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

This $400,000 cooperative agreement awarded by the Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology will fund Kansas Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. to provide supply chain optimization services under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. The non-profit recipient will expand existing capabilities through the MEP National Network to establish a supply chain intelligence network in Kansas. Key activities include supplier scouting, building a state supply chain database mapping industry connections, and engaging manufacturers to understand gaps and solutions. Outcomes aim to identify opportunities for Kansas manufacturers to support national supply needs individually and collectively, document supply chain strengths and gaps, and benefit original equipment manufacturers and tier 1 suppliers through improved visibility of in-state capabilities. The project intends to support small and medium-sized manufacturers in Kansas by making supplier options more visible and enabling new business opportunities. Funds may be subawarded to participate in conducting the stated activities through May 2025.

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 kansas.

Activities

Actively participate in supplier scouting and national network supply chain initiatives; build out a state supply chain database that will identify state manufacturing capabilities, map industry supply chains, and allow manufacturers to both find each other for sourcing and be found for growth opportunities; proactively engage with manufacturers and partners to understand gaps in the state's supply chain and create new solutions to fill those gaps.

Expected outcomes

Be able to identify opportunities for kansas manufacturers to support national supply chain needs individually and collectively. Understand and document the strengths of and gaps in the kansas supply chain. IT will also benefit kansas original equipment manufacturers (oems) and tier 1 suppliers through improved knowledge and visibility to manufacturing capabilities within the state. Kansas smms will also be served as supplier options are more visible and business opportunities arise as larger manufacturers seek to localize and diversify their supply chains. The kansas supply chain intelligence gained through this project will help state partners as they craft and execute a statewide manufacturing strategy.

Intended beneficiaries

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

Subrecipient activities

The recipient plans to subaward funds to participate in conducting the activities of this project as stated above.