Funder: National Science Foundation
Due Dates: Proposals accepted anytime
Funding Amounts: No specified ceiling; typical NSF awards range from 1–5 years and vary by project scope.
Summary: Supports fundamental research on digital integration and innovation in manufacturing systems for global competitiveness.
Key Information: Strongly encouraged to contact an MSI program director before submitting a proposal.
Description
The Manufacturing Systems Integration (MSI) program funds fundamental research that addresses the opportunities and challenges posed by digital technologies in manufacturing. The program emphasizes the digital integration of design and manufacturing within the broader product life cycle, aiming to advance globally competitive and world-leading industries.
Research topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Digital representation, protocols, and processes for integration and collaboration in manufacturing systems (involving machines and/or humans)
- Intelligent, self-organizing production systems
- Interoperability and seamless integration of technologies, machines, and humans
- Service-oriented architectures and systems
- Data sets compatible and usable across platforms
- Reliable and secure communications within and across the manufacturing value chain
- Integration of distributed manufacturing systems across time and space, including both legacy and cutting-edge equipment
- Methods for assessing the impact and value of externalities throughout the digital life cycle
The program welcomes interdisciplinary and convergent proposals that bring together diverse perspectives, disciplines, and capabilities.
Due Dates
- Proposals are accepted at any time; there are no fixed deadlines.
Funding Amount
- No explicit maximum or minimum award amount is specified.
- Award size and duration are determined by the scope of the proposed project; typical NSF research grants range from 1–5 years.
- No cost sharing or matching is required.
Eligibility
- Open to all categories of applicants, including:
- Academic institutions
- Nonprofit organizations
- For-profit organizations
- Government agencies
- Other research entities
- Proposals must align with the program’s focus on fundamental research in manufacturing systems integration.
Application Process
- Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).
- It is strongly encouraged and expected that investigators discuss their research ideas with an MSI program director well in advance of submission.
- Proposals are submitted electronically via NSF FastLane, Research.gov, or Grants.gov.
- All proposals must comply with the requirements of the current PAPPG and the specific program solicitation.
Additional Information
- Awards made on or after October 1, 2024, are subject to updated NSF award conditions in line with revised federal guidance.
- Interdisciplinary and convergent research is encouraged.
- Webinar recordings and program updates are available for prospective applicants.
- Investigators are responsible for ensuring their proposals meet all NSF requirements.
External Links
Contact Information
| Name | Email | Phone | Organization |
|---|
| Janis P. Terpenny | MSI@nsf.gov | (703) 292-2487 | ENG/CMMI (NSF) |
| NSF General Info | info@nsf.gov | 1-703-292-5111 | National Science Foundation |
For technical issues with Grants.gov: grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov