# NIST Awards $30M to MEP Centers

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded over **$30 million** on September 15, 2026, to 12 Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers across 11 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. These cooperative agreements, spanning an initial five-year period, require recipients to provide a 50% nonfederal cost share. The funding supports small and medium-sized manufacturers in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, and additive manufacturing. This initiative aims to strengthen domestic supply chains and enhance industrial competitiveness.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on advanced manufacturing technologies and the cost-sharing requirement, which impacts budgeting and partnership strategies.
- Agencies and contractors involved in manufacturing technology services can leverage this funding to expand support offerings to MEP centers.
- Organizations in the awarded states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, and Massachusetts, have direct opportunities to collaborate or compete for subcontracts.
- This funding signals federal commitment to modernizing manufacturing infrastructure, indicating potential future procurements in related technology areas.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology, Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- U.S. Department of Commerce

### Vendors
- Alabama Training Network (awardee)
- Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (awardee)
- Georgia Tech Research Corporation (awardee)
- Louisiana Department of Economic Development (awardee)
- Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (awardee)

### Sources
- [NIST Awards More Than $30 Million for MEP Centers in 11 States and Puerto Rico | NIST](https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2026/09/nist-awards-more-30-million-mep-centers-11-states-and-puerto-rico) - NIST