Precision Measurement Grant Program

The Precision Measurement Grant Program (PMGP) is a funding initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under opportunity number 2026-NIST-PMGP-01. Established in 1970, the PMGP is designed to support groundbreaking research in fundamental measurement science, including the determination of fundamental constants and testing the basic laws of physics. By funding innovative and high-impact research, the program aims to strengthen extramural collaboration with NIST scientists and enable researchers to explore ideas that may be difficult to fund through other sources. The PMGP targets a specific scientific audience—researchers from accredited institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, as well as state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. Foreign public entities and foreign organizations are also eligible to apply. However, individuals and unincorporated sole proprietors are explicitly excluded. Federal agencies may participate as unfunded collaborators but cannot receive funding. Eligible applicants are expected to propose projects closely aligned with NIST's mission, particularly in developing or refining measurement methods, testing fundamental physical laws, or determining values of fundamental constants. The award structure is designed to support a single project with a maximum funding of $150,000, disbursed over a potential three-year performance period, in increments of up to $50,000 annually. Awards are provided either as grants or cooperative agreements, with NIST potentially collaborating in implementing the project scope for cooperative agreements. No cost-sharing or matching contributions are required, and indirect costs will be reimbursed in accordance with federal regulations. Construction costs, profits, or other above-cost increments are disallowed under this program. The application process follows a two-stage format. All applicants must first submit a Pre-Application (also referred to as an Abbreviated Application) through Grants.gov by April 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. These will undergo review by a panel of three to eight reviewers who are experts in the field, leading to the selection of finalists. Selected finalists will then be invited to submit Full Applications, due by June 22, 2026, also via Grants.gov. Full applications must include a variety of forms and narratives, such as a Project Narrative (up to 10 pages), detailed budget documents, CVs of key personnel, a Data Management Plan, and a Current and Pending Support Form. Evaluation of proposals is based on four equally weighted criteria: the importance of the research, its relationship to NIST's ongoing work, feasibility and potential impact within a three-year window, and the qualifications of the principal investigator and team. The final selection is made by the Chief of the Quantum Measurement Division of NIST’s Physical Measurement Laboratory, who may select proposals out of rank order based on funding availability and relevance. Notification of awards is expected by August 2026, with project start dates beginning as early as September 2026. Although there is no explicit statement about annual recurrence, the structured timeline and references to recurring review cycles suggest that the opportunity is likely issued annually. Questions about the technical or programmatic content can be directed to Dr. Peter Mohr at [email protected], and administrative questions may be addressed to Nuria Martinez at [email protected]. Full documentation and updates for this opportunity can be found on Grants.gov and the official NIST PMGP page.

Reviewers evaluate research importance, alignment with NIST work, feasibility, and PI qualifications. Follow all formatting and page limits strictly.