States

MEP’s relationship with its state partners is critically important to the strength and stability of the national program. While NIST MEP provides federal funding to support a local MEP center, the state match is critical to the center’s operational integrity.

While no two centers operate exactly alike, center budgets are typically a combination of federal NIST funds, state funds, and fees charged to companies for services provided. Some states provide funding directly to the center organization; others fund economic development agencies, state universities, science and technology offices, or other entities that in turn fund the local MEP. NIST does not dictate how states should fund MEP, but encourages and values strong partnerships where state funding is equal to the federal investment in the center--- recognizing the critical role played by manufacturers to the state’s economic well-being.

Every center also determines how it will deliver services in its region. Across the country, many different models have proven to be successful. Some MEP centers have a central organization with regional offices scattered throughout the state. Others split their services among independent regional offices. Some centers employee field specialists directly, while others utilize and cost-share the employees of existing organizations to provide outreach and assistance to customers.

NIST MEP and the states work together throughout the year to coordinate broader manufacturing initiatives, track impacts of the services provided, and form long-range strategies on behalf of companies.

NIST MEP and the states work together throughout the year to ensure that the activities of the MEP centers are aligned with broader state economic development priorities, to coordinate broader manufacturing initiatives, track impacts of the services provided, and form long-range strategies on behalf of companies.

Contact: Mark Troppe