Nate Dimelfi
Nate Dimelfi is a Senior Research Analyst in McAllister & Quinn’s Advanced Technology practice, providing analytical and organizational support to projects and clients. Nate also leads the Emerging and Critical Technologies Working Group, fostering collaboration and thought leadership on cutting-edge technology trends.
CHIPS Research and Development Office (CRDO) Broad Agency Announcement as Office Reopens
On November 20, 2025, following the end of the government shutdown, the United States Department of Commerce and the National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) hosted a virtual webinar through the CHIPS Research & Development Office (CRDO). The webinar discussed CRDO’s Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) that was released on September 24, 2025.
On April 20th, 2026, the CRDO released an amendment to the BAA solicitation, introducing a new venture capital-styled “investment fund” mechanism under this announcement. See below for additional details.
The BAA consolidated the CHIPS R&D programs under a single solicitation, and broadened the scope of eligible R&D investment through six general priority areas:
-
Semiconductors
-
Application for Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Advanced Microelectronics
-
Application of Quantum Technology for Advanced Microelectronics
-
Application of Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Technology for Advanced Microelectronics
-
Commercialization of Innovations
-
Standards Development
The application process for this Semiconductor Research and Development funding opportunity for comes in two stages:
(1) A Preliminary White Paper, followed by two invitation-only pathways:
(2a) An =“R&D Project Pre-Negotiation Package,” or (2b) a NEW “Investment Fund Path Application.”
R&D Project Pre-Negotiation funding awards made through this BAA will come as an Other Transaction (OT) agreement contract vehicle and will be a minimum of $10 million with no cost sharing or matching required. Domestic non-profit organizations, accredited institutions of higher education, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and Federal entities are all eligible to apply for funding through this opportunity.
Under the April 20th amendment to this BAA, the new Investment Fund Path enables the CRDO to make investments into companies, rather than specific R&D projects, in a similar mechanism to venture capital groups. Applicants will still be required to submit an initial white paper to this BAA to be eligible for investment funding, however CRDO will make final determinations based on internal assessments of the company’s current trajectory, and the potential its R&D and prototyping work could have on the semiconductor industry if successfully commercialized. Invited applicants will then be directed to submit a full, competitive application under this pathway.
Looking to Make a Good First Impression with Your White Paper?
With applications due on a rolling basis through September 30, 2029, it’s critical that interested applicants submit their initial white paper as soon as possible as applications are considered on a first-come-first-serve basis. With a winning track record of submitting to CHIPS, McAllister and Quinn stands ready to assist with its expertise and full suite of proposal development services. Contact us today for a free consultation.
