Featured Image

MEPs To Focus On Supply Chain Resiliency

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP) announced awards of roughly $400,000 to each of its MEP National Network Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Jun 29, 2023

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP) announced awards of roughly $400,000 to each of its MEP National Network 

The CHIPS and Science Act authorized a pilot program of awards allowing MEP centers to provide services focused on the resiliency of domestic supply chains, workforce development, and adoption of advanced technology upgrades at small and medium-sized manufacturers. 

The new awards will support the creation of a database called the National Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network (SCOIN). It will focus on providing supplier scouting services, establishing new service offerings to improve existing supply chain networks, filling gaps in the supply chain by connecting original equipment manufacturers with small and medium-sized manufacturers, and creating a complete map of U.S. supplier capability and capacity. 

The MEP funding opportunity requires each center to dedicate at least one staff member or contractor to support these efforts and report on the results to small and medium-sized manufacturers and the MEP National Network. The projects will run for an initial two years and, if successful, may be extended. 

The MEP program is a public-private partnership that supports the competitiveness of U.S.-based manufacturing by making manufacturing technologies, processes, and services more accessible to small and medium-sized manufacturers through its MEP Centers. A recent NIST survey of its manufacturing clients found that for every dollar of federal investment in FY 2021, the MEP National Network generated $26.20 in new sales growth and $34.50 in new client investment. This translates into $14.4 billion in new and retained sales for U.S. manufacturers. The network also created or retained one manufacturing job for every $1,193 of federal investment. 

AMT supports NIST’s efforts to strengthen manufacturing through the MEP program. To find out more about MEP and to locate your closest center, visit: www.nist.gov/mep. To read more from AMT and IMTS on supply chain resiliency and disruption, go to www.IMTS.com and search for “supply chain.” 

PicturePicture
Author
Amber Thomas
Vice President, Advocacy
Recent advocacy News
Can tariffs safeguard American jobs, combat foreign competition, and boost U.S. manufacturing? The incoming president is bringing this hot topic back into political focus. So, what do tariffs mean, are they truly beneficial, and what's AMT's stance?
On September 5, 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published an interim final rule implementing export controls on critical and emerging technologies that align with the regulations of U.S. allies.
Recently, the Biden Administration announced several science and technology initiatives centered on key digital technologies and manufacturing. Get the latest updates on how digital twin, AI, semiconductor manufacturing, and EV production will be affected.
President Biden’s recent State of the Union address and Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal signal potential tax hikes. What are the implications for manufacturing competitiveness and economic strategy?
Last fall, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued two rules relating to toxic substances that significantly impact manufacturers and suppliers. Learn about these guidelines affecting PIP (3:1) and PFAS – and how they affect your business.
Similar News
undefined
Smartforce
By Harry Moser | Dec 02, 2024

A strong, skilled workforce is key to reshoring and manufacturing growth. This new series explores the careers of manufacturing leaders.

5 min
undefined
Technology
By Michelle Edmonson, CEM | Dec 02, 2024

IMTS 2024 brought the manufacturing technology community together for six exhilarating days filled with opportunities to explore new solutions and build meaningful connections.

6 min
undefined
Technology
By Kathy Keyes Webster | Dec 10, 2024

Manufacturers are doers—always building, innovating, and transforming. It’s no surprise that the most-read articles on AMTonline.org this year spotlighted the driving forces of the industry: automation, innovation, and transformation.

6 min