MEP Advisory Board

MEP Advisory Board Charter

You can download a PDF of the MEP Advisory Board Charter.

MEP Advisory Board Purpose

The purpose of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Advisory Board as stated in statute [15 U.S.C. § 278k (m)] is to provide the NIST Director advice of the activities, plans and policies of the Program and assessments of the soundness of the plans and strategies of the Program as well as assessments of current performance of the plans of the Program.

Law requires the MEP Advisory Board consist of not fewer than 10 members appointed by the NIST Director whom broadly represent the interests and needs of the manufacturing sector. The law also requires at least two members be on an advisory board for an MEP Center, at least five members be from U.S. small businesses representing the manufacturing sector, and at least one Board member shall represent a community college. The Board members today represent the diversity of the U.S. manufacturing industry, from CEOs and executives representing various small to medium-sized manufacturers to academic leaders located at various institutions of higher education.

In addition, the Board members are limited to two consecutive three-year terms and are ineligible for reappointment for one year.  Finally, law requires the Board to meet at least twice per year.

Nominations requested for the MEP Advisory Board

NIST invites nominations for the MEP Advisory Board. Nominations will be accepted on an ongoing basis and will be considered as and when vacancies arise. Nominees for the MEP Advisory Board should have specific experience related to manufacturing and industrial extension services. Letters of nomination should include the category of membership (local MEP Center board member, U.S. small manufacturing business, community college) for which the candidate is applying and a summary of the candidate’s qualifications for that specific category. 

Read the Federal Register Notice.