The purpose of providing manufacturing extension services to north dakota small and medium-sized manufactures (SMM).

The National Institute of Standards and Technology awarded the University of North Dakota a $1.616 million cooperative agreement on April 1, 2026, to provide manufacturing extension services to North Dakota small and medium-sized manufacturers under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program (CFDA 11.611).

The University of North Dakota's Division of Research & Economic Development will deliver direct technical assistance and programming to manufacturers regardless of size or location, using both internal staff and external third-party contractors. Services will be provided virtually where feasible to reach very small and rural businesses. Programming priorities include workforce attraction, development and retention; supply chain optimization; cybersecurity protection; Industry 4.0 and automation; and organizational culture. The recipient will also develop new service delivery modes and expand programming to meet NIST MEP metrics requirements.

The period of performance runs from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, with place of performance in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The recipient does not intend to subaward funds. The MEP program supports the national network's mission to enhance competitiveness, productivity, and technological performance in United States manufacturing by helping manufacturers grow, make operational improvements, and reduce risk.

Activities

The UND MEP will provide its service offerings with both internal staff and external third party contractors to fulfill the state's manufacturers needs, regardless of size or location. New service development will also include the mode of service delivery. Whenever possible, programming will be provided virtually in order to be able to reach more of the very small and rural businesses. Expanded service programming will also support the center's focus on meeting NIST MEP metrics requirements.

Expected outcomes

Since 1889, the UND has long been a leader in manufacturing training in north dakota and will continue to support the needs of the manufacturing community in the state. The center will meet the critical needs of the manufacturers and will work to help the smms address these needs. The areas of focus include, but are not limited to: workforce attraction, development and retention; supply chain optimization; cybersecurity protection; industry 4.0 / automation; organizational culture.

Intended beneficiaries

North dakota small and medium-sized manufacturers and the MEP national network.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.