NIST Launches $20 Million Pilot for 3D-Printed Airplane Parts
Published Date: 5/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is launching a fun new pilot program to help small and medium manufacturers speed up using cool tech like 3D printing for airplane parts and building a strong U.S. supply chain for important minerals. This program will give about $20 million over two years to existing MEP centers to lead the way. If you’re in manufacturing or tech, get ready to team up and apply soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
$20M Per Pilot over 2 Years
NIST expects to commit approximately $20,000,000 per pilot project over a 2-year period, using funds appropriated in 2025 and 2026. The funding will support the pilot projects run by selected MEP center awardees.
Two Focus Areas: Additive & Minerals
The pilot program will focus on two topics: (1) additive manufacturing for aerospace components, and (2) accelerating establishment of a domestic critical minerals supply chain. Applicants should align proposals to one of these topics.
Shared Tech Frameworks to Help SMMs
Applicants are expected to develop and validate shared technology frameworks that help small- and medium-sized manufacturers establish capabilities for future production, accelerate acceptance of advanced manufacturing methods, and reduce barriers to entry into new markets.
Only Current MEP Centers Eligible
The competition will be open only to current MEP Center primary awardees and to consortiums of current MEP Center primary awardees. Potential applicants should be existing MEP centers or consortia that include them.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10947 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; iEdison System
The Department of Commerce wants your thoughts on how they collect invention info through the iEdison system, which helps track inventions made with federal research money. If you’re a researcher or organization with federally funded inventions, this affects you! They’re asking for comments by August 3, 2026, to keep the process smooth and avoid extra paperwork or costs.
2026-10779 — NIST Artificial Intelligence Consortium
NIST is renaming its AI Safety Institute Consortium to the NIST Artificial Intelligence Consortium and expanding its research goals. They’re inviting organizations like companies, universities, and nonprofits to join and help create smart, reliable ways to measure and improve AI. If you want in, send your interest soon—this is a big chance to shape the future of AI with no cost to join!
2026-10528 — Food Nutrition and Safety (FNS) Measurements and Methods Consortium
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is launching a new Food Nutrition and Safety Consortium starting August 25, 2026. This group will help improve how we test food for quality and safety by bringing together experts to create better measurement methods and standards. If you work with food testing, you can join by sending a letter of interest and signing an agreement with NIST.
2026-10515 — Manufacturing USA Institute Competition: Technology Transition Roadmaps
NIST is launching a competition for Manufacturing USA Institutes to create clear plans that help new manufacturing technologies move from testing to real-world use. This effort aims to boost U.S. industry by identifying what’s needed to grow these technologies and attract private investment. If you’re part of these institutes, get ready to team up and submit your ideas soon!
2026-06419 — Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award
The Board of Overseers for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is meeting virtually on June 11, 2026, to review and improve the Award program. This affects organizations aiming for top-quality performance in areas like business, education, and health. The meeting is open to the public and focuses on updates, ethics, and new ideas—no costs or deadlines for participants yet, but big improvements could be coming!
2026-05389 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; CHIPS Workforce Solution Participant Data Collection
The Department of Commerce is asking for public feedback on a new data collection for the CHIPS Workforce Solution program, which helps track how semiconductor companies use workforce funding. This affects companies receiving CHIPS funds and aims to make reporting easier while ensuring the government gets useful info. Comments are open until May 18, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10104 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request on Pre-Filing Registration for Elective Payment and Transfer Elections
The IRS wants your thoughts on a new form that people and businesses must fill out before making special payment or transfer choices on their taxes. This helps the IRS keep things clear and organized, but they want to make sure it’s not too much work for you. If you have ideas or concerns, send them in by July 20, 2026—your feedback could save time and hassle down the road!
Next: 2026-10106 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Port of San Francisco Mission Bay Ferry Landing Project in San Francisco Bay, California
The Port of San Francisco got permission to do construction for the Mission Bay Ferry Landing in San Francisco Bay, which might bother some marine mammals nearby. This approval lasts for one year starting May 14, 2026, and includes rules to keep harm to animals as low as possible. The project helps improve ferry service but must carefully protect local sea life during work.