Today, the Department of Commerce is publishing guidance, guides, and other resources for America's first CHIPS funding opportunity for advanced semiconductor manufacturing, current generation, mature nodes, and server components. means In addition, the Department published on CHIPS.gov pre-application materials for all applicants and complete application materials for advanced institution incentives.
The Department's robust application process will help secure funding for projects that contribute to U.S. economic and national security while conserving taxpayer resources. The Department asks applicants to submit detailed applications so that they have all the information they need to evaluate applications and plan awards across the entire semiconductor ecosystem. This will include financial models that will help the Department assess the commercial viability and financial strength of projects and ensure that the application emphasizes important programmatic priorities such as third-party capital activation and customer commitment.
Read below how these resources will help applicants.
Materials for preparation for submitting an application
Today, the Department is publishing pre-application guidance and materials for its first funding opportunity, which is an optional component of the application process. An additional pre-application opens on March 31 for applicants seeking funds for advanced facilities and on May 1 for applicants seeking funds for current generation, mature nodes and server manufacturing facilities. Applicants must submit an expression of interest at least 21 days before submitting a preliminary or full application.
The Department strongly encourages applicants to consider submitting a pre-application as it provides an early opportunity for active dialogue between the CHIPS Program Office and potential applicants to ensure that proposed projects meet program requirements and meet program priorities.
All pre-application materials and instructions are now available on CHIPS.gov, and the pre-application can be accessed through the CHIPS.gov portal. The materials were created by the CHIPS Program Office, which includes staff with a deep understanding of financial analysis and structuring.
There are two additional key resources to help applicants complete the pre-application:
Official Document: Pre-Application Financial Model
First, the Department produces a white paper on project financial modeling that serves as a guide for potential applicants preparing to submit a pre-application. The white paper is a step-by-step resource for building an example financial model based on Excel.
Example: sample financial model before application
Second, the Department is sharing a sample Excel-based financial model tool in conjunction with the document above for potential applicants preparing to submit a pre-application. The workbook serves as an example and/or template for completing the Financial Summary for Each Project requirement of the pre-application. The model is intended as an illustrative example and is not a mandatory template.
Guiding principles of the full financial model of the program
The department will begin accepting applications on March 31 for advanced facilities and on June 26 for current generation, mature nodes and server facilities. For potential applicants preparing to submit a full application, this document serves as a set of guidelines for the financial model structure, level of detail, metrics and scenario analysis related to the projects included in the application. The guidelines were written by the CHIPS Program Office to provide additional details and guidance beyond those described in the funding opportunity and to provide additional information about potential programs.
Workforce Development Guide
The Department of Commerce and the CHIPS Program Office are committed to ensuring that potential applicants have a clear understanding of the workforce provisions included in the funding application. The Workforce Development Guide is designed to help applicants think holistically about what is needed to meet their workforce needs and increase the likelihood of these projects being successful.
To develop this guide, our workforce consulted with industry, workforce training programs, higher education institutions, colleges, unions, other government agencies, and more. The guide also draws on the best research evidence on what works to develop strong staff.
The Workforce Guide consists of five main components:
- Partnerships: < /strong>Information and practical examples of how applicants can collaborate with other institutions and programs to build a strong workforce.
- The company's staffing plan:Additional information on the development of investments and commitments to create good jobs for the operation and maintenance of facilities.
- Construction Workforce Plan: additional information on hiring and retaining the workforce for successful and timely construction of facilities.
- Child care plan: additional information to help applicants choose models and methods for providing access to affordable, quality, reliable, and accessible child care for workers who will build and manage the facilities.
- Guidelines for submitting successful plans: Learn more about how the Department will review and evaluate HR plans, helping applicants submit the most compelling plans.
Ecological questionnaire
The Department also issues an environmental questionnaire that must be submitted as part of the additional pre-application process and required for the full application. Early application is encouraged because responses to the questionnaire will allow the Department to assess the likely level of scrutiny under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) early in the process. The Department strives to conduct NEPA reviews as efficiently and expeditiously as practicable, and supports potential applicants as they navigate environmental permit requirements. The Department will work with potential applicants once the Environmental Questionnaire is received to access and develop the data needed to review NEPA and obtain the necessary environmental permits.
Upcoming webinars
In the coming weeks, CHIPS for America will also host a series of public webinars on the materials and resources released today. The webinars will give applicants and interested parties an opportunity to ask questions and will include a deep dive into the Workforce Development Guide, the Environmental Questionnaire, the pre-application, financial modeling, and more.
Register for upcoming webinars at CHIPS.gov.
Minister Raimondo is on his way
This week, President Biden will visit a semiconductor manufacturing plant in North Carolina to kick off an administration-wide Investing in America tour to highlight how his economic plan, including CHIPS and the SCIENCE Act, is impacting communities across the country. As part of the tour, Secretary Raimondo will also visit fiber optic cable manufacturers in North Carolina that provide high-speed Internet for businesses and families. Administration officials will visit more than 20 states over the next two weeks, and will be joined by members of Congress who play a critical role in passing the Invest in America bills.
Read more
Visit CHIPS.gov to learn more about CHIPS for America. The website contains many useful resources, including webinars, information on funding opportunities and implementation strategies, research updates, and more. If you have any questions, please contact AskCHIPS@chips.gov.
Source: electronicproducts.com
