NIST pledges $46.5M for new Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers

NIST pledges $46.5M for new Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers

Tue, July 28, 2026 at 1:11 PM GMT+3 3 min read

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The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology last week released a notice of funding opportunity totaling $46.5 million for 14 Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers geared toward helping small and medium-sized manufacturers adopt advanced manufacturing technologies.

NIST said the new funding will create additional MEP centers to help "strengthen manufacturing ecosystems by encouraging the adoption or scale-up of advanced technologies to improve production capacity and capability, supporting supply chain integration and developing a strong manufacturing workforce."

Advanced manufacturing technologies incorporate robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, advanced materials, additive manufacturing, biotechnology and other innovations to improve efficiency and create customized new products.

The MEP centers are specifically aimed at boosting the competitiveness of small and medium-sized manufacturers, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Arvind Raman said in a statement. According to NIST, such firms comprise 98% of the U.S. manufacturing base.

NIST plans to award up to the following amounts to centers in the following states and territories:

• Alabama: $2,191,702

• Alaska: $706,300

• Arkansas: $1,291,618

• California: $15,641,800

• Georgia: $3,227,001

• Louisiana: $1,537,719

• Massachusetts: $2,959,870

• Missouri: $2,656,601

• Montana: $839,900

• Ohio: $6,076,983

• Pennsylvania: $6,110,684

• Puerto Rico: $939,133

• Utah: $1,492,598

• Vermont: $812,300

According to the grant document, the award amounts will be made annually for up to five years, subject to performance reviews, funding availability and "continued relevance of the project to the program and to Department of Commerce priorities." An additional non-competitive 5-year award period is possible based on the same critera.

Selected applicants must secure at least 50% in non-federal matching funds or cost-share and enter into a cooperative agreement with NIST to operate the centers. Existing MEP centers are eligible to apply.

The MEP national network comprises about 1,400 advisors and experts, 475 service locations and more than 2,100 partners. The public-private partnership initiative was created in 1988 and signed into law by former President Ronald Reagan as part of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act.

Last month, NIST launched an MEP pilot program to help aerospace manufacturers make greater use of additive manufacturing and strengthen the domestic supply chain for critical minerals. The agency committed to spending about $20 million per pilot project over two years.

Both manufacturers and members of Congress believe the MEP program is critical for bolstering supply chains and supporting manufacturers in their efforts to implement automation, artificial intelligence and other technologies. In March, senators from both parties questioned Raman about his commitment to the program before ultimately confirming him as NIST director.

Nonetheless, President Donald Trump has targeted the MEP Program during both of his terms. Last year, the U.S. Department of Commerce terminated funding for 10 state MEP programs in an effort to reduce federal spending.

Trump sought to eliminate nearly all MEP funds during his first term. These cuts ranged from $130 million to $146 million each year, according to congressional data from fiscal years 2018 to 2021. Congress ultimately restored program funds each time.

The application deadline is August 21, 2026.

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