Nonprofit organizations in 10 states have a chance to win a piece of a $26 million prize as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) kicks off a competition to fund Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers in 10 different states.
The competition is part of a multiyear effort meant to update funding structures for the MEP network. Members of the network assist small- to medium-sized American manufacturers in creating and retaining jobs, increasing profits and enhancing efficiency.
The competition, which was announced in early August, focuses on funding MEP center awards in 10 specific states. They are: Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia and Texas.
The available funding pool is meant to provide each center with half of the first-year’s operating funds. The other half must be matched by the centers through nonfederal sources.
Recipients will be eligible for a five-year cooperative funding agreement.
About the Competition
The competition is open to nonprofit organizations and institutions within each of the 10 identified states. Applicants should demonstrate an ability to help manufacturers statewide address existing and emerging concerns related to staffing, productivity, profitability, technology and more.
Eligible applicants include appropriate nonprofit groups, nonprofit colleges, universities and technical schools, and state, local or tribal governments.
Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of and have a strategy prepared to address such issues as:
- Market understanding – Applicants should have a strong understanding of the market they will serve, along with the needs of manufacturers from different segments within their state, including nontraditional MEP customers, such as emerging and rural manufacturers.
- Needs identification and services offered – Applicants should have the capabilities to provide services to a variety of manufacturers for both bottom line improvement and top line growth. This includes leveraging new technology, having the capability to identify manufacturer needs and how to address them, and using resources, services and tools to meet identified needs.
- Center strategy – This includes the center’s overall strategy for delivering services.
Other points applicants must address include program partnership, program management, budgeting, financial planning and financial viability.
About MEP
MEP was founded as a public-private partnership in 1988 by the U.S. Department of Commerce to assist the nation’s small- to medium-sized manufacturers to creating jobs, increasing profits and paving the way for long-term growth and productivity.
MEP centers are found throughout the country and today include a network of more than 1,200 technical experts poised to help U.S. manufacturers compete locally, nationally and globally.
For every $1 spent by the federal government, MEP centers nationally help businesses generate an estimated $19 in new sales growth and $21 in new client investment, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.
For more information about the competition and eligibility requirements, visit the Office of the Federal Register online.
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