Commerce's NIST Invites Proposals for MEP Projects

The National Institute of Standards and Technology of the U.S. Department of Commerce has announced it is accepting proposals from organizations in Florida, Hawaii and South Dakota to establish Manufacturing Technology Centers under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program. Approximately $4 million will be available to support these centers.

Currently, the MEP national system consists of over 400 centers and field offices located throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The objective of these centers is to enhance productivity, technological performance, and strengthen the global competitiveness of small- and medium-sized U.S.-based manufacturing firms. Services are provided through the coordinated efforts of a regionally-based manufacturing extension center and local technology resources.

The funding level for individual MEP awards is not prescribed in the program solicitation. However, applicants will be required to provide roughly two-thirds or more of the operating costs for providing manufacturing extension services. Projects awarded under the program will have a budget and performance period of one year.

Manufacturing extension centers must be affiliated with a U.S.-based nonprofit institution or organization, including universities and state and local governments. Existing MEP centers in Florida, Hawaii and South Dakota also are eligible.

Proposals must be received by May 19, 2003. The full solicitation is available in the March 18 edition of the Federal Register at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/frcont03.html