NIST Standards Services Curricula Development Cooperative Agreement Program (SSCD CAP) | 2021 NIST SSCD CAP 01

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NIST Standards Services Curricula Development Cooperative Agreement Program (SSCD CAP)?

The NIST Standards Services Curricula Development Cooperative Agreement Program (SSCD CAP) is a funding opportunity from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that supports U.S. colleges and universities in building or expanding academic instruction focused on documentary standards and how standards are created and used.

What is the main goal of this program?

The main goal is to strengthen education around standards development and standardization by helping institutions design undergraduate and/or graduate curricula that incorporate standards-related content into seminars, course modules, full courses, and other learning resources.

What kinds of academic outputs does the program support?

The program supports the development or expansion of curricula and learning resources such as seminars, course modules, full courses, and other instructional materials that weave in standards-related content for undergraduate and/or graduate education.

What type of funding instrument is used for this opportunity?

This opportunity uses a cooperative agreement as the funding instrument type, meaning NIST is expected to have an active role in shaping or supporting the funded effort rather than the awardee operating entirely independently.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

Because it is a cooperative agreement, awardees are expected to work collaboratively with NIST. NIST may play an active role in supporting, guiding, or shaping parts of the project work, rather than the institution carrying out the project fully independently.

What does NIST mean by "standards" in this program?

In this program, "standards" refers specifically to documentary standards: written, consensus-based rules and guidance used repeatedly across industries and organizations.

What are examples of documentary standards covered by the program?

The notice describes documentary standards broadly and includes, for example: specifications for dimensions and materials; performance requirements; design or operational criteria; procedures and process definitions; test methods and sampling plans; terminology and symbols; labeling and marking requirements; packaging rules; quality and quantity measurement conventions; and formats for exchanging technical information.

What is the practical focus of documentary standards in this program?

The program is aimed at the kinds of standards used by engineers, manufacturers, laboratories, software developers, and management systems to support consistency, interoperability, safety, and quality.

Are metrological standards included in the scope of this opportunity?

No. The notice makes clear that metrological standards, such as physical measurement standards or standard reference materials, are outside the scope for purposes of this funding opportunity.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is centered on accredited institutions of higher education located in the United States or its territories.

Can a college or university apply as part of a team or consortium?

Yes. An eligible institution can apply on its own or structure the project as a team or consortium that includes subawards or contracts with partners such as nonprofits or commercial organizations.

Can nonprofits or commercial organizations be part of the project?

Yes. The notice states that a university or college may include partners such as nonprofits or commercial organizations through subawards or contracts as part of a team or consortium approach.

Can federal entities receive funding under this notice?

No. Federal entities cannot receive funding under this notice.

Can federal organizations still participate in some way?

Yes. Federal entities can contribute as unfunded collaborators, meaning they can participate and provide expertise without serving as the direct recipient of grant funds.

What is the opportunity number for this funding opportunity?

The opportunity number is 2021 NIST SSCD CAP 01.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on March 31, 2021.

What was the original closing date listed for this opportunity?

The original closing date was June 1, 2021.

What is the assistance listing or CFDA number associated with this program?

The program is identified under CFDA number 11.620.

What category of funding opportunity is this?

It is listed as a discretionary funding opportunity.

What subject area does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity falls under science and technology and other research and development.

Does the provided information include an award ceiling amount?

No. The source excerpt does not include an award ceiling amount; that would need to be confirmed in the full notice if required for planning or budgeting.

Does the provided information state the expected number of awards?

No. The source excerpt does not include the expected number of awards; that would need to be confirmed in the full notice if required for planning or budgeting.

What is the overall intended impact of the program?

The opportunity is designed to expand the pipeline of students and graduates who understand how documentary standards work, how they are developed, and how standardization affects real-world technology, products, services, and organizational practices.

Is the program limited to undergraduate curricula, graduate curricula, or both?

Both are included. The program supports designing undergraduate and/or graduate curricula that incorporate standards-related content.