Wrestling with Teaming for NAPMP NOFO #2? Look to MEC Hubs

Microelectronics Commons (MEC) members present a rich lode of resources—and are eager for work!

Funded by the CHIPS and Science Act, the Microelectronics Commons (MEC) program is a network of eight regional technology Hubs on a shared mission: to expand the nation’s global leadership in microelectronics. MEC is accelerating domestic prototyping and growing a pipeline of U.S.-based semiconductor talent.

The MEC Annual Meeting this week delivered some disappointing news for the MEC Hubs: a potential one-year delay of the next call for projects (CFP) that leads to funding—but it could spell good news for companies pursuing the CHIPS National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program’s (NAPMP) second Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

The MEC gathering in Washington, D.C. provided a packed agenda, with each of the eight Hubs showcasing progress towards workforce development (WFD) and sustainability of operations. Springboarding off their initial project funding, the Hubs’ progress was substantial across the boards. Each had also responded in spades to MEC’s July call for topics (CFT), the precursor to the [now delayed] CFP.

With total combined topics numbering in the hundreds, that leaves a mountain of innovative projects without a funding home—and highly talented teams of engineers and scientists eager to potentially support your NAPMP effort. More than ever, it makes sense to investigate the Hubs’ agendas and memberships for prospective teaming partners on NAPMP—and join up.

Here are links to the eight Hubs and their activities:

Especially noteworthy, the NEMC Hub has scheduled a webinar, NEMC Hub NAPMP NOFO Deep Dive, next Monday, November 4^th, 2024, which will dissect key elements of the NOFO, as well as offer partnering recommendations.

As everyone is aware, the NAPMP Concept Papers are due December 20^th. As noted at the NAPMP Proposers’ Day, large teams are anticipated, and the MEC Hubs can help fill critical gaps in your teaming strategy, whether technical or non-technical plans, which include education and workforce development (EWD)—and broader impacts, which include support for other R&D programs, creating inclusive opportunities, environmental responsibility, and community impact and support.

We can help. Founded in 2003, Lohfeld Consulting is a premier capture and proposal services consulting firm focused exclusively on government markets. We’ve provided Strength-Based Winning ® grant-writing, proposal, capture, and training to 2,500+ companies. Most recently, we’ve supported 550+ proposals for our top 20 clients, winning more than $135B for them. 

To date, our grants team has:

• Supported a large client on NAPMP NOFO #1 (concept paper selected, awaiting notification on the full proposal);

• For Microelectronics Commons (MEC), supported Arizona State University’s (ASU’s) winning Southwest Advanced Prototyping (SWAP) Hub bid, followed by the SWAP Hub’s first 15 projects, producing five wins in the first call for projects (CFP) earlier this year;

• Worked with two large clients on CHIPS Commercial Fabrication Facilities NOFOs, supporting all phases of this multibillion-dollar initiative’s complex mix of environmental, workforce development, and childcare requirements (one announced winner, one awaiting notification).

By Ray Capece, Complex Technology Grants Services, Scientific and Technical Lead

Lohfeld Consulting Group has proven results specializing in helping companies create winning captures and proposals. As the premier capture and proposal services consulting firm focused exclusively on government markets, we provide expert assistance to government contractors in Capture Planning and Strategy, Proposal Management and Writing, Capture and Proposal Process and Infrastructure, and Training. In the last 3 years, we’ve supported over 550 proposals winning more than $170B for our clients—including the Top 10 government contractors. Lohfeld Consulting Group is your “go-to” capture and proposal source! Start winning by contacting us at www.lohfeldconsulting.com and join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube^(TM).

Lohfeld Consulting

See Full Bio