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 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), within the Department of Commerce, will fund the Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Louisiana (MEP of LA) to provide supply chain optimization services and establish a supply chain intelligence network through May 2025.

As part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (CFDA 11.611) program, MEP of LA will expand existing capabilities by thoroughly responding to all NIST MEP supplier scouting requests, engaging in outreach to identify manufacturing matches, and assessing supply chain capabilities and gaps in priority sectors such as chemicals and semiconductors. Services will also be augmented to strengthen small and medium-sized manufacturers as supply chain solutions providers. MEP of LA will track and report supply chain activities, insights, and outcomes using Salesforce to create dashboards visualizing exposed Louisiana companies. No funds will be subawarded.

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 louisiana.

Activities

Provide a more structured mechanism that will make louisiana an active participant in assisting our manufacturing community in the following areas: thorough supplier scouting and matchmaking activities, which will involve responding to 100% of all NIST MEP scouting requests. Lctcs MEP of LA will also engage in outreach to identify matches and expose manufacturers to supply chain assistance, including oems; assess and analyze supply chain capability, capacity, and gaps in priority supply chains, to include those who provide to various chemical production facilities, semiconductor markets, offshore wind manufacturing, etc., with specific emphasis given to smms located in rural communities and areas underserved populations; expand, refresh, and establish service offerings to augment above activities and strengthen small and mid-sized manufacturers' capabilities as supply chain solutions; execute full tracking and reporting of supply chain activities, insights, outputs, and outcomes. This will include utilizing salesforce to track and report companies exposed to supply chain in the state with dashboard creation. Louisiana is still evaluating databases, including but not limited to those being used by other MEP national network centers, such as connex and sustainment.

Expected outcomes

The MEP of LA will understand and document the strengths and gaps in the louisiana supply chain. An agreed upon supply chain database, with industry and economic development partner participation in the outcome, will be established/determined. This collaborative endeavor will assist in gaining the traction needed to successfully implement a robust supply chain network in our state. We will also engage with those state centers closer to our area to infuse logistical proximity for those manufacturers that either buy or sell to these regions. IT will also benefit louisiana's original equipment manufacturers (oems) through improved knowledge and visibility to manufacturing capabilities within the state. Louisiana's smms will also be served by making supplier options more visible and business opportunities arise as larger manufacturers seek to localize and diversify their supply chains.

Intended beneficiaries

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

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.