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 from the Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (CFDA 11.611) federal grant program will support Manufacturer's Edge in providing supply chain optimization services to small and medium-sized manufacturers in Colorado. Key activities include outreach to engage more Colorado manufacturers on the Sustainment supplier database, mapping and analyzing aerospace and semiconductor supply chains to identify gaps, and developing programs to mitigate overall supply chain risk in these sectors. Manufacturer's Edge will also work with other MEP Centers to create a national dashboard tracking supply chain metrics. Intended outcomes are to expand procurement opportunities and economic impacts for Colorado manufacturers through these supply chain services. No subawards are planned under this two-year award ending 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 colorado.

Activities

Outreach to, and engagement with, colorado manufacturers to increase the number of manufacturers with active and verified accounts to respond to procurement opportunities and supplier scouting requests through sustainment and ensuring all supplier scouting requests are reviewed and answered. Mapping the local, regional, and state manufacturing ecosystems and identifying supply chain gaps including the net supply chain risk based on the total manufacturing base beginning with the aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing sectors (supply chain analysis). Utilizing the supply chain analysis to identify and implement programs and services available across the MEP national network and/or develop programs and projects that will mitigate the overall supply chain risk for the aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing sectors. Working with other MEP centers and sustainment to develop a MEP center dashboard and community on sustainment to collect, analyze, and track supply chain data and metrics on a state, regional, and national basis including, but not limited to, manufacturers with active accounts, procurement opportunities, bids made, contracts awarded, matches, introductions, and economic impacts.

Expected outcomes

Expand the capabilities and opportunities for colorado manufacturers and generate economic impact by increasing the search and procurement opportunities on sustainment, ensuring 100% response on supplier scouting requests, increasing supplier scouting requests, mapping and analyzing the aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing supply chain, and expanding and optimizing manufacturer's edge supplier services to increase domestic supply chain resiliency. Contractors: manufacturer's edge utilizes a consultant with over 15 years of global supply chain experience in the industrial manufacturing and service industries as a contractor to provide services to colorado companies. The contractor will work with middle-market manufacturers to reduce the cost, risk, and environmental impact of their supply chains; especially those preparing for or experiencing periods of extreme growth. Manufacturer's edge will engage this subject matter expert to assist in end-to-end supply chain mapping, provide supply chain risk analysis, and assist in developing programs and projects that will mitigate the overall supply chain risk for the industry starting with aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing.

Intended beneficiaries

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

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.