The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), today issued a Notice of Intent to invest up to $50 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to work with States to accelerate use of smart manufacturing technologies and practices and provide access to tools and assistance.

The State Manufacturing Leadership Program supports new or expanded State programs that exhibit leadership in accelerating the deployment and use of smart manufacturing and high performance computing technologies by small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs). States may consider a combination of advancing current state-run programs or establishing partnerships that enable SMMs to access resources such as workforce development and worker training, technical and financial assistance, and equipment needed to implement smart manufacturing technologies. In alignment with the goals of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the State programs will be expected to ensure the program benefits disadvantaged communities and entities through participation in their programs and establish means for long-term sustainability of program resources.

Led by DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), this program includes financial assistance in the form of cooperative agreements to States, including, but not limited to, State energy or economic development offices.

About smart manufacturing technologies

Smart manufacturing technologies provide real-time data and insight that SMMs can use to reduce costs by optimizing energy management, energy productivity, and energy efficiency. These techniques facilitate the adoption of advanced industrial robotics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity technologies that are critical to resilience and competitive edge. they also increase product quality and sustainability by allowing manufacturers to sense and then correct materials anomalies.

By increasing deployment of smart manufacturing technologies among domestic SMMs, this program will invest in American manufacturing; create high quality, good-paying jobs; expand access to the nation’s clean energy infrastructure; and support President Biden’s goals of achieving a carbon-free electric grid by 2035 and a net zero emissions economy by 2050.