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FEDERAL

NIST MEP Competitive Awards Program

NIST provides competitive grants to support manufacturing extension partnership projects that enhance competitiveness and productivity of small and medium-sized manufacturers.

About this program

The NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Competitive Awards Program offers funding for organizations to conduct projects that strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, improve productivity, and support small and medium-sized manufacturing firms. The program supports a wide range of manufacturing-related initiatives including technical assistance, training, process improvement, and innovation adoption. MEP Centers and eligible organizations can apply to conduct projects that address critical manufacturing challenges and help manufacturers modernize operations, adopt new technologies, and develop skilled workforces.

Eligibility

Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers, nonprofit organizations, state and local government agencies, educational institutions, and industry associations engaged in manufacturing support activities. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to serve small and medium-sized manufacturers and have relevant expertise in manufacturing extension services.

Requirements

  • Applicant must be eligible NIST MEP partner organization
  • Demonstrate capacity to serve small and medium-sized manufacturers
  • Project must advance manufacturing competitiveness