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

Floridamakes Inc. was awarded a $400,000 cooperative agreement from the Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program (CFDA 11.611) to provide supply chain optimization services and establish a supply chain intelligence network for Florida manufacturers from June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2025. Through this award, Floridamakes will outline advanced manufacturing industry assets and resources, engage manufacturers through connection platforms and outreach, and support events highlighting opportunities in priority industries like microelectronics and aviation. Floridamakes will also build relationships between large and small manufacturers, provide information on procurement programs, and increase contracting and domestic supply chain connections. This is intended to improve supply chain diversification and resilience for small and medium Florida manufacturers in industries of national importance. No subawards are planned under this cooperative agreement.

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 florida.

Activities

Floridamakes will outline the assets and resources in advanced manufacturing industries of interest (including microelectronics/semiconductors as well as aviation and aerospace), leverage connection platforms and outreach tools to engage and connect manufacturers in these industries and those who are interested in becoming involved in these industries. Floridamakes will also support outreach events to highlight these opportunities for our manufacturing community, as well as to convene conversations that bring larger manufacturers and smaller manufacturers together to build relationships with the goal of localizing our value chains in those sectors of interest. Floridamakes will also invest in its own capacity to support projects and collaborations with key stakeholders and manufacturers working in areas of critical national interest.

Expected outcomes

The proposed project will enable florida manufacturers to become more aware of and involved in supply chains for national economic priorities via MEP supplier scouting listings and other opportunities. The project will also enable floridamakes to have a clearer understanding of the current activities, strengths and gaps in florida's manufacturing, engineering and logistics sectors relevant to industries of national importance. Small and midsize manufacturers across florida will have more information about and opportunities to connect with major manufacturers and procurement programs. Increases in contracting activities/connections with domestic customers and suppliers as well as an improvement in overall supply chain diversification and resiliency should result from the project's efforts with manufacturers across the state.

Intended beneficiaries

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

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.