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

The Mississippi Manufacturing Association was awarded a $400,000 cooperative agreement from the Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership federal grant program (CFDA 11.611) for the period of June 1, 2023 through May 30, 2025.

The purpose of this award is to provide services to expand existing Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center capabilities in Mississippi to provide national supply chain optimization and establish a supply chain intelligence network. Key activities include supplier scouting, engagement with industry and economic development organizations, and developing a formal supply chain program to facilitate supplier scouting and optimize the supplier network for small and medium-sized manufacturers in Mississippi. Expected outcomes include improved productivity through a more efficient supply chain network and accessible information on manufacturing capabilities at the state and national levels. Mississippi State University CAVS-E will receive a subaward to support these efforts.

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 mississippi.

Activities

Engage in supplier scouting and national network supply chain initiatives through engagements with industry, state/local government, economic development organizations, planning and development entities, and industry organizations; provide program management oversight and support for national supplier scouting and optimization services that includes representing the MS MEP center in working groups and national meetings; develop a formal supply chain program to facilitate supplier scouting and optimize the supplier network to respond to current and future supply chain needs through engagement with small and medium-sized manufacturing companies; track and report results of supply chain activities to the NIST MEP national network. Plans and activities will be developed that align closely with current and future needs of manufacturers to improve such areas as production, logistics, and distribution.

Expected outcomes

Various levels of impacts are expected from these activities, such as improved productivity through the development of a more efficient supply chain network, and readily accessible information related to manufacturing capabilities on both the state and national levels.

Intended beneficiaries

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

Subrecipient activities

The recipient will subaward funds to their partner, mississippi state university cavs-e.