Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center State Competition
🏛 National Institute of Standards and Technology
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 27, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for nonprofits, universities, and government entities to operate Manufacturing Extension Partnership Centers in specific states. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, institutions of higher education, and state, local, or tribal governments. Consortia of eligible entities may apply together. The program focuses on 13 specific states plus Puerto Rico.
Applicants must be able to establish and operate a MEP Center serving their assigned region. Previous MEP experience is typically expected. Applicants should be prepared to commit resources and staff to manufacturing extension services.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) is seeking applications from eligible applicants to establish and operate a MEP Center in the States of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah and Vermont, and in the U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative (program plan and operations strategy)
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Capacity Documentation (financials, staffing plan)
- Letters of Commitment from regional partners and stakeholders
- Evidence of cost-sharing or matching funds commitment
Program contact
- 👤 Karla Villalobos Grantor
- 📧 NOFO@nist.gov
- 📞 301-975-8817
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 11.611 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$71,453,123
-
$61,372,076
-
$38,219,025
-
$34,111,500
-
$33,516,340
-
$30,453,420
-
$30,284,915
-
$28,802,196
-
$27,915,136
-
$27,544,971
Top States by Funding
- CA 2 awards $132.8M
- TX 4 awards $88.9M
- OH 4 awards $60.4M
- PA 2 awards $58.4M
- NY 2 awards $41.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 11.611). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $151,675,000 | |
| 2025 | $112,745,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $125,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
U.S.-based nonprofits, universities, and state/local/tribal governments can apply. Consortia of these entities are also eligible.
Which states and territories are eligible?
Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, and Puerto Rico only.
What activities does this fund?
Operating a Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center to provide technical assistance and services to small and medium-sized manufacturers in your region.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, applicants must provide matching funds or in-kind contributions as part of the cooperative agreement.
What is the funding instrument?
This is a cooperative agreement, not a grant. Expect significant federal oversight and collaboration in program delivery.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate existing capacity or strong partnerships to deliver manufacturing extension services quickly. MEP is results-oriented and expects immediate impact.
- Include detailed letters of commitment from regional partners, manufacturers, and stakeholders who will participate in your center's programs.
- Develop a clear performance metrics plan. NIST will expect measurable outcomes (e.g., jobs created, business revenue increases, new products).
- Highlight your organization's financial stability and ability to sustain operations. NIST prefers partners with secure funding streams.
- Research the MEP model thoroughly before applying. Reviewers will expect you to understand how centers operate nationally.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating the operational demands of running a MEP Center. This requires significant staff, expertise, and resources over multiple years. Not securing strong pre-application partnerships with manufacturers, industry associations, and economic development agencies. Reviewers look for evidence of regional support before funding. Vague or unrealistic performance targets. NIST expects concrete, data-driven goals with clear methodologies.
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