NIST MEP announces funding opportunities for manufacturing centers in four states

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is accepting applications to operate Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers in Kentucky, Nebraska, Rhode Island and South Dakota. The NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership funds 51 centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico which provide experts who enhance the performance of local manufacturers. Funding awards will include almost $19.8 million to support small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in the four listed states.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, states, U.S. territories, and local or tribal governments. Already existing MEP centers in good standing that have received assistance for 10 consecutive years may also apply. Centers must recompete for awards every 10 years, and the MEP centers in each of these states are approaching that point.

NIST anticipates awarding the following amounts to manufacturing centers in each state during an initial five-year performance period:

• Kentucky, $6,217,500
• Nebraska, $3,978,500
• Rhode Island, $6,021,500
• South Dakota, $3,561,000

More information on the funding opportunity and where to apply is available here.