URL: https://nnme.org/regional-node-rfp/
Objectives
This call from NNME in connection with SEMI Foundation solicits proposals from regional consortia (Regional Nodes) to accelerate, expand, and improve microelectronics talent development across the US. Selected Regional Nodes will serve as collaborative, place-based partnerships that coordinate education, workforce, and industry partners to launch, scale, and deliver high-quality education and training programs aligned with both local and national semiconductor talent needs.
Each Regional Node must be structured as an area-based consortium composed of partners who collectively reflect the educational, training, and workforce development capacity and can meet the workforce needs of the region. The Key Activities of each Regional Node are to:
- Design and deliver industry-aligned training programs that integrate cutting-edge technologies and track learner outcomes
- Develop strong regional partnerships among education, workforce, and industry to expand access and opportunity
- Build local workforce pipelines that connect education to high-demand semiconductor careers
- Facilitate work-based learning opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, and applied learning experiences
- Contribute to shared infrastructure that provides hands-on access to industry-standard tools and facilities
- Lead public outreach and awareness efforts to inspire future talent and strengthen community engagement
- Coordinate and leverage existing initiatives across federal, state, local, and industry partners to ensure national alignment and impact
More information about the Key Objectives and Activities for Regional Nodes are provided in the RFP.
Funding Information
$5 million to each Regional Node in the first year with initial one-year contracts extendable up to 5 years.
Eligibility
Lead organizations must be a public or non-profit entity that is U.S. based and will be considered the prime recipient of the award. For-profit entities may participate as consortium partners or subrecipients but are not eligible to serve as the lead applicant.
Lead organizations must be able to:
- Enter into sub-agreements with regional partners within a short time frame (i.e., days, not months)
- Maintain tracking and reporting abilities in accordance with the NNME Hub protocols
- Serve as the administrative and programmatic liaison between their organization and the NNME Hub Operator
- Ensure regional alignment pertaining to curriculum and training development, workforce recruitment, and coordinated outreach efforts
Each Node consortium must include one or more postsecondary institutions, regional/national employers, workforce development organizations, and one or more partners from the regional ecosystem including but not limited to K-12 schools, STEM-focused nonprofits, government agencies, professional associations, and community-based organizations, among others.
Lead organizations must identify a Regional Node Program Manager and any Senior/Key Personnel for their organization. The Program Manager may only be listed on one proposal, whereas Senior/Key Personnel may be included on multiple proposals.
Internal Selection Process
BU may submit one application as the Lead Organization.
Expressions of interest consisting of the following materials should be submitted via InfoReady Review by: 11/5/2025
- Personal and Contact Information
- Abstract explaining your interest in the program and the role you are interested in playing in a coordinated proposal. Please note any relevant industry or other connections you would bring to the proposal.
Expressions of interest will be reviewed by the Office of Research which will coordinate BU’s proposal as a Lead Organization.
Deadlines
Expression of Interest Due: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 by 11:59 pm ET
Full Proposal Due: Monday, December 22, 2025 by 11:59 pm ET