The National Institute of Standards and Technology's Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) works with small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers to help them create and retain jobs, increase profits, and save time and money. The nationwide network provides a variety of services, from innovation strategies to process improvements to green manufacturing. MEP also works with partners at the state and federal levels on programs that put manufacturers in position to develop new customers, expand into new markets and create new products.
NIST MEP advocates Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for projects designed to enhance the productivity, technical performance and global competitiveness of U.S. Manufacturers. NOFOs are implemented through the MEP National Network consisting of MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico with more than 1,440 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 460 MEP service locations. These opportunities help encourage the creation and adaption of improved technologies and provide resources to develop new products that respond to changing market needs.