On Monday, February 23rd, NIST MEP announced the award of new cooperative agreements in ten states as part of a multi-year effort to update MEP’s funding structure to better match resources with needs.

This effort is a result of recommendations from the Government Accountability Office report on MEP. NIST MEP began a Pilot Competition in August 2014 and looked at 10 states where the MEP program had not been re-competed within the past 10 years and where the NIST investment in terms of dollars per manufacturing establishment was below the MEP national average. To learn more about the awardees of the competition, please read the official press release.

If you have any questions, please contact Kari Reidy or 301-975-4919.

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M-TAC Pilot Project Report on Initial Progress and Learning
NIST MEP has released its first report on Initial Progress and Learning for its Manufacturing Technology Acceleration Center (M-TAC) Pilot Projects. The 5 M-TAC Pilot Projects are exploring different approaches to the provision of MEP technology acceleration assistance for small U.S. manufacturers – set within the context of specific supply chains. The M-TAC Pilots (with 5 MEP Centers leading the projects and 14 total Centers participating) were initiated in 2014 with a NIST MEP investment of $2.5M, and will operate through the end of 2015. Download Report

For more information contact David Stieren.

Manufacturing Day State Report
Thanks to the stories and successes you shared about Manufacturing Day, NIST MEP was able to compile this report that covers the impressive list of state-by-state activities. We hope it aids in your planning efforts and future continued success in MFG Day 2015 and beyond! The report can be found in MEIS under the communities homepage. You can also access it, by clicking here. If you are not a MEIS member and would like a copy of the report please email Zara Brunner.

For questions about the report, please contact Megean Blum, Zara Brunner or Mark Schmit.

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The latest Hero of American Manufacturing is CMTC client, Louroe Electronics. CMTC and Louroe work closely together on many initiatives, including ExporTech which helped this 40 person company realize 1200% sales growth to Mexico and receive an Export Achievement Award from the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. Thanks to Louroe and CMTC for letting us capture this great story! View Video

For questions, contact Zara Brunner.

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On February 18, 2015, NIST MEP disseminated “UPI Disposition Guidance for Competing Centers.” This document provides guidance to MEP Centers involved in MEP Center competitions for requesting early disposition of unexpended program income (UPI). In general, UPI disposition is handled via instructions from the NIST Grants Officer during the closeout of a cooperative agreement. The guidance provides an alternative for Centers to request UPI disposition under their current cooperative agreements prior to closeout. Early disposition of UPI may allow a Center to apply the non-Federal portion of UPI funds earlier in the new grant year, if the Center is the successful applicant for the new MEP award. To view a copy of the guidance, click here.

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For more than 27 years, manufacturers and other businesses of all sizes and types have benefited from using the Baldrige Excellence Framework. The newly released 2015–2016 Baldrige Excellence Framework and its Criteria for Performance Excellence address all key areas of manufacturing  and are compatible with other performance improvement initiatives, such as ISO 9000, Lean, and Six Sigma. Also available is the new Baldrige Excellence Builder, a simplified self-assessment tool using the key questions from the Baldrige Criteria.

For more information, contact the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program or 301-975-2036.

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MEP clients seeking technologies from DOE funded federal labs can now find them through Tech Whiteboard.

The Technology Whiteboard is a communication hub centered on DOE technology and intellectual property commercialization. It provides an essential link between the available technologies, experts, scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses. The system's central "analytic engine" helps find connections and create real-world relationships.

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The Manufacturing Institute announced the recipients of the 2015 Women in Manufacturing STEP Awards, which includes one of MEP’s Advisory Board members, Eileen Guarino of Greno Industries. The STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory-floor to the C suite.

On March 26, The Manufacturing Institute will recognize these Honorees at the STEP Awards in Washington, D.C. The STEP Awards program will highlight each Honoree and Emerging Leader's story, including their leadership and accomplishments in manufacturing.

View the full press release.

