January 29, 2016 - View this as a web page - View eblast from January 22, 2016

MEP Launches Round 3 State Competition

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has opened a competition to award new cooperative funding agreements for its MEP centers in 12 states and Puerto Rico. The competition continues a multiyear effort to update the program’s funding structure to better match manufacturing industry needs with resources in MEP's nationwide network. The current competition will fund awards for centers in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Utah and Vermont. MEP anticipates awarding a total of nearly $39 million for up to 13 centers in these locations.

MEP will host a webinar for interested parties approximately 15-30 business days from the release of the Federal Funding Opportunity. Full details on the competition and award process can be found on the MEP competition website.

Regional Forums for Round 4 Competitions

NIST MEP intends to publish an announcement in July 2016 of funding availability for MEP Centers in the following eleven states: Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina, Wyoming.

Prior to the announcement of this federal funding opportunity, NIST MEP is conducting three regional forums to provide interested entities more information about the MEP program, the state competition, answer any questions regarding this funding announcement and also offer potential applicants the chance to sign up for a one-on-one meeting with NIST MEP representatives. For detailed information on forum dates and locations, click here.

Center Board Member Meeting

On March 1st, NIST MEP will be holding a meeting with center board members as the first effort in a series of activities to promote communication and distinctive practice sharing between the Center Boards as well as initiate dialogue with the National MEP Advisory Board. Following the joint session between center board members and the MEP National Board, the National Board will be meeting separately for the remainder of the day holding one of the three required board meetings for the year.

For specific details, agendas for each meeting, and a list of of hotels that are close the the Ronald Regean Building, you can find it all on MEP Connect by clicking here. You can access MEP Connect by using your MEIS user name and password. If you cannot access to MEP Connect, please contact Nicole Ausherman at nicole.ausherman@nist.gov.

If Center Board members, Center Directors or other staff are interested in attending the meetings on March 1st, please send names of attendees to Monica Claussen at monica.claussen@nist.gov and Samm Bowman at samm@nist.gov.

MEP in the News

• Georgia Tech (GaMEP's) January Faces of Manufacturing is Roger Casteal. As the quality and training manager at a steel manufacturer in Augusta, he uses technology and employee training to further careers. Hear his Story.
• Local companies find opportunities in exporting, thanks to the Montana program. Read More
• Mike Coast President of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center appeared on Michigan Radio, the NPR affiliate, Stateside program to talk about the Advanced Michigan Initiative. Mr. Coast serves as the Vice Chair of Advance Michigan, which is a partnership between Detroit, Flint, Pontiac, Lansing, Ann arbor and the surrounding communities. Hear the Podcast

Video of the Week: Catalyst Connection along with all of the other 6 PA IRCs developed a video describing the B2B PA Network Open Innovation services and capabilities statewide.

Photo of the Week: Special congratulations to Eric Esoda (NEPIRC), Michelle Johnson and their family for Ian Johnson's graduation as a member of the 5-15 U.S. Cavalry. Best of luck and safety at Fort Lewis, Washington.

Vacancies Around the MEP System

• Impact Washington is seeking an Account Executive in Eastern Washington. Learn More
• Georgia Tech (GaMEP) is seeking two Project Managers: Lean Project Manager and Quality Project Manager
• NIST MEP is seeking an Information Specialist to coordinate and manage the strategic vision, design and execution of multiple MEP conferences and meetings per year as well as MEP participation in events and trade shows. Closes February 10th. Learn More