_________________________________________ 

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Advisory Board 

Minutes of the September 13, 2023, Meeting 

Background

The Department of Commerce (DOC) National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 

Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Advisory Board (Board) met in an open session 

from 10:00 a.m. to 5:43 p.m. on September 13, 2023, at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center 

in Buffalo, NY. The meeting had 42 attendees, including Board members, NIST and NIST MEP 

staff, participants from MEP Centers, guest speakers and observers. Beverly Bobb is the 

Designated Federal Officer for the MEP Advisory Board. 

Attendees 

Board Members 

Bernadine Hawes, Econsult Solutions, Inc., Chair 

Donald Bockoven, Darling Fibers, Vice Chair 

Beth Bafford, Calvert Impact 

Louis Foreman, Enventys Partners 

Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich, Zago Manufacturing Company, Inc. 

Michael Garvey, M-7 Technologies 

Sean Ketter, Oshkosh Corporation 

Miriam Kmetzo, Welding Technology Corp. 

Chris Mathews, National Custom Hollow Metal Doors and Frames & Maple Leaf Awning & 

Canvas 

Patricia Moulton, Vermont State Colleges’ Workforce Division 

Dr. Annette Parker, South Central College 

Tyrome Smith, Common Mission Project 

David Vasko, Industry Consultant 

John T. Smith, Wood-Mizer 

Staff Members 

Beverly Bobb, Chief of Staff and Designated Federal Officer, NIST MEP Advisory Board 

Pravina Raghavan, Director, NIST MEP 

Mojdeh Bahar, Associate Director for Innovation and Industry Services, NIST MEP 

G. Nagesh Rao, Deputy Director, NIST MEP 

Heather Mayton, NIST MEP 

Melissa Ayala, NIST MEP 

Mark Schmit, NIST MEP 

Jyoti Malhotra, NIST MEP 

Brandyi Phillips, NIST MEP 

Nico Thomas, NIST MEP 

Nadine DeJesus, NIST MEP 

Diane Henderson, NIST MEP 

Thomas J. Williams, NIST MEP 

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Joi Neal, NIST MEP 

Jennifer Rosa, NIST MEP 

Guest Speakers

Jeff Spain, MEP at Columbia State 

Peter Connolly, NJ MEP 

Dusty Cruise, Missouri Enterprise! 

Kathie Mahoney, MASS MEP 

Jessica Herbert, NY MEP 

Observers 

Carla Wuthrich, Vermont MEP 

Matt Fieldman, MAGNET/America Works 

Don Wiesenforth, Center for Economic Growth 

Steve McManus, RTI 

KeAnne Hoeg, NC MEP 

Michael Marusic, AIM/NY MEP 

Chuck Smith, Chief Executive Network 

Authority

The MEP Advisory Board is authorized under Section 3003(d) of the America COMPETES Act 

(Pub. L. 110–69), as amended by the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, Public 

Law 114–329 sec. 501 (2017), and codified at 15 U.S.C. 278k(m), in accordance with the 

provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C., App. 

Welcome and Introductions 

Speakers:

Bernadine Hawes, Chair, NIST MEP Advisory Board 

Donald Bockoven, Vice Chair, NIST MEP Advisory Board 

Pravina Raghavan, Director, NIST MEP 

Mojdeh Bahar, Associate Director for Innovation and Industry Services, NIST MEP 

G. Nagesh Rao, Deputy Director, NIST MEP 

B. Hawes called the MEP Advisory Board meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. P. Raghavan 

introduced Beverly Bobb, Chief of Staff at NIST MEP, who briefed the Board on the guidelines 

for the meeting as set forth in the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). B. Hawes and D. 

Bockoven delivered opening remarks, welcoming attendees and members of the Board. Board 

members and guests introduced themselves, their organization, and shared how long they'd 

been involved with MEP. B. Hawes delivered further remarks about the day's proceedings and 

gave the floor to P. Raghavan. 

P. Raghavan briefed the Board on NIST's new outcomes-oriented plan, which is based on three 

strategic pillars: (1) narrowing the workforce gap, (2) mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities, and 

(3) leveraging and adopting technology/innovations. P. Raghavan introduced Mojdeh Bahar, 

the NIST Associate Director for Innovation and Industry Services, who delivered some brief 

remarks about the suite of extramural programs offered at NIST: (1) the Technology 

Partnerships Office for intramural programs, (2) the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, 

(3) the Manufacturing USA Program which is a network of 17 vertical industry-led consortia, and 

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(4) the Manufacturing Extension Partnership which is celebrating its 35th Anniversary. The 

MEP National Network's active engagement with the manufacturing industry has resulted in 

over 54,000 completed projects among more than 23,000 different manufacturing clients, 

leading to $47.6 billion in sales, $7.3 billion in cost savings, $16.2 billion in new client 

investments, and, in turn, creating and retaining more than 346,000 jobs. 

M. Bahar remarked that the creation of the Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network 

(SCOIN) will strengthen U.S. supply chain, empower American driven innovation, and lead the 

United States in a 21st Century Economy. It will also be the only federal platform with a 

granular view of small manufacturers. Through this and other initiatives, the MEP National 

Network Continues to drive innovation and sustainability in manufacturing, showing unwavering 

commitment to 51 MEP Centers by providing resources to any and all small- and medium-sized 

U.S. manufacturers to ensure that they succeed. 

Through its mission of metrology and standards, NIST MEP helps advance science in the 

interest of competitiveness and innovation, seamlessly proceeding from ideation to 

manufacturing. The MEP National Network is a network of networks, and amazing things 

happen when you connect these networks together. M. Bahar discussed how they have started 

to connect MEP into the fabric of NIST through partnerships with NIST's Office of Advanced 

Manufacturing, other federal agencies, and Manufacturing USA institutes such as the 

Manufacturing x Digital (MxD) institute. MEP has also been working with RAPID Manufacturing 

USA Institute on MATTR+, a program which connects the outside world, particularly the small 

manufacturer, with the expertise that resides at NIST. MATTR+ are less formal engagements 

that do not require to a collaborations or development agreements such as those in the MATTR 

program. 

Connections among MEP and Manufacturing USA are happening at the regional and state level 

as well, such as in the case of Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing USA Institute (ARM) and 

Catalyst Connection, which is part of the Pennsylvania MEP. A Build Back Better Initiativefunded $12 million community-directed spending award focuses on advanced technology 

learning lab initiatives. Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) located at 

Massachusetts and North Carolina State Universities Industrial Expansion Solutions are jointly 

working on programs to develop smart textiles and wearable technology. New York MEP and 

three New York State-based Manufacturing USA institutes - AIM Photonics, RAPID, and 

REMADE Institutes - are actively partnering to bring needed technologies to small and medium 

sized manufacturers. NIST MEP staff has continuously volunteered to advise and review a lot 

of the proposals that NIST received, including the Small Business Innovation Research Grants 

and the Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation between US and 

Israel. NIST MEP and Baldrige Performance Excellence teams have collaborated on strategic 

partnerships to further develop programs and services for targeted sectors. 

M. Bahar went on to discuss the Job Quality Toolkit put together by the Departments of 

Commerce and Department of Labor. To date, 79 Baldridge job quality assessments have been 

completed by more than 12 MEP Centers, and a $1 million competitive award was made to 

Florida Makes in partnership with IMEP, the Illinois MEP to create Baldrige-based assessment 

tool for Industry 4.0 and yielded 92 client assessments to date. NIST MEP is a part of many 

interagency councils including the National Science and Technology Council Supply Chain 

Implementation Team / Department of Commerce Educational Workforce Development Team, 

and the Department of Energy's Clean Energy Sector Committee. NIST MEP has recently 

partnered with the Association of Public Land-grant Universities (APLU) to develop a toolkit to 

facilitate the collaboration between MEP, universities, and manufacturers. NIST MEP has also 

recently worked with the Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community 

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Cooperation to help with defense manufacturing proposal reviews. These types of connections 

have led to partnerships between local MEP Centers and Manufacturing USA institutes to jointly 

submit proposals to the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Local Defense Community 

Cooperation and the Department of Energy’s Smart Manufacturing program. Finally, NIST MEP 

has been working closely with the U.S. Treasury on the State Small Business and Credit 

Initiative (SSBCI) on how to bring more affordable financial capital to the manufacturing sector. 

M. Bahar expressed a desire to work with the Board members to identify all the partners with 

whom NIST MEP interacts. 

P. Raghavan introduced G. Nagesh Rao, NIST MEP's new deputy director. G. Rao remarked on 

his commitment to change management and described his experience in both the public and 

private sector, including as CIO of the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and 

Security, where he began to appreciate why technology adoption and workforce development is 

important to national security. 

P. Raghavan delivered the Director's Update and discussed the organizational shift within NIST 

MEP. 

MEP Director's Update 

Speakers:

Pravina Raghavan, Director, NIST MEP 

Other New NIST MEP Team Members 

• Division 483 – National Programs 

o Savann Thorn, Cyber Specialist 

• Division 485 – Outreach and External Affairs 

o Brandyi Phillips, Division Chief Outreach and External Affairs 

• Division 486 – Internal Operations 

o Joi Neal, Program Compliance and Audit Liaison 

o Sevan Simonian, Administrative Officer 

Helping SMMs Overcome Challenges 

• Narrowing the workforce gap 

• Mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities 

• Leveraging technology 

Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network (SCOIN) 

• Supply Chain Optimization Operational Team 

• Webinars and trainings 

• Knowledge of manufacturing ecosystem 

• OEM mapping 

• Identify critical sectors and your support 

• Map-out critical and new industries important to U.S. Government 

• Gathering, storing and sharing data 

• FTE and report progress 

• Success stories 

• What is not working stories 

• Other goals 

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• This is an investment from MEP into the MEP National Network to build a sustainable 

program or offerings in supply chain. This is a collaboration between NIST MEP and 

MEP Centers. 

New Structure for Working Groups 

• Strategic Plan Implementation Groups consisting of: 

o MEP Advisory Board 

o Center Leadership Team 

o MEP Center Directors 

o Key Stakeholders (including OEMs) 

• Three groups focused on the strategic pillars: 

o Supply Chain 

o Workforce 

o Technology and Innovation 

• Operational Groups 

o One focus group for Supply Chain Optimization 

o Communities of Practitioners 

• Industry 4.0/Cybersecurity 

• Food Processes 

• Semiconductor 

• Toyota Kata 

• Workforce 

• Marketing 

• Performance Metrics 

• Learning Management 

• Financial Management 

Discussion 

• B. Hawes suggested that the NIST MEP team create a toolkit for the Board members 

containing a list of acronyms and mnemonics. The Chair then opened the floor to 

questions from the Board. 

• M. Garvey asked P. Raghavan how far along the NIST MEP is from a critical path 

planning perspective. P. Raghavan replied that NIST MEP just disbursed the SCOIN 

money in June, and will get the first data back from the centers in September. The 

CHIPS and Science Act provides for the development of a national supply chain 

database, and since the government buys not builds, it is going to be requiring a deeper 

line of sight than it has been in the past in suppliers in the supply chain. P. Raghavan 

discussed leveraging name-brand celebrities who are also manufacturers, like Rihanna, 

to market the benefits of partnering with MEP National Network and to help change the 

face of manufacturing. 

• S. Ketter asked for the elevator pitch on SCOIN. P. Raghavan replied that the SCOIN 

addressed two focus areas: (1) if you are looking for a supply that you can't find then 

reach out to your local MEP Center and they will help you find it; and (2) do you know 

who your OEMs are and how you get into their supply chain? 

• A. Parker raised the issue of workforce and asked about NIST MEP's partnership with 

APLU in light of the demographic shift within minority serving institutions (MSIs). M. 

Bahar replied that working with APLU is the first step to engaging with all MSIs, and also 

discussed the impact of workforce on how quickly MSIs commercialize. 

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Program Update, Part One 

486: Internal Operations Division 

Speakers:

Heather Mayton, Division Chief and Executive Officer, Internal Operations Division 

Internal Operations Division - Team Members 

• Heather Mayton, Division Chief and Executive Officer 

• Autumn Hernandez, Administrative Officer 

• Sevan Simonian, Administrative Officer 

o Kathy Martin, IT Security Officer 

o Justin Mocca, IT Specialist 

o Michele Montgomery, Receptionist 

o Joi Neal, Program Compliance and Audit Liaison 

o OISM Embedded Desktop Support Position 

Internal Operations: Division Overview

• Build effective collaboration with MEP staff and internal/external stakeholders 

• Budget 

• Human Resources 

• Program Compliance 

• Audits 

• IT Security and IT access for MEP staff 

• Property 

• Administrative Operations of MEP 

MEP Program Budget Outlook 

• FY 2023 - Appropriation Status 

o $175 million for MEP 

o $13 million in disaster supplemental 

o Funding not subject to cost share requirements (elective for Centers receiving 

state funds conditioned on federal cost share requirement) 

• FY 2024 - Appropriation Status 

o $277.2 million for President’s budget 

o $200 million House 

• Includes cost share relief 

o $175 million Senate 

• No cost share relief 

• Numbers are subject to change 

NIST MEP Projected Spend Plan Through Sept. 30, 2023 

• Available Funding: 

o Appropriation: $175.0M 

o Disaster Supplemental: $13.0M 

o Carryover from FY 2022: $5.6M 

o Prior-year recoveries: $0.4M 

o Total available funding: $194.0M 

• Other Funding: 

o Earmark: $1.0M 

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• Planned Expenditures: 

o Center renewals: $134.6M 

o RCAP/MSE: $1.3M 

o Expansion Awards: $20.4 

o Disaster Awards: $0.3M 

o Contracts: $6.2M 

o NIST MEP labor: $11.0M 

o NIST and program overhead: $20.2M 

o Total planned expenditures: $194.0M 

• 11.22% efficiency rate 

• Numbers are subject to change 

481: Network Agreements Management Division 

Speakers:

Mellissa Ayala, Acting Division Chief, Network Agreements Management Division 

Network Agreements Management Division (NAMD) - Team Members 

• Mellissa Ayala, Acting Division Chief 

• Adrienne Montague, Administrative Assistant 

o Nadine DeJesus, Group Manager (A) 

