To boost the resiliency and efficiency of domestic supply chains, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has awarded approximately $400,000 to National Network Centers in every U.S. state and Puerto Rico.
Funding will support the creation of a database called the national Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network (SCOIN)—with objectives that include providing supplier scouting services, establishing new service offerings to improve existing supply chain networks, filling gaps in the supply chain by connecting original equipment manufacturers with small- and medium-sized manufacturers, and creating a complete map of U.S. supplier capability and capacity.
MEP is a public-private partnership with Centers dedicated to serving small- and medium-sized manufacturers. The CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, authorized a pilot program of awards that would allow the MEP centers to provide services focused on resiliency of domestic supply chains, workforce development, and adoption of advanced technology upgrades at small- and medium-sized manufacturers. Programs will run initially for two years, and may receive extensions based on outcomes.
“For the first time, the U.S. government is creating a comprehensive end-to-end mapping of the supply chain, which is crucial for the domestic manufacturing industry and resiliency,” said Pravina Raghavan, NIST MEP director. “Supply chain shortages are due to a lack of supply chain capacity. To address this issue, we’re creating an information system that lays out all the suppliers across various industries. This way, we can connect small suppliers to more opportunities in the supply chain.”
Access more information on NIST’s news page.