative role in project execution under a cooperative agreement. T