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

Purdue University will provide supply chain optimization services and establish an intelligence network through a $400,000 cooperative agreement award from the Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology. The two-year award, made under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, will fund efforts to map Indiana's supply chain ecosystem in critical technology areas, collect data on domestic supply chain vulnerabilities from original equipment manufacturers and barriers faced by small and medium manufacturers, conduct a gap analysis, and host educational events. Outcomes will include identifying ways to increase the resiliency and capacity of Indiana and national supply chains in support technologies. This is intended to result in more domestic small business opportunities and economic growth, while reducing foreign dependency and improving national security. No subawards are planned under the 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 indiana.

Activities

Map supply chain ecosystem within the state of indiana in critical technology areas. Collect data from the state's key oems in critical technology areas to determine domestic supply chain vulnerabilities and causes thereof. Collect data from indiana's small and mid-sized manufacturers (smms) to determine barriers to securing and/or growing business with oems in critical technology areas. Use data collected to conduct a GAP analysis. Conduct educational events throughout the state, as well as virtually.

Expected outcomes

Clear understanding of vulnerabilities in the current oems supply chain in critical technology areas. Identification of barriers to entry for indiana's smms into that supply chain. Creation and expansion of services to close the GAP. Increased number of supplier scouting responses by indiana's smms. Increased resiliency and capacity in the domestic supply chain in critical technology areas, not only in the state of indiana, but in support of the national supply chain optimization and intelligence network. This will result in more business for domestic smms and drive economic growth, both in indiana and the nation. IT will also reduce dependency on foreign manufacturers, thus improving national security.

Intended beneficiaries

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

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.