Opportunity Information: Apply for NTIA PWSCIF 26 01
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is offering a discretionary grant opportunity under its Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund (PWSCIF), specifically the fourth Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) in the program, titled "Solutions for AI-Native RAN." The focus of this round is to move beyond research in the abstract and toward practical, commercially relevant solutions that bring native artificial intelligence capabilities into the Radio Access Network (RAN) using a secure compute environment. In plain terms, the government is looking to help fund the build-out of trusted, secure computing foundations that let AI run in or alongside RAN systems in a way that operators can actually deploy at scale, earn revenue from, lower costs with, and use as a platform for new services.
The central technical aim is the development of a secure compute environment that can enable or leverage AI that is "native" to the RAN. That means the AI capability is intended to be integrated into RAN operations rather than treated as an external analytics add-on. The NOFO emphasizes outcomes that matter to real-world network operators: measurable revenue opportunities, meaningful operating cost savings, and room for innovative third-party services. Just as important, applicants are expected to demonstrate a credible business case for at least one service that uses these AI-native RAN capabilities. This is not framed as a purely academic or exploratory effort; it is oriented toward proving that the approach can translate into adoptable products or deployments.
From an industry and policy perspective, the NOFO also ties these AI-native RAN solutions to broader supply chain and competitiveness goals. NTIA is explicitly aiming to accelerate commercial deployments and strengthen the ability to export open, interoperable, and secure equipment. The repeated emphasis on open and interoperable equipment signals alignment with broader efforts to diversify the wireless ecosystem and reduce dependence on closed, single-vendor stacks. In effect, the program is intended to support a more competitive and resilient wireless supply chain while pushing forward next-generation RAN capabilities that can be deployed safely.
Eligibility is limited to applicants that can show they are capable of developing and commercially selling and/or deploying a solution built around this secure compute environment for AI-native RAN. That requirement is a practical filter: applicants need to show they can build the technology and also get it into the market or into operational networks. Organizationally, applicants must be organized under U.S. federal or state law and have their principal place of business in the United States. Additional eligibility conditions are referenced as being detailed in Section 2.2 of the NOFO, which applicants would need to review closely to confirm compliance.
Key administrative details provided in the source data include the funding opportunity title "Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program - Solutions for AI-Native RAN" and the opportunity number "NTIA PWSCIF 26 01." The instrument type is a grant, and the activity category is listed as science and technology and other research and development under CFDA number 11.038. The agency is the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The closing date listed is 2026-09-09. The expected number of awards is three, and the award ceiling is not specified in the provided excerpt.
Overall, this grant opportunity is best understood as a targeted push to make AI-native functionality in open and interoperable RAN architectures commercially real, secure by design, and attractive to operators. Successful applicants will need to connect technical execution (secure compute plus native AI capabilities in the RAN) with a credible market path (commercial sale and/or deployment) and a clear business case (revenue, cost savings, and/or new third-party services), all while aligning with the program's larger goal of strengthening and modernizing the wireless supply chain.Apply for NTIA PWSCIF 26 01
- The National Telecommunications and Information Admini in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program – Solutions for AI-Native RAN" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.038.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-07-14.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-09-09. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: NTIA PWSCIF Grant Program - Solutions for AI-Native RAN (NOFO 4)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is a discretionary grant opportunity from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund (PWSCIF). It is the fourth Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) in the program and is titled "Solutions for AI-Native RAN."
What is the official opportunity title and number?
The opportunity title is "Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program - Solutions for AI-Native RAN" and the opportunity number is "NTIA PWSCIF 26 01."
What type of funding instrument is being offered?
The instrument type is a grant.
Which federal agency is administering this program?
The administering agency is the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
What is the main goal of this NOFO round?
The main goal is to move beyond abstract research and toward practical, commercially relevant solutions that bring native artificial intelligence capabilities into the Radio Access Network (RAN) using a secure compute environment.
What does "AI-native RAN" mean in this NOFO?
In this NOFO, "AI-native RAN" means artificial intelligence capabilities that are integrated into RAN operations rather than being treated as an external add-on (for example, separate analytics that sit outside the RAN).
