Breaking It Down – Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Explained

What is the MEP? And why should every small and medium-sized manufacturer in the United States and Puerto Rico know? Let’s break it down.

Background

MEP stands for Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program was established by Public Law in 1988.

The founding legislation provides the statute for the Program’s purpose, objectives, eligibility to apply for funding, activities of MEP Centers funded under the Program, and the cost share, performance, and evaluation requirements. It also establishes an MEP Advisory Board.

Three public laws dictate and govern the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program and activities:

• Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program: 15 USC 278k
• Competitive Awards Program: 15 USC 278k-1
• Expansion Awards Pilot Program: 15 USC 278k-2

About

The MEP is part of the United States Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The national Program Office (NIST MEP) which provides the federal government funding for the MEP National Network™ is in Gaithersburg, MD.

For more than 35 years, the MEP program has worked to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturing through a nationwide network of MEP Centers.

Each of the 50 United States and Puerto Rico has an MEP Center. Each center is part of the MEP National Network™.

The MEP National Network™ is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing.

Focused on helping small and medium-sized manufacturers generate business results and thrive in today’s technology-driven economy, the MEP National Network comprises the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), the 51 MEP Centers, the MEP Advisory Board, MEP Center boards, and the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence, as well as over 1,440 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 460 MEP service locations, providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.

CONNSTEP is the official representative of the MEP National Network in Connecticut and has become one of the top MEP centers in the network by supporting the evolution of Connecticut’s manufacturers to be the most resilient, reliable, innovative, and productive in the nation.

CONNSTEP is the leading manufacturing consulting firm in Connecticut. For over 25 years, the client-focused mission of our expert team has been centered on ensuring client success in today’s evolving manufacturing landscape.

Mission

NIST MEP’s mission is to enhance the productivity and technological performance of U.S. manufacturing.

Partnerships

The MEP National Network’s strength is in its partnerships.

Through its collaborations at the federal, state, and local levels, MEP Centers work with manufacturers to develop new products and customers, expand and diversify markets, adopt new technology, and enhance value within supply chains.

The MEP Program serves as a bridge to other organizations and federal research labs that share a passion for enhancing the manufacturing community. 

Impact

For fiscal year 2023, MEP Centers interacted with more than 36,000 manufacturers, leading to $16.2 billion in sales, $2.9 billion in cost savings, $4.8 billion in new client investments, and helped create or retain more than 107,100 jobs.

In that same time frame, CONNSTEP clients across Connecticut helped bolster the state’s economy through $226 million in new or retained sales, $30 million in cost or investment savings, $39 million in new investments, and the retention or creation of nearly 1,000 jobs.

Funding Model

MEP is a public-private partnership, designed from inception as a cost-share program. Federal appropriations pay one-half, with the balance for each Center funded by state / local governments and/or private entities, plus client fees.

This cost-share model contributes to MEP’s success.

A GAO study found that because client fees give manufacturers a higher stake in the outcome of services, the positive impact on their businesses is greater.

Meanwhile, public funding allows smaller manufacturers to afford services. NIST MEP uses 2 CFR 200 to monitor and govern the recipients’ use of federal funds.

CONNSTEP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To demonstrate the impact we are making to advance the growth and success of manufacturing in Connecticut, we capture the metrics of our clients’ projects and report the data to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Value

As a public-private partnership, the Program delivers a high return on investment to taxpayers. 

In FY2023, for every one dollar of federal investment, the MEP National Network generates $24.60 in new sales growth and $27.50 in new client investment.

This translates into more than $4.3 billion in new sales. During this same time, for every $1,633 of federal investment, the Network creates or retains one manufacturing job.

Benefits of Working With an MEP Center

National reach, local impact: With a network of over 1,440 manufacturing experts and thousands of partners across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, the MEP National Network works with over 30,000 manufacturers annually, delivering localized support that delivers national impact—from small rural communities to large cities.

Deep industry expertise: By working with the MEP National Network, organizations can secure reliable domestic suppliers, strengthen supply chain resilience, leverage innovative technologies, and develop a skilled workforce, driving the growth and competitiveness of manufacturing across critical industries like defense, aerospace, automotive, and more.

Customized support: MEP Centers provide comprehensive, hands-on consulting and training solutions tailored to each manufacturer’s unique challenges. This approach ensures that manufacturers receive practical solutions that lead to measurable improvements in efficiency, profitability, and competitiveness. 

Proven ROI: MEP Centers have generated over $150 billion in sales growth for their manufacturing clients since 1988 and generated a 17:1 return on federal investment in 2023.

How to Reach CONNSTEP, Connecticut’s MEP

CONNSTEP’s team of trusted advisors is dedicated to helping Connecticut small and medium-sized manufacturers reach their goals.

Our services include: Supply Chain Management, Technology Adoption, Workforce Development, Business Growth, Continuous Improvement & Lean Strategies, Quality Management & Certifications, Cybersecurity & Compliance, Environmental Health & Safety, and Human Resources.

For more information and to schedule a consultation, visit connstep.org, call or text us at 860-513-3200.

Information provided by: NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Meet Our Team

Our multi-disciplinary team of experts takes a holistic approach by leveraging industry knowledge to offer tailored services for success.

Your Success, Our Mission.

Check out our "About Us" page here. CONNSTEP has become one of the top MEP centers in the network by supporting the evolution of Connecticut’s manufacturers to be the most resilient, reliable, innovative, and productive in the nation.

"Get to Know CT's MEP" Webinar on January 16

Attend CONNSTEP's newest, upcoming webinar to meet some of the team and discover how CONNSTEP supports CT manufacturers with expert guidance. Free to attend, via Zoom.