Wrap-up from Denver Summer Regional Meeting

Philadelphia Regional Meeting

Green Suppliers Network is Moving

Request for Information: M-TAC

What's Happening Around MEP

MEP in the NEWS

Calendar of Events

Make it in America Manufacturer of the Week!

View eblast from June 21, 2013

Thanks to all who joined us in Denver, Colorado this week at the first summer regional meeting. We had 110 attendees participate in this meeting. Over the two days we heard from a number of NIST MEP staff, centers and outside industry experts. The first day we had the opportunity to hear from the acting director Phil Singerman on updates and changes within the MEP program and then we moved into a discussion about the current and future federal funding opportunities and MEP’s role in the various multi-agency awards. In addition, a panel of center directors provided their perspective on these multi-agency awards and the success and challenges that they have faced. We continued after lunch by hearing from Neal Orringer, the chief strategist on manufacturing policy from the Department of Commerce about the administration’s manufacturing agenda and the role that MEP can play. The day continued with an update on the NIST MEP strategic planning process and the system collaboratory. We closed out the day with a discussion on center project data and specifically the characteristics of high and low performing centers as well as some breakout sessions on the MEP information system, MEIS.

Day 2 was full of center and industry lead panel presentations including one on how to build long term engagements with your clients as well as one focused on how to change your center’s culture so that everyone is capable of having growth conversations within the organization. The afternoon was spent focused on the current and future state of the food processing industry and the opportunity this presents to centers.

All of the presentations are now posted and available on MEIS. We also plan to share all of the questions that we received while in Denver with their corresponding answers. Those will be shared to the system within the next week. If you attended this week’s meeting and have not yet had a chance to complete the evaluation form, please click here to provide us with your feedback.

If you have any questions about this meeting or future ones, please contact Kari Reidy at kari.reidy@nist.gov or 301-975-4919.

Back to Top 

Just a reminder that if you are attending the Philadelphia, PA Summer Regional Meeting on July 23-24, the hotel room block ends on Monday, July 1st. If you still need to reserve your room, please do so before that date to ensure you receive the negotiated rate of $139/night. The meeting will be held at the Embassy Suite Philadelphia Airport

To reserve your hotel room online please visit: Embassy Suite Philadelphia Airport website. The group dates and rates are generated on this website so all online reservations must be made this way. To place a reservation by PHONE please call 800-445-8667 or 215-365-4500 and reference “Philly Regional Meeting”. You must reference the group name to receive the discounted room rate.

If you still need to register for this meeting, would like additional information, or have any questions, please visit the event website or contact Kari Reidy at kari.reidy@nist.gov or 301-975-4919. The registration fee is $250/person.

Back to Top 

As of July 11, 2013, the Green Suppliers Network (www.gsn.gov, www.greensuppliers.gov) can be found at www.e3.gov. This change comes as we are building opportunities within the E3 – or Economy, Energy, and Environment – framework to help communities, their small and mid-sized manufacturers, and manufacturing supply chains to be more sustainable and economically competitive.

For information about E3, please contact Ben Vickery at ben.vickery@nist.gov For information about GSN, please contact Brian Lagas at brian.lagas@nist.gov

Back to Top 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a request for information (RFI) to interested parties to comment on NIST’s planning for a Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO), anticipated in fiscal year 2014 (FY14), that will competitively fund a select number of new Manufacturing Technology Acceleration Centers (M-TACs).

The M-TACs will focus on addressing the technical and business challenges encountered by small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers as they attempt to integrate, adopt, transition, and commercialize both existing and emerging product and process technologies into their operations to help them grow and compete within manufacturing supply chains as innovative, value-adding components of our nation’s economy.

M-TACs will amplify the effectiveness of the current Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network, establishing teams of experts in specific technology/supply chains, offering multiple services and deep expertise through the national MEP network.

