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

The New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NMMex) received a $400,000 cooperative agreement award from the Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program (CFDA 11.611) to provide supply chain optimization services and establish a supply chain intelligence network from June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2025.

Under the award, NMMex will enhance existing capabilities by recruiting a supply chain specialist, evaluating databases to manage supplier scouting and mapping data, and conducting a supply chain needs analysis for New Mexico manufacturers. NMMex will also contract with the University of New Mexico business school to utilize artificial intelligence tools from Boston Analytics to investigate and provide data analytics on New Mexico manufacturing supply chain involvement and related investments and statistics. The expected outcomes include a more robust and resilient supply chain network to help manufacturers effectively plan and manage their supply chains.

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 new mexico.

Activities

Execution of new mexico MEP's project plan aims to enhance the resiliency of the new mexico manufacturing supply chain ecosystem through various activities. A supply chain specialist will be recruited to serve as a focal point for supply chain optimization and support, responding to all incoming supplier scouting requests to support the growth of new mexico manufacturers. The team will evaluate existing database/systems to collect and manage supplier scouting data and supply chain mapping information. A supply chain needs analysis for new mexico manufacturers will be conducted to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for optimization, with enhancements to current supply chain product offerings and train-the-trainer support. To support new mexico MEP's efforts with this project, the center will contract with faculty led student groups from the business school at the university of new mexico. This contract will utilize boston analytics artificial intelligence tools to investigate and provide data analytics on new mexico manufacturing supply chain involvement, related investments and related statistics.

Expected outcomes

The outcomes and impacts will include a more robust and resilient supply chain network, with manufacturers having a better understanding of how to effectively plan and manage their supply chain to ensure products are produced and delivered on schedule. The enhanced processes and database will provide a solid foundation for alternative sourcing options and create reliable and repeatable systems. The project activities will benefit the new mexico manufacturing ecosystem and the broader US manufacturing supply chain. The results and deliverables from this work will help to guide the mapping of supply chain ecosystems throughout new mexico.

Intended beneficiaries

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

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.