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• Nebraska MEP seeks an Industrial Liaison Officer. Vacancy Details
• Ohio MEP seeks a Part Time Development Intern. Vacancy Details

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March 3, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. EST
NIST MEP Webinar: Center Renewal Webinar

NIST MEP will be hosting a Center Renewal webinar to update Centers on the latest 2015 MEP General Terms and Conditions and Operating Plan Guidelines in preparation for the upcoming renewals. Please plan on joining us to learn more about the program revisions and changes related to the new Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

Webinar Details: March 3, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. EST| Webinar Link | Meeting Number: 734 214 483 | Call in Number: 1.866.218.2764 | Conference Code: 875 903 8127.

For questions, contact Mellissa Ayala at mayala@nist.gov | (301) 975-5771.

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Don't miss the next MEP Perspectives: Tech Scouting and TDMI Community of Practice on Wednesday, March 4h at 2:00 pm EST to hear Herb Hannam from WMEP describe his experience providing technology acceleration services to clients. The web discussion will help MEP staff better understand how SME clients have engaged with and benefited from Tech Scouting and Technology-Driven Market Intelligence. Please come with your own questions, experiences, and ideas to enhance the discussion

The next MEP Perspectives: Tech Scouting and TDMI Community of Practice Web Discussion is scheduled for the Wednesday, March 18 from 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. EST with Kreg Worrest from MilTech

Webinar Details: Audio: 1-866-244-8528 | Participant Code: 646772 | Webinar Link.

For questions, please contact Dave Cranmer (301-975-5753) or Caroline Ashley (919-541-6822).

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NIST MEP is presenting an Orientation webinar series for those interested in learning about the MEP program.  The webinar will be a two-part series: MEP Basics and MEP, an in-depth view.  MEP Basics will provide you with a general overview of the program, including information about our mission, vision and strategic goals. MEP, an in-depth view will take a closer look at the MEP program and focus on services and initiatives currently offered, our latest strategic efforts, priorities, and legislative requirements. The two part series will be offered March 10th and April 1st. Below are the webinar details:

March 10, 2015 - Part 1 MEP Basics | Webinar Link | Password: Welcome1234! | Call in Number: 1-866-2182764 | Conference Code: 801 896 4070 

April 1, 2015 - Part II MEP, an In-depth view | Webinar Link | Password: Welcome1234! | Call in Number: 1-866-2182764 | Conference Code: 801 896 4070

For questions or assistance, please contact Phill Wadsworth at Phillip.wadsworth@nist.gov or Wiza Lequin at wiza.lequin@nist.gov

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The Oregon Manufacturers’ Summit is an annual event that celebrates and empowers the state’s makers of prosperity. The 2015 Summit will serve as a platform for Oregon manufacturers, partners, and policymakers to share and discuss industry best practices, glean insights from innovative and successful firms across the state, and build a powerful public interest in manufacturing. For more information, click here.

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This one day conference covers it all- top line, bottom line, people, processes and systems. Management teams will benefit by attending a variety of the 15 sessions, 2 keynote presentations and 4 workshops to position the business for growth. You build your agenda to meet your needs. For more information, please click here.

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The webinar will provide an overview of a system which is aimed at impacting every part of the company - from CEO to the shop floor operator, marketing manager, to the accounting clerk. It promotes a view of the company in terms of value streams that will maximize profits and cash. The system, commonly referred to as “Lean Accounting”, is a specialized way of viewing the costs and values streams. It is less about financial statements and more about an enhanced business strategy.

Hear from Jerry Solomon, author of the Shingo Award winning book, Who’s Counting?, a highly acclaimed business novel focusing on the interaction of the manufacturing and accounting functions during a Lean transformation.  Mr. Solomon recently served as the Vice President, MarquipWardUnited, the Western Hemisphere’s leading packaging automation and converting group.

Webinar Details: Link | Password: Business1234! | Call in Number: 1-866-2182764 | Conference Code: 801 896 4070

For more details contact: Brian Lagas (brian.lagas@nist.gov) or Dileep Thatte (dileep.thatte@nist.gov) 

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