Funder: National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
Due Dates: April 16, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET, Grants.gov)
Funding Amounts: Up to $450M total; $24M–$50M per project (Industry Verticals) | $9M–$18M per project (Integration Automation); 18–36 or 12–18 month project periods
Summary: Supports software solutions to accelerate Open RAN adoption, create new revenue streams, and reduce multi-vendor integration complexity in wireless networks.
Key Information: Mandatory cost share: 30% (Industry Verticals) or 20% (Integration Automation); limited submissions per applicant; strong partnership requirements.
Description
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is offering a major funding opportunity under the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund to support the development, deployment, and adoption of open and interoperable radio access networks (Open RAN). This third Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) focuses on software solutions in two areas:
- Industry Vertical Solutions (SRFA 1): Software leveraging Open RAN data/interfaces to deliver value (e.g., energy efficiency, cost savings, productivity) for specific industry sectors (e.g., utilities, manufacturing, mining, unmanned aviation).
- Integration Automation Solutions (SRFA 2): Software that automates and simplifies the integration of multi-vendor Open RAN components, reducing cost and complexity.
The program aims to expand market opportunities for suppliers and operators, facilitate Open RAN adoption, and strengthen the U.S. wireless supply chain.
Due Dates
- Application Deadline: April 16, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
- Submission: All applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov. No paper, email, or fax submissions will be accepted.
Funding Amount
- Total Available: Up to $450,000,000 under this NOFO.
- Award Size:
- SRFA 1 (Industry Verticals): $24,000,000–$50,000,000 per project.
- SRFA 2 (Integration Automation): $9,000,000–$18,000,000 per project.
- Project Duration:
- SRFA 1: 18–36 months.
- SRFA 2: 12–18 months.
- Cost Share:
- SRFA 1: Minimum 30% of total project cost (cash or in-kind).
- SRFA 2: Minimum 20% of total project cost (cash or in-kind).
- Statutory Limit: No more than $50,000,000 in federal funding per project.
Eligibility
Eligibility varies by research focus area (SRFA):
SRFA 1: Industry Vertical Solutions
- Any entity capable of developing, integrating, and commercially selling/deploying software solutions leveraging Open RAN data/features for industry verticals.
- Partnership required: Must partner with at least one entity to collectively fulfill software, vertical, and network functions.
- Either the applicant or at least one partner must have Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) in the U.S., its territories, or possessions.
- Maximum of three applications per applicant (one project per application).
SRFA 2: Integration Automation Solutions
- Any entity capable of developing and commercially selling/deploying integration automation prototypes.
- Partnership required: Must partner with at least three different RAN suppliers.
- Either the applicant or at least one partner must have UBO in the U.S., its territories, or possessions.
- Maximum of one application per applicant (one project).
Ineligible Entities: Entities owned/controlled by foreign entities of concern, those on certain U.S. government exclusion lists, or those providing covered equipment/services as defined by the FCC.
Application Process
- Register: Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and register with SAM.gov.
- Prepare Application: Complete all required forms and documents, including:
- SF-424, SF-424A, SF-328, Budget Narrative & Justification, Technical Proposal, Work Plan, Commercial Transition Plan, Product Security & Cybersecurity Management Plan, Letters of Partnership Intent, Resumes of Key Personnel, and other required attachments.
- Use the NTIA budget template.
- Submit: Upload the complete application package to Grants.gov by the deadline.
- Review: Applications undergo administrative, merit, and programmatic review. High-scoring applications may receive a 5% bonus if 40%+ of federal funding is allocated to small businesses.
Note: Each application may only address one SRFA and one project. Separate applications are required for each SRFA or project.
Additional Information
- Technical Maturity: Projects must begin with defined functional requirements and exit with a working prototype tested for functionality, effectiveness, and commercial viability.
- Partnerships: Strong, documented partnerships are required. Letters of Partnership Intent must be signed by all partners and detail roles, resources, and commitment.
- Security: All projects must integrate cybersecurity best practices and submit a Product Security and Cybersecurity Management Plan.
- Reporting: Awardees must comply with semiannual reporting, financial, and closeout requirements.
- Restrictions: No profit/fee allowed; no use of funds for union organizing, untrusted vendors, or as loan collateral; no pre-application expenses.
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