Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program – Solutions for AI-Native RAN

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is soliciting applications under the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund for the fourth time through this notice, titled “Solutions for AI-Native RAN,” with the goal of advancing secure, AI-integrated Radio Access Network technologies that generate new revenue streams, reduce operational costs, and enable innovative third-party services. The initiative seeks to accelerate commercial adoption and export of open, interoperable, and secure wireless equipment by funding the design, development, and real-world demonstration of an AI-native network fabric that integrates AI and machine learning capabilities directly into the RAN architecture. Proposals must include a fully developed technical architecture compliant with NIST Cybersecurity Framework v2.0, CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model v2.0, O-RAN WG11 specifications, and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, along with a comprehensive Security Plan, Software and Hardware Bills of Materials, and a field demonstration in a mobile environment that validates the business case for the proposed services. All work must occur within the United States and its territories, with no performance permitted in designated “Countries of Concern,” and full compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act is required for infrastructure-related components. Applicants must submit a complete application package through Grants.gov by the deadline of September 9, 2026, including mandatory forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, SF-LLL, SF-328, and certifications on foreign influence, lobbying, and federal criminal compliance. Required attachments include a Project Narrative of no more than 50 pages, a Work Plan up to 20 pages, an Intellectual Property Plan up to 10 pages, resumés of up to five key personnel, and signed Letters of Commitment from all partners and subrecipients detailing cost-share commitments. The period of performance is up to 18 months from the award date, with a potential extension of up to one additional year and a maximum total duration of five years. Awards will be made based on a trade-off methodology, with programmatic merit as the primary evaluation criterion, followed by discretionary considerations including funding availability, alignment with agency priorities, cost-effectiveness, project diversity, and whether the recipient is a first-time Innovation Fund grantee. The funding instrument is a grant under 2 CFR Part 200, with financial reporting through the SF-425 Federal Financial Report, and payment administration managed by the NIST Grants Office under the Department of Commerce. Applicants