This Request For Information (RFI) seeks comments relating to four primary issue areas regarding the M-TACs that are further defined herein: (1) technology transition and commercialization tools and services that should be provided by M-TACs; (2) M-TAC roles relating to supply chain needs; (3) potential business models for M-TACs; and (4) M-TAC performance and impact metrics. In addition, NIST seeks comments relating to other critical issues that NIST should consider in its strategic planning for future M-TAC investments. To view the full RFI/FRN, please click here.

Comments are due on or before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 22, 2013. Comments will be accepted by e-mail only. Comments must be sent to diane.henderson@nist.gov with the subject line “M-TAC RFI Comments.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) For questions regarding this Request for Information, please submit them to Diane Henderson @ diane.henderson@nist.gov.

Background: Strengthening manufacturing supply chains through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) - The President’s 2014 Budget proposes a $25 million increase for MEP to launch a series of Manufacturing Technology Acceleration Centers (M-TACs). M-TACs will be industry-specific centers that can serve as coordination points within key supply chains to assist small manufacturers in technology transition and commercialization efforts that are critical to their success within these supply chains. MEP has published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public comment to inform the creation of the M-TACs. Additionally, the Administration is also announcing plans to pilot two new centers in 2013 using existing resources.

Back to Top

Oregon MEP Vacancy Announcement: Manufacturing Consultant
OMEP has an immediate need for a manufacturing consultant. This position reports to the president. OMEP consultants offer business, operational and other consulting services to small and medium sized manufacturing clients in the State of Oregon. In this capacity, he or she manages a caseload of four to eight clients, and provides strategic assistance and coaching, assessment services, business advice, and hands-on implementation assistance to companies ranging from 5 to 500 employees. OMEP consulting disciplines include lean enterprise, strategic planning, leadership and management, finance and accounting, inventory management, supply chain management, tech acceleration, and business transition planning, among others.

Please email your resume and a cover letter to Tami Trout at tami@troutbusiness.com

WMEP Vacancy Announcement: Center Director
The West Virginia University Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, is seeking an Industrial Extension Agent who will serve as the Center Director for the West Virginia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WVMEP). The Center Director is responsible for maintaining the vision, mission and core values for WVMEP as well as for defining, developing and directing center resources to achieve its strategic and operating goals. The position is accountable for the performance of all functions within the organization, including its funding and relationships with sponsors, partner organizations and government officials. The Center Director is responsible for growing industrial extension offerings, external funding, and recognition, and for engaging and interacting with resources available within the Statler College to enhance WVMEP service delivery to benefit customers. The Center Director reports directly to the MIE Director with offices located in the Statler College.

For more information, or to apply for this position, contact Patricia Huggins at pat.huggins@mail.wvu.edu | (304) 293-9381.

• NC State University Extension Launches One-of-a-Kind Safety Compliance Toolkit The countdown is on. Less than six months remain until all U.S. companies that handle, store or use hazardous chemicals are required to have trained their workers in OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) changes. To meet the nationwide demand, the NC State University Industrial Extension Service (IES) and the Southeastern OSHA Training Institute Education Center (SE OTIEC) have developed a way to find all of the required training information on the web. Read Article

• Gov. Chris Christie and New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Partnership work together to help businesses rebound from Hurricane Sandy. The power failures that plunged most of New Jersey into the dark after Hurricane Sandy also forced dozens of factories to temporarily halt production, costing them millions in lost revenue. Among them was Vantage Apparel, in the Avenel section of Woodbridge, a 36-year old supplier of embroidered and screen-printed apparel for sports and corporate and brand campaigns. A three-day Sandy shutdown cost the company about $1 million in revenue, according to President Ira Neaman. To avoid a similar fate in future disasters, the company has received a state Recovery4Jersey training grant. Read Article

• ‘Made in CT’ touts state manufacturers "Q&A", a section of the Hartford Business Journal, talks with Bonnie Del Conte, president & CEO of CONNSTEP, about efforts to showcase Connecticut manufacturers. Read Article

