Sioux City Times

Today, it was announced that the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) has confirmed full funding for the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2025. This decision came shortly after U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra and other members of the Iowa congressional delegation sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Acting Director of NIST Craig Burkhart.

Rep. Feenstra, along with Senator Chuck Grassley and Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Ashley Hinson, and Zach Nunn, urged for the renewal of CIRAS's cooperative agreement with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. They highlighted the vital role CIRAS plays in supporting Iowa's manufacturing sector.

“I’m glad that the National Institute of Standards & Technology decided to renew full funding for the Center for Industrial Research and Service within hours of receiving our letter. This initiative supports manufacturing in Iowa, makes important contributions to our economy, and strengthens our strategic position against countries like China,” said Feenstra.

The lawmakers emphasized CIRAS's impact, stating, “As Iowa’s federal delegation, we have seen the crucial role CIRAS has played in aiding and growing our state’s manufacturing sector and how critical the Center has been to our state’s economic success."

CIRAS, which has supported Iowa’s small-to-medium-sized manufacturers for over six decades, has provided services that resulted in $1.4 billion in financial results for 1,500 manufacturers in the last five years. The letter expressed concern over a recent decision by NIST to not renew federal funding for CIRAS’s cooperative agreement, which they argue is essential for U.S. competitiveness in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

CIRAS’s recent work includes 16 AI-focused events and 38 AI projects in just the past year. The projects cover a range of technological applications, from using sensors and data collection for AI to developing new tools for manufacturers.

The letter concluded by supporting President Trump’s goal of boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing dependency on foreign industry, asserting CIRAS should remain a pivotal part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership.