MEP Center State Competition

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is seeking competitive applications from eligible non-federal entities to operate MEP Centers in eight specific states: Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The primary objective is to establish cooperative agreements that will provide comprehensive manufacturing extension services to small and medium-sized manufacturers, focusing on improving productivity, developing workforce strategies, and enhancing supply chain integration. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, state/local/tribal governments, or consortiums, with a minimum requirement of 50 percent non-federal cost sharing. Proposals will be evaluated based on published criteria, potentially including a site visit, with selection made by a NIST selection panel. The application deadline is January 5, 2026, with an expected award start date of March 1, 2026.

The total anticipated federal funding ranges from $3.57 million to $34.39 million per state over a five-year initial award period, with potential for an additional five-year extension based on performance reviews. The cooperative agreements will support yearly state-specific allocations, with the exact amount varying by state. These MEP Centers will operate within their respective states, providing localized services to help small and medium-sized manufacturers improve their operational efficiency, adopt advanced technologies, and develop strategic capabilities. The performance period for each center will be five years, with the possibility of a subsequent five-year renewal contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The program is designed to be a long-term, sustainable support mechanism for manufacturing enterprises across these eight states.