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Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is sponsored by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The MEP program strengthens small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers by providing services and technical assistance, including support for automation and digitization projects (Industry/Manufacturing 4. 0).
While individual businesses don't apply directly for the main MEP funding, they can access services and potentially grant opportunities through their state's MEP Center. The NIST MEP Competitive Awards Program (CAP) invites applications from MEP Centers to develop projects addressing new manufacturing problems like Industry/Manufacturing 4. 0.
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Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) | NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is a program administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology. The program’s primary mission is to strengthen and empower small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers through state-designated MEP Centers located across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico.
The program comprises nearly 1,400 trusted manufacturing advisors and experts at more than 450 MEP service locations. The MEP National Network: The Go to Experts for Advancing U S Manufacturing Any manufacturer can take advantage of the services provided by MEP Centers, located across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico.
From leadership training and value stream mapping to strength finders and cybersecurity, you name it, and they will have something for it. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network is a public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions by helping small and medium-sized manufacturers grow, make operational improvements, and reduce risk.
Advancing U.S. Manufacturing The MEP is committed to supporting manufacturers and building productive partnerships in all fifty states and Puerto Rico. Our goal is to ensure the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing in the global economy.
Whether you're a manufacturer, an interagency partner, a state, local, territorial or tribal government, an accredited research institution or an entrepreneur looking to turn your manufacturing vision into reality, the MEP is here to help. Why choose the MEP National Network?
National reach, local impact: With a network of nearly 1,400 trusted experts and thousands of partners across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, we deliver localized support from small rural communities to large cities.
Deep industry expertise: By working with the MEP National Network, organizations secure reliable domestic suppliers, strengthen supply chain resilience, leverage innovative technologies, and develop a skilled workforce that drives the growth and competitiveness of manufacturing across critical industries like defense, aerospace, automotive, and more.
Customized support: MEP Centers provide comprehensive, hands-on consulting and training solutions tailored to each manufacturer’s unique challenges. From leadership training and value stream mapping to strength finders and cybersecurity, you name it, and they will have something for it. Are you a manufacturer seeking assistance?
MANUFACTURING VIDEOS: REAL STORIES, REAL RESULTS The MEP National Network enables U.S. manufacturers to strengthen their competitiveness. Through these videos, see how U.S. manufacturers are leveraging the Network’s expertise to overcome challenges, expand their capabilities, and ensure that America remains competitive in critical industries, ranging from defense, aerospace, and automotive to energy, electronics, and medical devices.
These results go beyond numbers—they represent a stronger, more resilient U.S. economy. Watch More Videos Heroes of American Manufacturing: Capewell Capewell, a client of GENEDGE (Virginia MEP), provides innovative, effective custom-engineered solutions that save lives and increase success rates for anyone who operates globally in dangerous environments supporting national security and other critical missions.
GENEDGE and Capewell maintain a strategic partnership that allows for ongoing project engagements and mutual opportunities for collaboration and growth. Committed to delivering high-quality, reliable, and sustainable capabilities for our Nation's men and women serving to protect our freedoms, we are excited to tell Capewell’s story and how GENEDGE has contributed to its success. Industry 4.
0 Technologies Help Manufacturers Succeed In today’s labor market, manufacturers continue to struggle to find quality labor. Industry 4. 0 (I4.
0) technologies can help manufacturers fill those gaps, improve efficiency, and stay competitive. The shift toward automation is a reason many manufacturers decide to work with an MEP Center. MEP Centers have a broad range of subject matter experts that can help companies, whether they’re just learning about I4.
0 or are already implementing it. This video features MEP manufacturing clients discussing their company’s experience with I4. 0.
In addition, MEP Center experts explain some of the benefits they’ve seen for their clients. Manufacturing Innovation Blog Every year, employers across the United States open their doors to curious kids, inviting them to experience a day in the life of their parents at work.
On The Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Network (MEPNN) advances U.S. manufacturing by helping small and medium-sized manufacturers grow, make Manufacturing is a fast-paced, constantly evolving, and dynamic environment, and the supply chain is at its heart. For small and medium-sized manufacturers Manufacturing is the backbone of the U.S. economy.
From the cars we drive to the electronics we use daily, almost everything we rely on is made in factories The U.S. manufacturing industry is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by new technologies, smarter supply chains, and an increasingly dynamic workforce. In 2025 According to the MEP National Network TM Client Impact Survey, small and medium-sized manufacturers that work with their local Manufacturing Extension...
The Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII), part of the Manufacturing USA network, and the National Institute of Standards and... In celebration of Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced the launch of...
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has made a cooperative agreement award to operate a Manufacturing... 100 Bureau Drive, M/S 4800
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers can utilize services provided by MEP Centers. For the Competitive Awards Program, applicants must be an active MEP Center. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Funding amounts vary based on project scope and sponsor guidance. Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
Manufacturing USA Institute – AI for Resilient Manufacturing is sponsored by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST is seeking applications to establish and operate a Manufacturing USA institute focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to strengthen the resilience of U.S. manufacturers, particularly concerning supply chain networks. The institute will conduct applied R&D projects and cultivate a skilled workforce.
ITL Grant Program (Measurement Science and Engineering (MSE) Research Grant Programs) is sponsored by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Information Technology Laboratory (ITL). The ITL Grant Program provides financial assistance to support research or a recipient's portion of collaborative research consistent with the ITL's missions in fields such as Applied and Computational Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, and Information Processing and Understanding.
The NIST SBIR Phase I program for Smart Manufacturing and Construction is a grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that funds early-stage research and development by small businesses in science and technology-based areas, particularly smart manufacturing and construction. NIST issues an annual Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Phase I proposals, and Phase II awards are limited to small businesses that have successfully completed a Phase I project. The program supports the development and commercialization of innovative manufacturing and construction technologies. Eligible applicants are for-profit small businesses located in the United States. Phase I awards are up to $100,000, with the 2026 deadline on May 1, 2026.
Manufacturing Grants (Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund) is sponsored by FuzeHub (New York State). These grants, part of the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, encourage collaboration between not-for-profit organizations and small to medium-sized manufacturing companies in New York State. Project categories include adoption of new technology to enhance a process and/or product, prototype development, design for manufacturing, proof-of-concept manufacturing, certain equipment purchases, and manufacturing scale-up.
The purpose of this FOA is to provide funding for up to four (4) Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) that will provide entrepreneurial development services to Native American communities, focusing on supplying services to socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in locations that are outside of the geographical areas of existing SBA resources. Eligible applicants must be Tribal Colleges and Universities as defined in the Higher Education Act HEA 316 (U.S.C. 1059c). Funding Opportunity Number: SB-GC7J-23-002. Assistance Listing: 59.007. Funding Instrument: G. Category: BC,ED. Award Amount: Up to $250K per award.
The purpose of this FOA is to provide funding for up to two (2) private, non-profit organizations that will provide entrepreneurial development services to women, with an emphasis on socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in locations that are outside of the geographical areas of existing WBCs for the District of Columbia (DC) and the State of Oregon. There will be one award for each location. Eligible applicants must be private, non-profit organizations with 501(c) tax exempt status from the U.S. Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service and must provide services to the District of Columbia (DC) and State of Oregon. Funding Opportunity Number: SB-OEDWB-23-002. Assistance Listing: 59.043. Funding Instrument: G. Category: BC,CD,RD. Award Amount: $75K – $150K per award.