Identifies the impact of NIST's MEP's on manufacturers' business performance. Assesses the impact of MEP assistance on various aspects of business performance. Identifies factors that may have contributed to the positive impact of overall business performance; determines whether the expectations of companies were met regarding the impact of MEP assistance; & determines whether companies actually thought that MEP demonstrated attributes they valued most, including MEP staff expertise, timely assistance & reasonably priced fees.
Author: Committee on 21st Century Manufacturing: The Role of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) - a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology - has sought for more than two decades to strengthen American manufacturing. It is a national network of affiliated manufacturing extension centers and field offices located throughout all fifty states and Puerto Rico. Funding for MEP Centers comes from a combination of federal, state, local and private resources. Centers work directly with manufacturing firms in their state or sub-state region. MEP Centers provide expertise, services and assistance directed toward improving growth, supply chain positioning, leveraging emerging technologies, improving manufacturing processes, work force training, and the application and implementation of information in client companies through direct assistance provided by Center staff and from partner organizations and third party consultants. 21st Century Manufacturing seeks to generate a better understanding of the operation, achievements, and challenges of the MEP program in its mission to support, strengthen, and grow U.S. manufacturing. This report identifies and reviews similar national programs from abroad in order to draw on foreign practices, funding levels, and accomplishments as a point of reference and discusses current needs and initiatives in light of the global focus on advanced manufacturing,
Addresses defense industry and technology base activities under eight separate statutory authority programs and sets forth planned selection criteria by which proposals received under a future solicitation will be evaluated. Covers: technology reinvestment activities (technology development, technology deployment, and manufacturing education and training), and eligibility and statutory programs. Also, planning for submission of proposals.
Identifies and describes specific government assistance opportunities such as loans, grants, counseling, and procurement contracts available under many agencies and programs.
