Provide services to expand existing MEP capabilities to provide national supply chain optimization and to establish a supply chain intelligence network

Connstep, Inc. received a $400,000 cooperative agreement award from the National Institute of Standards and Technology under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program to provide supply chain optimization services and establish a supply chain intelligence network. Funded from June 2023 through May 2025, Connstep will map supplier capabilities and capacity to identify expansion opportunities for original equipment manufacturers. It will also connect manufacturers to domestic suppliers, create professional methodologies on supply chain resiliency, and train professionals to deliver related advisory services to small and medium-sized manufacturers in Connecticut's aerospace, shipbuilding and medical device sectors. Outcomes will include tools for supply chain mapping and connecting manufacturers with suppliers, as well as scalable training programs. No subawards are planned under this cooperative agreement.

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to provide services to expand existing MEP capabilities to provide national supply chain optimization and to establish a supply chain intelligence network. Improve the resiliency and optimization for domestic supply chains in the MEP national network? In the state of connecticut.

Activities

The center will be mapping current supplier capabilities and capacity to identify opportunities for expansion; use supplier scouting and other tools to connect original equipment manufacturers (oems) with domestic suppliers and identify gaps in their network; create a professional supply chain resiliency practice methodology and taxonomy. The pilot program will be limited to companies in connecticut's aerospace, shipbuilding, and medical device manufacturing sectors given their importance to our economy.

Expected outcomes

As a result of this pilot program, the center will develop the methodology and tools to map the capabilities and capacity of supply chain companies, implement a comprehensive system for connecting original equipment manufacturers (oems) to suppliers and develop a scalable advisory program that will train professionals to deliver services to small and medium-sized manufacturers (smms) to improve their resiliency.

Intended beneficiaries

Small and medium-sized manufacturers (smms) in the state of connecticut.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.