Activities: major activities will include: 1) research and data collection to map the supply chains of the proposed sectors; 2) developing outreach plans to strengthen the positions of existing…

This $2,013,200 Cooperative Agreement awarded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (CFDA 11.611) program will support the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program Inc. (NJMEP) and its sub-recipients in Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island to undertake the following key activities:

1. Research and data collection to map the supply chains of critical manufacturing sectors.
2. Develop outreach plans to strengthen the positions of existing suppliers.
3. Establish an "on-ramp" to engage new firms with the potential to become suppliers in these critical sectors.
4. Undertake specific projects with companies to help them become better or new suppliers.
5. Document all activities for use within the MEP system for other sectors and regions.

The project aims to expand supply chain capacities for prime and first-tier suppliers, create new business and growth opportunities for small and medium-sized manufacturers, and enhance supply chain management capabilities for participating MEP centers. The award period runs from October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026.

Activities: major activities will include: 1) research and data collection to map the supply chains of the proposed sectors; 2) developing outreach plans to strengthen the positions of existing suppliers; 3) developing an on-ramp to engage new firms with the potential to become suppliers in these critical sectors; 4) undertaking specific projects with companies to help them become better or new suppliers; and 5) documenting all activities for use within the MEP system for other sectors and in other regions.outcomes: expected outcomes include completion of 10 supplier information sessions and completion of 15 new supplier on-ramp engagements; outreach to at least 500 small and medium-sized manufacturers (smms) and completion of at least 75 SMM assessments and at least 25 supplier development/supplier projects that will be eligible for NIST MEP economic impact surveys.beneficiaries: the beneficiaries of the project will include: 1) prime and first-tier suppliers, that will expand supply chain capacities; 2) smms at various tier levels who will be presented with new business and growth opportunities; 3) participating MEP centers that will expand and enhance supply chain management capabilities; and 4) MEP centers nationwide that can replicate the approach, programs, and services developed through the project.subrecipients: participating MEP centers operate in new jersey (njmep), pennsylvania (divrc), new york (fuzehub), massachusetts (massmep), and rhode island (polaris MEP).