Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership

What this funds

The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP) is a public-private partnership program that provides U.S. small and medium- sized manufacturers (SMMs) with access to industry experts, resources, and technology. NIST MEP's mission is to enhance the productivity and technological performance of U.S. manufacturing. The MEP program serves SMMs through the MEP National Network that includes NIST MEP staff, MEP Centers located across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and other federal, state, local, academic, and industry partners. Base Program MEP Centers are funded through a cost-sharing arrangement consisting of support from the Federal government, non-Federal sources including state and local government/entities, and fees charged to the manufacturing clients for services provided by the MEP Centers. The national network of MEP Centers developed a wide range of services and initiatives to enable manufacturers to identify opportunities that will accelerate and strengthen growth and competitiveness in the global marketplace. Each MEP Center works directly with area manufacturers to provide expertise and services such as product and market development tools and resources, lean consulting to improve operations and processes, supply chain optimization and domestic sourcing, growth services, and customized workforce development services. MEP Centers are the program's "boots-on- the-ground" and work directly with their local manufacturing communities to strengthen the competitiveness of the U.S. manufacturing base; in fiscal year 2025, MEP Centers reported nearly 1,400 manufacturing experts at 450 service delivery locations supporting manufacturers. MEP Centers also connect SMMs to new technologies, technical infrastructure, and specialized knowledge. NIST MEP provides technical assistance in food safety best practices, accelerating the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, addressing emerging manufacturing needs, exporting and international business, adapting to artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities from industry, advising on cybersecurity of supply chains, and transferring technology from NIST Laboratories and other Federal research organizations.

Extracted from National Institute of Standards and Technology, p. 91. Verbatim; nothing here is paraphrased.

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