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

The Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Maine MEP) received a $400,000 cooperative agreement award from the Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program (CFDA 11.611). The funding will support Maine MEP's delivery of supply chain optimization and intelligence network services to small and medium-sized manufacturers in Maine through May 2025.

Specifically, Maine MEP will establish expertise in supplier scouting, develop a database of Maine-based suppliers and their capabilities, and conduct outreach to original equipment manufacturers to identify potential matches between clients and domestic suppliers. The goals are to strengthen regional supply chain connections, highlight Maine manufacturers' capabilities, and increase supplier matches within the state. No subawards are planned. The award aims to expand Maine MEP's participation in NIST MEP's national supplier scouting initiatives and benefit manufacturers through new sourcing and market opportunities.

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 maine.

Activities

The project will establish subject matter expertise in responding to supplier scouting opportunities, source a database of maine-based suppliers and their capabilities and provide targeted outreach to original equipment manufacturers (oems) to identify potential gaps in their supply chains, support the effort by identifying potential supplier matching opportunities with their clients in order increase collaboration between both maine manufacturing companies as well as domestic US suppliers.

Expected outcomes

IT is expected that this expansion award will significantly increase the maine meps capacity to participate in the NIST manufacturing extension partnership (MEP) supplier scouting and provide support to maine companies looking to source suppliers or identify new market opportunities. Benefit the manufacturing sector by providing increased awareness of opportunities for maine manufacturing companies to become suppliers to both the federal government and opportunities within other states. A specific focus of northern new england economic development agencies is the deepening of regional supply chain connections in support of US submarine production. Highlight the capabilities of maine manufacturers and increase supplier matches within the state and region.

Intended beneficiaries

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

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.