美国芯片法案，再遭重创

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Commerce has terminated a $285 million contract with SMART USA, a center focused on semiconductor manufacturing digital twin technology, despite the organization meeting all performance goals [1][2][3]. Group 1: Contract Termination - SMART USA, part of the Manufacturing USA network, was established to create virtual manufacturing models aimed at reducing R&D and manufacturing costs by over 35%, shortening R&D time by 30%, and improving manufacturing yield by 40% [1]. - The termination of the contract is the second instance of federal funding withdrawal related to the CHIPS Act since the beginning of the Trump administration in January 2025 [1]. - The Department of Commerce cited "convenience" as the reason for the funding withdrawal, a common clause in federal contracts [2]. Group 2: Organizational Response - SMART USA's executive director, Todd Younkin, emphasized that the organization had achieved its performance targets and expressed disappointment over the government's decision not to support R&D and workforce development [2][3]. - The organization plans to hold a Q&A webinar on December 17 to address member concerns regarding the contract termination [2]. - Younkin reassured that SRC will continue to fund related research through other projects despite the setback [3]. Group 3: Industry Implications - Concerns have been raised by members of Congress regarding the long-term impact of the funding withdrawal on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which is responsible for executing the CHIPS Act [6][7]. - The reputation of NIST as a neutral and reliable partner is at risk, potentially affecting future collaborations with industry and academia [7]. - The letter from Congress members criticized NIST's shift towards a venture capital model for funding semiconductor R&D, which they argue contradicts the intentions of the CHIPS Act [7].