About NIST MEP

Who We Are

The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is based at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The national Program Office (NIST MEP) which provides the federal government funding for the MEP National Network™ is located in Gaithersburg, MD. The MEP National Network comprises the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), the 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the MEP Advisory Board, MEP Center boards, and the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence, as well as over 1,440 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 460 MEP service locations, providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.

 

National Network of Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico

 

Public-private partnership with local flexibility

 

Federal funds, state investments, and private sector fees cover services

 

Market driven program that creates high value for all manufacturers

 

Leverage partners to maximize service offerings

 

Transfer technology and expertise to small and medium-sized manufacturers

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Our Funding Model

MEP is a public-private partnership, designed from inception as a cost-share program. Federal appropriations pay one-half, with the balance for each Center funded by state / local governments and/or private entities, plus client fees. This cost-share model contributes to MEP's success. A GAO study found that because client fees give manufacturers a higher stake in the outcome of services, the positive impact on their businesses is greater. Meanwhile, public funding allows smaller manufacturers to afford services. NIST MEP uses 2 CFR 200 to monitor and govern the recipients' use of federal funds.

Strength in Partnerships

The MEP National Network's strength is in its partnerships. Through its collaborations at the federal, state and local level, MEP Centers work with manufacturers to develop new products and customers, expand and diversify markets, adopt new technology, and enhance value within supply chains. The MEP Program serves as a bridge to other organizations and federal research labs that share a passion for enhancing the manufacturing community. 

Delivering Value

As a public-private partnership, the Program delivers a high return on investment to taxpayers. In FY2023, for every one dollar of federal investment, the MEP National Network generates $24.60 in new sales growth and $27.50 in new client investment.  This translates into more than $4.3 billion in new sales. During this same time, for every $1,633 of federal investment, the Network creates or retains one manufacturing job. To learn more, view our Annual Report.

Why the MEP Program was Created

The Program was initially authorized in 1988. Our founding legislation provides the guidance for the Program’s purpose, objectives, eligibility to apply for funding, activities of Centers funded under the Program, and the cost share, performance, and evaluation requirements. It also establishes a MEP Advisory Board.

Impacts are based on clients receiving services in FY 2023