Simpler Grants.gov #2026-NIST-MEP-02

NIST Solicits Applications to Establish and Operate MEP Centers in 14 States and Puerto Rico

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the U.S. Department of Commerce, is seeking applications to establish and operate Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers in 14 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Commerce - National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) - Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Office - Scope of Work: - Establish and operate MEP Centers to support small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs) - Focus on adoption and scaling of advanced manufacturing technologies: - Robotics - Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Automation - Advanced materials - Additive manufacturing - Biotechnology - Provide technical expertise, solutions, and facilitate partnerships with OEMs, financial institutions, and educational entities - Eligibility and Requirements: - Applicants must be U.S.-based non-profit institutions, higher education institutions, or government entities (including consortia) - Annual non-federal cost sharing of at least 50% is required - Up to 14 awards anticipated, one per state/territory - Funding: - Federal funding amounts vary by state, with a total range from approximately $706,300 to $78,209,000 over five years - Notable Requirements: - Emphasis on strategic partnerships with OEMs and workforce development - Annual performance reviews and funding continuation based on satisfactory performance and appropriations - Initial five-year cooperative agreement, with potential for an additional five-year extension

Description

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is seeking applications from eligible applicants to establish and operate a MEP Center in multiple U.S. states and the territory of Puerto Rico. The centers will support small and midsized manufacturers in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies to improve industrial competitiveness and economic outcomes. The award is a cooperative agreement with an initial 5-year period, subject to annual reviews and funding availability, with a possible additional 5-year period. Applicants must be U.S.-based non-profits, institutions of higher education, or government entities, including consortia.

View original listing