• Faribault business leaders learn about state of manufacturing Robert Kill, president and CEO of Enterprise Minnesota, talks with a small crowd at the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce about the state of manufacturing. Each year, Enterprise Minnesota surveys hundreds of manufacturing executives to hear their concerns and attitudes on a variety of topics. Read Article

• Commerce.gov blog talks about NIST MEP during National Small Business Week National Small Business Week, which took place June 17-21, recognizes the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs to job creation and economic growth. One way that the Commerce Department works to support small- and medium-sized enterprises is through the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a public-private partnership designed to encourage innovation in American manufacturing. Read Article

• Read the Latest from the

Back to Top

 Send us your News Clips! Email us at mepeblast@nist.gov

July 9- December 13, 2013
MEP Innovation Services / Training – 2013
The Black Belt training schedule for 2013 is listed below. If you would like to register, please email Kari Reidy with the name of the individual(s) you are registering and their proposed dates. Because NIST MEP is making a significant investment in the cost of this training we do expect that those registering are committed to this program and agree to complete their Black Belt certification within the 1 year time requirement.

Please read the updated policies, procedures and FAQs that are posted on MEIS. This document explains the changes and updated policies to the Black Belt certification program and will continue to be updated with the latest FAQs.

• July 22 - 26
• Remaining scheduled classes: August 19 - 23; September 23 - 27; October 21 - 25; November 11 - 15; and December 9 - 13

If you have any questions about the policies, about Black Belt certification, or to schedule training, please contact Kari Reidy at Kari.reidy@nist.gov| (301) 975-4919

July 16- October 8, 2013
Go Global Webinar Series
In celebration of World Trade Month in May, U.S. Department of Commerce will launch a webinar series illustrating how U.S. businesses can expand into the global marketplace and reach the 95 percent of consumers outside the United States.The “Go Global” Webinar Series draws from trade expertise across the Administration to equip companies with the tools they need to start exporting or increase sales to new markets.

The following webinars will be held at 1:00PM EDT on the dates specified below:

• July 16, 2013: Finding buyers and making contacts
• July 30 & August 13, 2013: Trade Financing
• August 27, 2013: Documentation and shipping
• September 10 & 24, 2013: Understanding export regulations
• October 8, 2013: Avoiding and resolving problems

If you or your clients are interested in participating in any of the following complimentary webinars, please register at the U.S. Census Educational Resources Website. For questions, please contact Kari Reidy (Kari.Reidy@nist.gov | 301-975-4919)

July 17, 2013 at 2:00 PM EDT
DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) Webcast
Learn how to use the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS). Get acquainted with new features, tips and trick on accessing government solicitations. Becoming knowledgeable with DIBBS will allow your company access to:

• More business opportunities
• Easier process to submit quotes
• View and download important drawings
• Information on how to compete for long term contract opportunities

Webinar Link
Meeting Password: Welc0me1234!
Dial in number: 1-855-2720056
Meeting code: 332 219 0708
Contact: Samm Bowman | (301)975-5978

September 18, 2013 @ 2:00PM EDT
Energy Management Resources for Manufacturers From ENERGY STAR Webinar
Most of us recognize ENERGY STAR as the symbol of energy efficiency. But, did you know ENERGY STAR has tools and resources that you can use to help manufacturers manage energy? Join us for a webinar on September 18, 2013 at 2:00 pm Eastern to learn about these free tools, how manufacturers are making use of them, and how you can take advantage of them to help other manufacturers cost-effectively improve the energy efficiency of their operations.

Date and Time: September 18, 2013 @ 2:00PM EDT
Webinar Link
Password: EnergyStar1$
Dial in number: 1 (855) 272-0056
Conference Code: 253 241 1643

For questions about Energy Star, please contact Betsy Dutrow (Dutrow.Elizabeth@epa.gov | 202-343-9061. For questions about this upcoming Webinar, please contact Ben Vickery (ben.vickery@nist.gov | 301-975-2954).

Back to Top