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

Maryland MEP Inc. received a $400,000 cooperative agreement award from the National Institute of Standards and Technology under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program (CFDA 11.611) to establish a supply chain intelligence network and provide optimization services for Maryland manufacturers. The two-year award, issued on June 1, 2023 and set to conclude on May 31, 2025, will fund Maryland MEP to implement a statewide manufacturing database with linkages to regional and national platforms. Maryland MEP will also improve its understanding of the nearly 3,000 Maryland manufacturers through activities such as supplier connectivity, matchmaking, and outreach to original equipment manufacturers. The intended beneficiaries are small and medium-sized manufacturers in Maryland. No subrecipient activities are planned under this particular award.

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 maryland.

Activities

The maryland MEP team will accomplish these objectives through a comprehensive strategy to deliver the following activities: implement a state-wide manufacturing database with access and linkages to a national manufacturing and supplier database; improve market understanding of the nearly 3,000 maryland manufacturers to better understand capabilities, processes, industry sectors, capacity, and other key drivers; provide opportunities for improved supplier connectivity, matchmaking and buying opportunities for maryland manufacturers, oems, and suppliers; dedicate personnel and resources to better understand the maryland supply base, respond to national supplier scouting opportunities and support the manufacturing ecosystem.

Expected outcomes

The outcomes of the effort proposed will result in the followingoutcomes: implementation of a state-wide manufacturing database with linkages to regional and national platforms; list at least 1,200 manufacturers / suppliers in the database in year 1 (~40%); increase manufacturer / supplier listings to at least 2,000 manufacturers / suppliers in year 2 (~60%); share and respond to national supplier scouting opportunities with maryland manufacturing base; share monthly success stories / case studies (to begin 6 months after award); conduct outreach to maryland oems and engage at least 6 to participate in marketplace; and dedicate a resource to expand maryland MEP's supply chain activities and support the manufacturing ecosystem.

Intended beneficiaries

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

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.