Product Accelerator for Functional Fabrics 3.0

The Product Accelerator for Functional Fabrics (PAFF 3.0) is our third PAFF program specifically designed to accelerate advanced textile product development and manufacturing growth for U.S. manufacturers and innovators. PAFF 3.0 provides access to AFFOA’s technical expertise and facilities at no cost to support product and process development, helping US companies bring innovations to market more quickly. The cost of AFFOA labor will be covered by AFFOA’s Government funds, not by the participating companies. 

PAFF 3.0 broadens the scope of no-cost accelerated development to focus on the following topics:  

• Digital Engineering / Manufacturing  

• Textile Manufacturing Automation  

• Manufacturing Scale-Up  

• Progressing TRL/MRL of Advanced Fibers and Fabrics

The PAFF program is specifically meant for companies with a targeted improvement, process, or product that can be introduced and completed in 12 – 24 months.  The period of performance for this project will be up to 12 months. 

Jump to:

Timeline & Submission Deadlines

Available Expertise, Equipment, and Focus Areas

Project Requirements and Expectations

Webinar Recording

Guidebook, Templates, and other Information

PAFF 3.0 Timeline & Submission Deadlines

*Note: Awardees are given 30 days after notification of award for contract negotiation. If contract T&Cs cannot be aligned and the contract is not signed by June 1st, 2026, the award may be withdrawn.

Available AFFOA Expertise and Equipment to Support Development Needs

• Technical team member subject matter expertise for developing prototype solutions (physical and process).
• Equipment and testing facilities access for prototype development and testing.
• Process consulting to improve scale-up manufacturing
• Connections across the US supply chain to reduce barriers for sustained domestic manufacturing.

The PAFF program will support access to AFFOA’s staff expertise and capabilities, and specialized equipment for your commercialization efforts, including:

Focus Area 1: Digital Engineering / Manufacturing

• • Development of digital tools and process flows 
  • Implementation of PLM, CAD and CAM tools 
  • Adaptation and development of digital engineering tools for textile industry utilization 
  • Product modeling, design and analysis 
  • Workforce training support for digital tools implementation 

Focus Area 2: Textile Manufacturing Automation

• • Automation tools identification and implementation 
  • Standardization of textile manufacturing processes 
  • Quality control tools implementation 
  • Digital tools implementation for manufacturing automation 
  • Domestic Automation Solution Partner Identification 
  • Product design for automated manufacturing 

Focus Area 3: Manufacturing Scale-Up

• • Process development and derisking for manufacturing scale-up 
  • Design for manufacturing and design for automation 
  • Domestic Supply Chain Partner Identification 

Focus Area 4: Progressing TRL/MRL of Advanced Fibers and Fabrics  

• • Thermally drawn fiber production scale up support* 
  • Textile yarn and fabric formation  
  • Electronics development, including access to a Universal Development Platform and Closed Loop Heating Platform 
  • Prototype production and access to Materials Libraries 
  • Component & product testing and failure analysis 

PAFF 3.0 Project Requirements and Expectations 

Proposed projects should focus on maturing an existing technology, process, or product toward scalable domestic manufacturing and near-term market adoption. To ensure alignment with the goals of PAFF 3.0, the following project characteristics are expected in all submissions::  

• Technology and Manufacturing Maturity: Projects should start from an existing technology or process at MRL 5 or higher. Proposers should clearly describe the current TRL/MRL, intended advancements, and the specific manufacturing gaps the PAFF collaboration will address.

• Market Demand and Commercialization Plan: Proposals must include a credible commercialization strategy and timeline, outlining market demand, how the technology will enter the market, anticipated partners or customers, and the company’s plan to scale production beyond the PAFF period.   

• Intellectual Property (IP) Management: Proposals should outline an IP management plan, including the company’s strategy for protecting background IP, managing project-generated IP, and enabling AFFOA to support transition while safeguarding both parties’ interests. 

• 1:1 Cost Share Target: Participating companies are expected to contribute cost share through in-kind investments. This may include labor contributed to joint development, materials supplied for prototyping, testing resources, or other project-related expenses that demonstrate commitment to transition and scale. 

• Letters of Interest: Submissions must include Letters of Interest from relevant industry or government stakeholders. These letters should validate the market need, the value proposition of the proposed solution, or a clear customer pull

AFFOA will also consider the company’s commitment to establishing a return on investment (ROI) for AFFOA. ROI mechanisms will be discussed and negotiated with selected companies and may include royalties on products enabled by AFFOA’s support, licensing revenue from project-generated IP, or commitments toward future collaborative projects.

PAFF 3.0 Webinar Recording

AFFOA hosted a webinar on the PAFF 3.0 program on December 17, 2025 where you can learn more about the program.

Resources

PAFF 3.0 Guidebook

The PAFF 3.0 Guidebook is your comprehensive source for PAFF 3.0 deadlines, the application process, and other important details.

PAFF 3.0 Pre-Proposal Office Hours 

Interested proposers may schedule an optional call with the AFFOA team prior to the pre-proposal submission deadline (between January 1st, 2026 and February 1st, 2026 ) to answer any additional questions about the PAFF Program and get feedback on proposed project concepts. 

To schedule a call, please fill out this form.

PAFF 3.0 Proposal Templates

Proposal Summary Template (revised 12/12/2025)

Pre-Proposal Template (revised 12/12/2025)

PAFF 3.0 Final Proposal Template (revised 12/12/2025)

For internal and external communication purposes, each Proposer must provide a single slide following the PAFF Program Proposal Summary Slide Template in addition to the pre-proposal.

PAFF 3.0 Frequently Asked Questions

We have gathered the most frequent questions about the PAFF program, which can be downloaded here.

Questions

If you have questions regarding this program, please use this form.

About AFFOA

AFFOA powers the future of textiles. As a non-profit, public-private partnership and a Manufacturing USA Innovation Institute headquartered in Bedford, MA, we accelerate textile technology and manufacturing breakthroughs that protect our nation, empower industry, and improve everyday life. We do this by (1) advancing transformative technologies, (2) connecting a vibrant domestic advanced-fabric network , and (3) inspiring and educating America’s next-generation workforce. Discover more at affoa.org.

Please note that AFFOA Membership is not required to submit a proposal for this program. However, it will be required if you are chosen to participate in the PAFF program. If you are interested in becoming a member of AFFOA’s network or learning more, please reach out via this form: https://affoa.org/membership/how-to-become-a-member/#memberform

*No new concept development will be funded; capability is provided for products demonstrating manufacturing readiness level >5.