• Midwest Centers 

• Hope Snowden, FPO 

• Gerson Santos-Leon, RM 

• Mountain Centers 

• Gloria Solomon, FPO 

• Tony Mastalski, RM 

• Northeast Centers 

• Scott Dockum, FPO 

• Tom Williams, RM 

o Sekou Johnson, Acting Group Manager (B) 

• East Centers 

• Brooke Linehan, FPO 

• Andrew Nobleman, RM 

• Southeast Centers 

• Sekou Johnson, FPO 

• All RM’s Covering 

• West Centers 

• Julia Shriner, FPO 

• Temporary RM 

o Bryana Head, Competitions 

Center Resource Management Teams (CRMTs) 

• Consists of a Federal Program Officer (FPO) and a Resource Manager (RM). 

• Shared responsibility for providing financial and programmatic oversight of NIST funds 

awarded to MEP Centers. 

• Provide guidance, support and operational assistance to Centers in fulfilling the terms of 

the cooperative agreement. 

• Monitor Centers' programmatic and financial performance and recommend corrective 

actions where appropriate. 

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NAMD Roles and Responsibilities

Establishment and programmatic oversight of cooperative agreements for funding MEP Centers 

in support of the MEP mission. 

• Work with MEP Centers 

o Provide guidance and assistance with cooperative agreement compliance 

o Provide programmatic assistance to foster MEP Center growth and development 

o Strengthen strategic alliances with local and regional entities 

o Maintain partnership relationships to facilitate Center improvement 

o Conduct competitions for base MEP and strategic awards 

• Work with NIST MEP, NIST and DOC to ensure program integrity and compliance 

o PEEI (Award Performance and Evaluation) 

o National Programs (I4.0, MATTR+, Food Safety) 

o National Platforms (Network Learning, Supplier Scouting Team) 

o Grants Management Division (GMD) 

o DOC Federal Assistance Law Division (FALD) 

New Awards 

• Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network Awards 

o All 51 Centers: Awarded June 1 

• New Center Awards 

o Arizona and Maryland: Awarded July 1 

• Kick-off meetings conducted onsite in Phoenix and Columbia 

• Maryland MEP now supports the MEP program for the District of 

Columbia 

Recompetition of the MEP National Network

• April 1, 2025 

o Florida 

• July 1, 2025 

o Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, 

Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia 

• Jan. 1, 2026 

o Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Washington, West 

Virginia, Wisconsin 

• Oct. 1, 2026 

o Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts,

Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Utah, Vermont 

• April 1, 2027 

o Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, 

North Dakota, South Carolina, Wyoming 

• July 1, 2029 

o Alaska 

Discussion 

• M. Garvey asked where the highest performing MEP centers are in the country. P. 

Raghavan replied that MEP centers with more partnerships do better than centers 

without fewer partnerships. There are no MEP centers which have not received funding 

from, or are out of compliance with, NIST MEP. 

• T. Smith asked a question about the combined center for Maryland and the District of 

Columbia (D.C.), to which P. Raghavan replied that Maryland receives extra funding as 

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the designated center supporting D.C., which only has about 57 manufacturers, because 

D.C. is not a state. 

• M. Kmetzo asked if there is a budget line item allocated to supporting MEPs in states 

that undergo a disaster, to which M. Ayala replied, yes, there are funds in the MEP 

Disaster Assessments Program (MDOP) which supports FEMA-designated emergency 

areas. P. Raghavan added that the MDOP is dependent on available funding and 

disasters are only increasing. B. Hawes suggested that the Board advocate for 

additional funding. P. Moulton suggested a need to develop a disaster preparation and 

recovery manual as an industry guideline for disaster assistance. P. Raghavan 

foreshadowed the presentation of resiliency metrics which would address the member's 

comments. 

485: Outreach and External Affairs Division 

Speakers:

Brandyi Phillips, Division Chief, Outreach and External Affairs Division 

Outreach and External Affairs – Team Members 

• Brandyi Phillips, Division Chief 

o Nicole Ausherman, Digital Information Specialist 

o Cheryl Gendron, Event & Board Specialist 

o Katie Rapp, Writer/Editor 

o Jennifer Rosa, Marketing & Communications Specialist 

Outreach and External Affairs: Division Overview 

• External Events 

o MEP Advisory Board meetings 

o Conferences 

o Trade shows 

• News and Information 

o MEP news roundup 

o Network News 

o MEP Manufacturing Innovation Blog 

• Reports and Resources 

o Annual reports 

o Report submissions to the DOC Secretary & NIST Director 

o NIST MEP Style Guide 

• MEPNN Brand Support 

o Branding 

o National awareness campaign 

• Marketing Collateral 

o Infographics and other marketing resources 

o Video 

o Photography 

o White papers, one sheets 

• Digital Channels 

o Social media 

o NIST MEP public website and MEP Connect migration to the cloud (in progress) 

• Communication 

o MEP Advisory Board assistance 

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o Coordinate with NIST Public Affairs Office & NIST Congressional & Legislative 

Affairs Office 

o Marketing Community of Practitioners and Marketing Steering Committee 

o Amplify MEPNN achievements, new opportunities and expertise 

Marketing and Communication 

• Marketing Steering Committee 

o Provides support, guidance and oversight to the Marketing Community of 

Practitioners. Fosters communication and activities that are critical to the 

Network. 

• Marketing Community of Practitioners 

o Fosters information exchange between MEP Centers. Provides strategic and 

tactical guidance, and oversight to advance Network communication priorities. 

Workforce Assistance by State 

• Manufacturing companies are facing a critical talent shortage and skills gap and 

the MEP National NetworkTM is here to support you. The Network consists of MEP 

Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, offering a wide range of workforce 

development programs and resources. 

• By investing in workforce development and training, you have the opportunity to address 

these challenges head-on. The MEP National Network understands the importance of 

remaining competitive in today's rapidly evolving marketplace, and can provide you with 

a solid foundation for growth through the workforce services offered. 

• Below you will find a guide to the workforce-related programs offered by MEP Centers in 

every state and Puerto Rico. An interactive map with the ability to search keywords and 

phrases is also available with the same information. Please note that this guide is not 

exhaustive, so we encourage you to reach out to your local MEP Center for more 

detailed information and personalized assistance. 

(Source: https://www.nist.gov/mep/mep-national-network-workforce-programs-services-andtrainings) 

Outreach and External Affairs: Legislative Topics 

• Supply Chain 

o Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network 

o Semiconductors 

• Workforce 

o Retirements and finding skilled workers 

• Technology 

o Innovation, automation, cybersecurity 

482: Performance Evaluation and Economic Impacts Division 

Speakers:

Mark Schmit, Division Chief, Performance Evaluation and Economic Impacts Division 

Performance Evaluation and Economic Impacts - Team Members 

• Mark Schmit, Division Chief 

• Megan Spangler, Administrative Assistant 

o Nico Thomas, Center Business Intelligence 

o Steve Campbell, Group Manager, Performance Metrics and Evaluations 

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• Megean Blum, Success Story Admin 

• Kim Coffman, MEIS Project Manager 

• 6 IT Contractors 

• Missy Davis, Reporting and Survey Admin 

• Diane Henderson, Panel Review Manager 

• Holly Jackson, D&B Admin 

o TBD, Data Analytics 

o TBD, State Relations 

Strategic Priorities 

• Evaluate, via various means, the performance of MEPNN as well as the individual 

Centers 

• Map and define manufacturing ecosystems and identify supply chain gaps 

• Expand MEP’s research agenda 

• Integrate MEP into broader state-based economic development 

• Be visible among NIST MEP and the MEP National Network, including the CLT and 

MAB, and external stakeholders and partners 

Data: Measure What Matters 

• Our division is the key link in MEP defining, measuring and articulating our collective 

successes and opportunities to do better. 

• The focus on performance has guided MEP since its inception and demonstrates that it 

has made a positive impact on the program and Centers. 

• The information gathered shows the program makes a meaningful difference for its 

clients and creates broader economic benefits beyond positive client outcomes. 

Data Collected by MEP

• MEP Center Quarterly Reporting 

o Center locations 

o Center staff 

• Count and names 

o Center partners 

• Names and locations 

o Center clients 

• Name and location 

• Size (employees) 

• Industry 

o Center projects 

• Title and description 

• Type and delivery mode 

• Intensity (hours) 

• Total value (dollars) 

• Internal vs. 3rd party service delivery 

• Client Impact Survey 

o New and retained sales 

o Jobs created and retained 

o New client investment 

o Cost savings 

o Client challenges 

o Client satisfaction (NPS) 

o Client suggestions (narrative) 

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o Survey response rate 

o Percent of manufacturers improving competitiveness 

• Other Data Sets 

o MEP Center success stories 

• Client based 

o Progress plans/technical reports 

• Semi-annual reporting 

• Narrative progress reporting 

o Operating outcomes 

• Client engagement with very small, rural and start-up manufacturers 

Challenges

• NIST MEP only captures a portion of MEP Center client engagements 

o MEP only tells a portion of our story 

o MEP Centers do not get “credit” for some of the work being done 

• Not all engagements are surveyable – this creates a NIST MEP made barrier to 

capturing certain types of engagements 

o Overcoming this is essential as we communicate achievements in workforce, 

supply chain, and technology 

• While we have substantial knowledge, there's room for improvement in integrating all 

insights to offer diverse solutions 

Evolving Toward

• What are factors related to differences in Center performance? 

• Expand the use of case studies and other approaches to examine focus area 

programs. 

• Research on underserved segments of the manufacturing marketplace. 

• Analyzing and aggregating data differently using newer, more capable technologies. 

• More research into the broader economic and business environment faced by 

manufacturers. 

• Broaden the bench of researchers focusing on manufacturing (particularly SMMs) and 

MEP. 

Discussion 

• P. Moulton asked about how to integrate MEP into a broader comprehensive economic 

development strategy and how to communicate to the public that manufacturing is not 

your great grandfather's manufacturing anymore, but rather a rapidly advancing field of 

technological innovation. M. Schmit replied that every one of the 51 MEP centers is 

different and meets industry stakeholders where they are. 

Meeting Break to Participate in MEPNN Forum Lunch and Plenary 

Program Update, Part Two 

483: National Programs Division 

Speakers:

Jyoti Malhotra, Division Chief, National Programs Division 

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483 National Programs Division - Team Members 

• Jyoti Malhotra, Division Chief 

• Carol Shibley, Administrative Assistant 

o Jose Colucci, Industrial Specialist 

o Brian Lagas, Industrial Specialist 

o Kim Pinckney, Industrial Specialist 

o Michael Taylor, Senior Engineer 

o Marlon Walker, Physical Scientist 

o Doug Devereaux, Industrial Specialist 

o Savann Thorn, Cyber Specialist 

o General Engineer (recruiting) 

o Dimitrios Metitis, Industrial Specialist 

National Programs Impacts: Leveraging Technology & Empowering Manufacturers 

• Food Industry Services 

• Industry 4.0 

• MATTR/MATTR+ 

• Cybersecurity 

• ExporTech 

• Toyota Kata 

• Partnerships and Collaborations 

• OEM Engagements 

• Targeted Industry Sectors 

Food Industry Services

• Food community of practitioners’ impacts 

o In CY 2023 YTD, MEP Centers completed 508 projects with 417 different clients 

in the food manufacturing industry 

o Food manufacturing clients are also reporting strong economic impacts so far in 

calendar year 2023 as a result of working with MEP Centers 

• These impacts include: 

o $198,133,457 new and retained sales 

o 2,307 jobs created and retained 

o $146,922,610 total client investments 

o $476,444,285 total cost savings 

• Food community of practitioners’ training sessions: 

o There were 5 new training workshops offered to the FISCP in 2023 

National Programs Impacts 

• Partnerships/Collaborations 

o Two new MOUs in the works 

• MEP-DOT, MEP-APATC 

o One MOU Executed 

• MEP-MxD 

o Expanding MEP-MFG USA partnerships/collaborations and MEP-Baldrige 

collaborations 

• Targeted Industry Sectors 

o Semiconductor 

o Clean energy 

o Aerospace sector 

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o Medical devices 

o Biomanufacturing 

o Defense 

• OEM Engagements 

o Semiconductor: Intel, NXP, Applied Materials & Skywater 

o Medical Devices: Stryker, Medtronic, Baxter, Edwards Life Sciences 

o Clean Energy: GE Vernova, GE Aerospace, SAFT America, TotalEnergies 

o Sustainability: TotalEnergies, SAFT America 

o I4.0/Cyber: Rockwell 

o Aerospace: Airbus, GE Aerospace 

National Programs Impacts

• Industry 4.0 

o OLDCC funding opportunity 

o I4.0 subgroups formed 

o MAT Team expanding from 20 to 24 Centers 

o Five AMTS projects completed 

• Cyber Security 

o Integrating NIST SMEs to cyber community of practitioners 

o Launching a contract to expand cyber services across the MEPNN 

MATTR/MATTR+

• MATTR 

o One CRADA (analytical testing) and one RCA (additive) renewal with NIST labs 

o Manufacturer’s Edge (soil contaminant removal) 

o GENEDGE (generic drugs used in the U.S.) 

o Missouri Enterprise (1. chemical handling; 2. and calibration lab) 

o PRiMEX (corrosion issues with welds) 

• MATTR+ 

o Florida-based company (power generating device scale-up) 

o Maryland-based company (device encasements and scale-up) 

o Massachusetts-based company (polymer additive manufacturing) 

o Scale-up/contract manufacturing inquiries from MD, MA, FL,VA companies 

o AI in manufacturing inquiry from WI 

o Manufacturing inquiry from SC involving fiber production 

National Programs Impacts 

• ExporTech 

o MEP Centers completed 18 export-related projects with 18 different clients 

o Manufacturing clients served with export-related services are also reporting 

strong economic impacts so far in calendar year 2023 as a result of working with 

MEP Centers. These impacts include: 

• $27,781,400 new and retained sales 

• 78 jobs created and retained 

• $7,361,120 total client investments 

• $2,315,000 total cost savings 

• Toyota Kata FY2023Q1 Average Results 

o $1,475,741 new/retained sales 

o $507,395 total cost savings 

o $409,495 total new client investments 

o 12 jobs created or retained 

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Discussion 

• Noting the MOU signed between NIST MEP and Manufacturing x Digital (MxD), D. 

Vasko asked what other institutes NIST MEP is talking to. J. Malhotra replied that NIST 

MEP is currently pursuing MOUs with 15 institutes including the Southeastern 

Consortium for Minorities in Engineering (SECME), the Institute for Advanced 

Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACME) and Advanced Functional Fabrics of 

America (AFFOA). T. Smith asked how NIST MEP goes after industry sectors such as 

aerospace. J. Malhotra replied that NIST MEP begins by leveraging its existing 

relationships, asking what the interest and needs are of the MEP National Network and 

finally aligning those priorities with the Biden-Harris Administration. 

484: National Platforms Division 

Speakers:

Jyoti Malhotra, Acting Division Chief, National Platforms Division 

National Platforms Division - Team Members 

• Jyoti Malhotra, Acting Division Chief 

• Megan Spangler, Administrative Assistant 

o Supply Chain Manager, Recruiting 

• Robert Barnes, Supply Chain Staff 

• Supply Chain Specialist, Recruiting 

• Samm Webb, Industrial Specialist, Supply Chain 

o Ben Vickery, Group Manager, Supervisory Industrial Specialist 

• Adelwiza Lequin, Network Knowledge Management Specialist 

o Workforce SME, Recruiting 

Mitigating Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Supplier Scouting: February - July 2023 

• 58 opportunities scouted 

o 27 from three federal agencies 

o 24 from MEP Centers 

o 7 from private industry 

• Approx. $9 million 

o potential annual business opportunities 

• 86 unique companies 

o identified by MEPNN in response to opportunities 

• Supply Chain Optimization Focus Group (operational) kick-off on Aug. 1, 2023 

• Automated Supplier Scouting Process 

New Workforce-Focused Partnerships

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Clark Atlanta, Morgan State 

University, North Carolina Agricultural Technical State University, Prairie View A&M 

University, Xavier University of Louisiana 

• Technical and Community Colleges: Columbus State Community College, Highland 

College, Ivy Tech, Pasadena City College, Portland Community College, Rio Salado 

College 

• Four-Year Colleges and Universities: Arizona State University, Penn State University, 

SUNY Polytechnic Institute, University of California - Santa Barbara, University of New 

Mexico 

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• Tribal Colleges and Universities: Dine College, Fond du lac Tribal and Community 

College, Navajo Technical University, Oglala Lakota College, Salish Kootenai College 

• Other minority-serving institutions: Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, 

Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, University of Puerto Rico – Humacao, University 

of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), University of 

Turabo 

Learning and Knowledge Management System 

• Conducting a project in 2023 that will help capture and share knowledge and information 

with the entire Network more seamlessly and effectively 

• The Network Learning and Knowledge Sharing System Roadmap project will develop a 

clear roadmap and implementation methodologies to guide the development of the 

future MEP knowledge systems 

• The effort will include: 

o Planning and facilitating a current state assessment 

o Developing a report that details the current state of knowledge management 

o Gathering insights to help identify specific capabilities of interest 

o Development of a visually engaging, accessible, and easy-to-understand 

roadmap 

o Development of detailed, technical requirements needed 

Other Offerings to MEPNN 

• Tab Wilkins Emerging Leaders Program 

• Center Director Executive Program 

• Center Board Development 

Discussion 

• D. Vasko asked if knowledge management includes a database of problems, solutions, 

and use cases, to which J. Malhotra replied that the platform is in its infancy state 

through a third-party contractor. S. Ketter and J. Malhotra discussed the knowledge 

management framework as one platform capturing all actionable insights for the National 

Network. G. Rao discussed his experience designing knowledge management systems, 

which tend to require continuous curation of content. 

Strategic Plan Metrics - Discussion 

Speakers:

Pravina Raghavan, Director, NIST MEP 

Nico Thomas, Performance Analyst, NIST MEP 

2023-2027 MEPNN Strategic Plan Metrics 

Mitigating Supply Chain Vulnerabilities 

Engaging Industries Critical to US Supply Chain 

• The Administration’s 100-day supply chain report identifies 4 critical industries: 

o Semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging 

o Large capacity batteries 

o Critical minerals and materials 

o Pharmaceuticals 

• Goal: Increase engagement with critical industries to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities 

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o Centers worked with 476 clients in critical industries in 2022 

o 12-month goal of a 3% increase would result in 492 clients engaged 

• Note: SCOIN will enable MEP to learn about additional critical industries at regional level 

Assessing and Mitigating Business Risk Through Resiliency Planning 

• MEP Centers help make manufacturers more resilient 

• Goal: Mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities by increasing MEPNN’s business risk 

assessment and mitigation projects 

o MEP Centers completed 749 business resiliency projects in CY22 

o 12-month goal of 3% increase in projects would set target of 775 projects 

Question 

What areas are domestic manufacturing and U.S. manufacturers most vulnerable in their 

operations? 

