Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program - Open Radio Commercialization and Innovation

Background
The Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund (Innovation Fund) is an NTIA-administered competitive grant program that seeks to accelerate the development, deployment, and adoption of open and interoperable radio access networks (RAN). The Innovation Fund aims to foster competition and innovation across the global telecommunications ecosystem, lower costs for consumers and network operators, and strengthen the 5G and successor wireless technology supply chains. The program’s objectives include unlocking opportunities for innovative companies, particularly small and medium enterprises, to compete in a market historically dominated by a few suppliers, some of which present a high security risk.

Grant Details
Under the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program - Open Radio Commercialization and Innovation, NTIA will support two specific research focus areas (SRFAs) in this second Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

SRFA 1 focuses on accelerating the development of open radio unit (RU) products to meet carrier needs and be ready for commercial trials. Eligible entities include for-profit companies, non-profit companies, institutions of higher education, industry groups, and partnerships consisting of two or more such entities. Applicants must partner with at least one Mobile Network Operator (MNO) and demonstrate their intent and ability to deploy open RUs developed under this NOFO in one or more commercial networks at scale after the period of performance. The anticipated award range is $25,000,000-$45,000,000 with a minimum 10% cost share requirement. The period of performance is expected to be 18-24 months.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible entities include for-profit companies, non-profit companies, institutions of higher education, industry groups, and partnerships consisting of two or more such entities. Applicants must be capable of production and commercial sale of open RUs and partner with at least one MNO. They must demonstrate their intent and ability to deploy open RUs developed under this NOFO in one or more commercial networks at scale after the period of performance. Each eligible entity may submit no more than one application under this SRFA proposing no more than one project.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for SRFA 1 awards is expected to be 18-24 months.