The project advances national institute of standards and technology (NIST) MEP national priorities through a proven model that combines verified impact, embedded specialists, university and industry…

The National Institute of Standards and Technology awarded Boise State University a $1.875 million Cooperative Agreement on February 1, 2026, under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (CFDA 11.611) to operate the Idaho MEP Center, delivering targeted technical assistance, workforce training, product development, and business growth services to Idaho's small and medium-sized manufacturers through five years ending January 31, 2031.

The Center operates three service pillars—Operations, Food, and Workforce—with embedded specialists stationed statewide to provide hands-on support tailored to local needs, particularly for rural manufacturers representing 88 percent of Idaho's manufacturing base. Technology-driven diagnostic tools including digital readiness and operational assessments ensure data-informed client engagement. Expected outcomes include increased and retained sales, cost savings, improved efficiency, expanded market opportunities, and strengthened supply chains. Performance is measured through the NIST MEP Client-Verified Survey System and disciplined performance management processes.

Work is performed in Boise, Idaho. Boise State University established three sub-recipient partnerships: Idaho State University (award date May 27, 2026) will expand service delivery across Eastern Idaho through Bengal Solutions, the College of Business, the College of Technology, and regional Extension-style outreach, supporting technology adoption, operational excellence, workforce development, and service delivery to manufacturers. The University of Idaho (award date March 11, 2026) will contribute specialized expertise, workforce development capacity, and statewide reach to support comprehensive manufacturing extension services. The Idaho Manufacturing Alliance (award date May 29, 2026) will serve as ecosystem and industry engagement partner, strengthening market penetration, expanding manufacturer access, supporting workforce initiatives, and providing Idaho-specific industry intelligence through statewide connectivity and direct community insight.

The project advances national institute of standards and technology (NIST) MEP national priorities through a proven model that combines verified impact, embedded specialists, university and industry partnerships, and technology-driven assessments to deliver high-value solutions for idaho's small and medium-sized manufacturers (smms). Activities: the center provides targeted technical assistance, workforce training, product development, and business growth services through our three pillars: operations, food, and workforce. Specialists are embedded statewide, enabling hands-on, locally tailored support, particularly for rural manufacturers that represent 88% of the state. Technology-driven diagnostic tools, including digital readiness and operational assessments, ensure that each engagement is data-informed and aligned to client needs. Strategic partnerships with boise state university, idaho state university, the university of idaho, and the idaho manufacturing alliance integrate consulting expertise, university innovation, and student talent to strengthen service delivery and impact.outcomes: expected outcomes include increased and retained sales, cost savings, improved efficiency, expanded market opportunities, and a more resilient manufacturing ecosystem supported by technology adoption, strengthened supply chains, and a sustainable workforce pipeline. All impacts are measured through the NIST MEP client-verified survey system and disciplined performance management processes. Historical results include more than 9,700 jobs supported and $2.95 billion in economic output over 30 years, with recent performance demonstrating $15 million in new sales, $30 million in retained sales, $8 million in new investments, $4.2 million in cost savings, and 415 jobs created or retained on a rolling four-quarter average.beneficiaries: idaho's smms representing 94% of the state's manufacturing base are the primary beneficiaries. With more than 3,600 (jobseq industry spotlight, 2023) establishments statewide, idaho's ecosystem relies on specialized, local support that strengthens profitability, accelerates technology adoption, and builds long-term competitiveness.national context: idaho manufacturing is among the nation's fastest-growing sectors, expanding 41% from 2010 to 2024, compared to 7% nationally. This growth rate ranks idaho second in the nation, underscoring the state's rising role in U.S. Manufacturing competitiveness (jobs EQ 2025; idaho manufacturing alliance (IMA) 2025 report).subrecipients: boise state university serves as the host institution and leads workforce innovation through studioblu while coordinating statewide program delivery. The university of idaho delivers lean manufacturing consulting and food safety training in northern and south central idaho and provides technical expertise across advanced manufacturing sectors. Idaho state university provides energy efficiency assessments, supports the rural energy for america program (reap), and conducts bengal solutions student consulting projects in eastern idaho. The idaho manufacturing alliance expands statewide outreach, executes industry surveys, strengthens policy advocacy, and coordinates apprenticeship programs to support employer-driven workforce needs.