Manufacturing Extension Partnership

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for an upcoming Technology Accelerator Pilot Program.

This competitive pilot program will support existing MEP Centers in accelerating the adoption and commercialization of advanced manufacturing technologies that enhance the competitiveness of the domestic industrial base for additive manufacturing of aerospace components and the domestic critical minerals supply chain.

It aims to revolutionize U.S. industrial supply chains by leveraging the MEP National Network™, NIST’s measurement science programs, the NIST-coordinated Manufacturing USA network, and partnerships with other federal agencies to identify pathways for technology demonstration and market transition.

Read the NOI at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/20/2026-10105/mep-pilot-program

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded a cooperative agreement to Impact Washington to establish a Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center in Washington state.

Impact Washington supports manufacturers in competing globally through expert consulting, training programs, educational and industry events, and resources that drive profits, workforce development, and business growth. They offer cost-effective assistance to enhance a company’s productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness by applying technology, techniques, and best practices.

Domestic manufacturing plays a vital role in keeping our nation’s supply chains running smoothly. The MEP National Network’s Supplier Scouting service connects U.S. manufacturers, making it easier to produce these essential items right here at home.

The MEP National Network searches for hundreds of items across various industries, offering opportunities for small and medium-sized manufacturers to grow and expand. Currently, there are 30 open supplier scouting opportunities for U.S. manufacturers seeking domestic suppliers for items like:

✅ Lighting switch covers
✅ Horizontal vinyl blinds
✅ Stainless steel tubing

View current open opportunities:
https://www.nist.gov/mep/mep-national-network-open-supplier-scouting-opportunities

New Grant Opportunity!

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training (RESTART) Initiative promotes workforce readiness skills and helps ex-offenders find jobs across three groups: youth (ages 15-17), young adults (ages 18-24), and adults (age 25 and older).

Funds will be awarded to eligible entities to develop programs that train ex-offenders for high-demand American jobs and help them become productive contributors to the U.S. economy.

Applications must be submitted electronically no later than April 15, 2026, 11:59 pm Eastern.

Apply at: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361368

The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) Manufacturing Insights Survey Report is now available!

MMTC launched its first Manufacturing Insights Survey to gather real-time feedback from manufacturers on industry trends, strengths, challenges, and opportunities. This report is the result of that effort and shares comprehensive responses from small and midsize manufacturers across the state.

Discover what manufacturers are planning and prioritizing for 2026, along with actionable tips to make this year successful.

Download the report:
https://www.the-center.org/Resources/Manufacturing-Insights-Survey-Report

The Center - Manufacturing Insights Survey & Report In fall 2025, we launched our inaugural Manufacturing Insights Survey to track real manufacturer feedback on industry trends, strengths, challenges, and opportunities. This report is the culmination of this initiative and analyzes comprehensive responses from small and midsize manufacturers across o...