Operate the impact washington MEP center to help smms thrive by boosting competitiveness and workforce excellence, especially in key sectors critical to national security and economic prosperity

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded a $6.503 million Cooperative Agreement to Washington Manufacturing Services, operating as Impact Washington, on February 1, 2026, under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (CFDA 11.611) to operate the Impact Washington MEP Center.

Impact Washington delivers comprehensive services to small and medium-sized manufacturers across Washington State, including workforce training, operational excellence programs, technology advancement solutions, and supply chain strengthening. The center draws on over 225 years of combined staff expertise and support from more than 40 resource partner experts to help manufacturers modernize technologies, products, methods, and skills while driving outreach, lead generation, impact measurement, and communication.

The award funds a five-year period of performance running through January 31, 2031, with place of performance in Everett, Washington. Year 1 project goals include serving 285 unique clients (including 112 new clients), creating or retaining 1,550 jobs, and delivering more than 35 public outreach activities. Over the past five years, Impact Washington's services resulted in more than 8,100 jobs created or retained and $1.95 billion in economic impact for over 1,100 manufacturers statewide. The center served more than 1,000 participants with over 25,000 hours of service during 2024–2025.

Cost sharing is met through program income generated from client fees for services. Impact Washington is governed by a fiduciary oversight board with a majority of small and medium-sized manufacturer members. No subrecipients are identified in this award.

Activities: impact washington delivers comprehensive services, workforce training, operational excellence programs, and innovation solutions focused on advancing technology, strengthening supply chains, and building workforce capabilities. Backed by over 225 years of staff expertise and more than 40 resource partner experts, we train and guide transformational projects, while driving outreach, lead generation, impact measurement and communication. Through strategic partnerships, product feedback, and market analysis, we help manufacturers modernize technologies, products, methods, and skills with solutions that are relevant and effective. Outcomes: impact washington delivered 25,000+ hours to over 1000 participants in 2024-2025 with measurable gains boosting productivity, cutting costs, creating jobs strengthening competitiveness through investments, resilient supply chains, and advanced technologies. Over the past five years, client-reported surveys confirm more than 8,100 jobs created or retained and $1.95 billion in economic impact, including sales growth, investments, and cost savings for 1,100+ manufacturers statewide. Year 1 project goals: serve 285 unique and 112 new clients, create or retain 1,550 jobs and deliver more than 35 public outreach activities to meet or exceed program targets. The center will meet cost share through program income generated from client fees for services. Beneficiaries: impact washington empowers smms across rural and urban communities and strengthens the broader manufacturing ecosystem by connecting partners, sharing insights, and driving collaboration that amplifies results statewide and nationally. The center is governed by a fiduciary oversight board with a majority of SMM members. Subrecipients: are not applicable for this project.