2026 Congressionally Identified Construction Grant Program

The Congressionally Identified Construction Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This funding opportunity is established under Public Law 119-74, the Commerce, Justice, Science and related appropriations legislation, and is designed to support specific construction projects that have been explicitly identified by Congress. The program operates as a non-competitive funding mechanism, meaning that only entities named in the Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the appropriations act are eligible to apply. The overarching intent of the program is to strengthen the scientific, technological, and educational infrastructure of the United States through targeted capital investments. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to enable the construction, expansion, or renovation of facilities that contribute to national capacity in research, education, and innovation. Funded projects are expected to align directly with the proposals originally submitted to Congressional offices and must adhere to the scope, objectives, and outcomes described in those submissions. These projects typically include research laboratories, academic facilities, and specialized infrastructure that enhance institutional capabilities. The program emphasizes tangible outcomes such as improved facilities, expanded research capacity, and long-term benefits to scientific advancement and workforce development. Funding under this program is substantial, with a total allocation exceeding $255 million distributed across specific projects identified in the legislation. Each award is capped at the amount designated for the individual recipient as listed in the Applicant Projects section of the notice. These amounts already reflect a one percent administrative reduction retained by NIST. There is no requirement for non-federal cost sharing or matching funds, which simplifies financial planning for recipients. Allowable costs include a wide range of construction-related expenses such as site work, demolition, architectural and engineering services, construction activities, equipment, and contingencies, all governed by federal cost principles. Eligibility for this opportunity is highly restricted. Only the entities explicitly named in the NOFO are permitted to apply, making this a closed, non-competitive process. As shown in the table on page 12, eligible recipients include institutions such as Hood College, Morgan State University, the University of Maine, and others, each paired with a specific project and funding amount. Because eligibility is predetermined, there is no open competition or general solicitation for additional applicants beyond those listed entities. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes several mandatory federal forms and supporting documentation. Applicants must complete standard forms such as the SF-424, SF-424C, and SF-424D, along with certifications related to lobbying activities. In addition, a comprehensive project narrative is required, detailing the project’s purpose, scope, impact, beneficiaries, and implementation plan. Supporting materials must include construction schedules, procurement methods, historic preservation considerations, and detailed budget justifications aligned with federal cost categories. Applicants must also address compliance requirements such as environmental and historic preservation regulations. Applications must be submitted by May 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, and are reviewed on a rolling basis for completeness, technical soundness, and alignment with the approved project scope. Because the awards are nondiscretionary, the review process focuses on ensuring that applications meet all administrative and technical requirements rather than comparing competing proposals. NIST anticipates processing applications by October 2026, with the earliest award start date expected in September 2026. Once awarded, projects are generally expected to be completed within a 36-month period, although extensions up to five years may be approved under special circumstances. Recipients are required to submit quarterly financial and performance reports and comply with federal audit and reporting standards. Program oversight includes monitoring for compliance with federal regulations, including anti-discrimination requirements and cost principles. Key contacts for the program include the Construction Grants Program Manager and the NIST Grants Officer, who provide guidance on technical and administrative aspects of the award process.

Ensure strict alignment with congressionally approved project scope; provide complete and technically sound documentation; include detailed construction timelines and cost justifications; ensure compliance with federal historic preservation and reporting requirements