What technical focus does the NOFO emphasize?
The central technical aim is the development of a secure compute environment that can enable or leverage AI that is native to the RAN.
Why does the NOFO emphasize a "secure compute environment"?
The NOFO frames secure computing as foundational for letting AI run in or alongside RAN systems in a trusted way that operators can deploy at scale.
Is the program focused on research, or on deployable solutions?
The NOFO is oriented toward practical, adoptable outcomes rather than purely academic or exploratory work. It emphasizes commercially relevant solutions and expects applicants to connect technical development to real-world deployment or market adoption.
What kinds of outcomes does NTIA want applicants to demonstrate?
The NOFO emphasizes outcomes that matter to network operators, including measurable revenue opportunities, meaningful operating cost savings, and enabling innovative third-party services.
Do applicants need to include a business case?
Yes. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a credible business case for at least one service that uses AI-native RAN capabilities built around the secure compute environment.
Is this grant intended to support commercialization?
Yes. The NOFO explicitly aims to accelerate commercial deployments and pushes applicants to show a credible path to commercialization and/or operational deployment, not just a proof-of-concept.
How does this NOFO connect to supply chain policy goals?
The NOFO ties AI-native RAN solutions to broader goals around strengthening the wireless supply chain and competitiveness, including accelerating deployments and strengthening the ability to export open, interoperable, and secure equipment.
Does the NOFO emphasize open and interoperable equipment?
Yes. The repeated emphasis on open and interoperable equipment signals alignment with efforts to diversify the wireless ecosystem and reduce reliance on closed, single-vendor stacks.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to applicants that can show they are capable of developing and commercially selling and/or deploying a solution built around the secure compute environment for AI-native RAN.
What organizational requirements apply to applicants?
Applicants must be organized under U.S. federal or state law and must have their principal place of business in the United States.
Are there additional eligibility conditions beyond what is summarized here?
Yes. Additional eligibility conditions are referenced as being detailed in Section 2.2 of the NOFO, and applicants are expected to review that section to confirm compliance.
What is the CFDA number and activity category listed for this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed is 11.038, and the activity category is "Science and Technology and Other Research and Development."
When is the application deadline?
The closing date listed is 2026-09-09.
How many awards does NTIA expect to make?
The expected number of awards is three.
What is the maximum award size (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is not specified in the provided information excerpt.
What kinds of solutions are most aligned with the intent of this NOFO?
Based on the description provided, the most aligned solutions are those that build trusted and secure computing foundations that let AI run in or alongside RAN systems in a way that operators can deploy at scale, monetize, reduce costs, and use as a platform for new services.
What is the practical "filter" NTIA is applying to applicants?
The practical filter is that applicants must show they can both build the technology and also commercially sell and/or deploy it into the market or operational networks.
What is the broader "end state" this grant is pushing toward?
The opportunity is described as a targeted push to make AI-native functionality in open and interoperable RAN architectures commercially real, secure by design, and attractive to operators, while strengthening and modernizing the wireless supply chain.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Previous opportunity: Technical Assistance and Training for Rural, Small and Tribal Municipalities and Wastewater Treatment Systems
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for NTIA PWSCIF 26 01
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (NTIA PWSCIF 26 01) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Fiscal Year 2026 BioWatch Grant Program Apply for DHS 26 GPD 091 00 99 Funding Number: DHS 26 GPD 091 00 99 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $6,000,000 |
| Unlocking Dataset Value for AI-Enabled Scientific Discovery Apply for 26 512 Funding Number: 26 512 Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center State Competition Apply for 2026 NIST MEP 02 Funding Number: 2026 NIST MEP 02 Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation of Services for Victims of Crime Apply for O NIJ 2026 172659 Funding Number: O NIJ 2026 172659 Agency: National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Effects of International Parental Child Abduction on Abducted Children and Left-Behind Parents Apply for DFOP0019391 Funding Number: DFOP0019391 Agency: Bureau of Consular Affairs Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,973,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "NTIA PWSCIF 26 01", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.