Notice of Intent, issued by NIST, pertains to funding of up to 2 institutes as part of National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI). For its first institutes, Commerce Department will provide up to $70 million per institute over 5–7 years. Both institutes are expected to become self-sustainable within established time period of said award. According to NIST Director Willie E. May, "Each institute serves as a regional hub of manufacturing excellence."