Narrowing the Workforce Gap 

• Expanding Workforce Partnerships to Narrow Workforce Gap 

o There are currently 690 workforce supporting partnerships in MEIS 

• Community Colleges: 19.1% 

• EDA University Centers: 0.6% 

• Local/Regional Economic Development Org: 42.0% 

• State Workforce/Labor Agencies: 3.5% 

• Technical Colleges: 6.8% 

• Universities: 24.5% 

• Workforce Investment Boards: 3.5% 

• Goal 

o Grow the number of partnerships that are workforce-focused 

o 12-month goal of 3% would result in 21 new partnerships 

Question 

What partnerships should MEP National Network be pursuing or leveraging? 

Training Manufacturers to Leverage Advanced Manufacturing Technology

• Identified Center reported projects that were related to the following advanced 

manufacturing practices: 

o Augmented reality/virtual reality 

o Cloud 

o Artificial intelligence 

o Simulation 

o Robots/cobots 

• Once advanced manufacturing tech projects identified, then focused search to only 

include training engagements 

• Goal: Increase the number of training projects focused on advanced manufacturing 

technology 

o Increasing projects by 10 (based on CY22 data) would represent a 15% 

increase 

Adopting and Leveraging Technology 

• Awareness and Education on Advanced Manufacturing Technologies to Small 

Manufacturers (<100 employees) 

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o Identified Center reported projects that were related to the following advanced 

manufacturing practices: 

• Augmented reality/virtual reality 

• Cloud 

• Artificial intelligence 

• Simulation 

• Robots/cobots 

o MEP Centers completed 172 advanced manufacturing technology projects 

with small manufacturers in CY22 

o Goal: Increase adoption of technology by smaller manufacturers by engaging 

and exposing more technology to these companies (more projects) 

• 12-month goal of 10% increase would result in 190 projects completed 

Increasing Cybersecurity Awareness and Adoption Among Manufacturers

• Cybersecurity is critical to the implementation of technology and resiliency of supply 

chains 

• MEP Centers had 709 cybersecurity related projects in CY22 

• Goal: Enable manufacturers to safely adopt technology through stronger cybersecurity 

practices 

o 12-month goal of a 5% increase would result in target of 745 projects 

completed 

Question 

How can MEP encourage manufacturers to become more proactive about adopting 

cybersecurity practices and advanced manufacturing technologies? 

Metrics Summary

• Mitigating Supply Chain Vulnerabilities 

o Goal: Increase engagement with critical domestic manufacturing industries to 

mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities. 

• 12-month target of 492 clients engaged in critical industries represents a 

3% increase from the previous year. 

o Goal: Mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities by increasing MEPNN’s business risk 

assessment and mitigation projects. 

• 12-month target of 775 resilience projects completed represents a 3% 

increase from the previous year. 

• Narrowing the Workforce Gap 

o Goal: Grow the number and depth of partnerships that are workforce-supporting. 

• 12-month target of 711 workforce-supporting partnerships represents 

a 3% increase from the previous year. 

o Goal: Increase the number of advanced manufacturing training projects delivered 

across the MEPNN. 

• 12-month target of 75 advanced manufacturing training projects 

represents a 15% increase from the previous year. 

• Adopting and Leveraging Technology 

o Goal: Increase advanced manufacturing technology awareness and education 

engagements (projects) targeted to smaller manufacturers (less than 100 

employees) in order to better prepare manufacturers to adopt new technologies. 

• 12-month target of 190 projects completed represents a 10% increase 

from the previous year. 

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o Goal: Increase cybersecurity awareness and adoption projects to make 

manufacturers more resilient and prepared to adopt new technologies. 

• 12-month target of 745 projects completed represents a 5% increase 

from the previous year. 

Discussion 

• B. Bafford asked what the addressable market is for mitigating supply chain 

vulnerabilities. N. Thomas replied that the number of critical industry manufacturers is 

the growth denominator. 

• Regarding resiliency, M. Garvey asked whether NIST MEP is overlaying these activities 

on MEP Centers that are located in Defense Manufacturing Communities (DMCs), which 

must attain a certain level of qualification to be able to participate independently on DoD 

contracts. N. Thomas replied that MEP Centers work with manufacturers to get them 

ready to participate in DoD supply chains, but they haven't done an analysis to 

determine how specific actors in DMCs are leveraging resiliency work to address certain 

concerns. 

• Referencing an anecdote about shipments of apparel being left in U.S. ports, B. Hawes 

commented on the vulnerability of land and water uses with regard to manufacturing 

resiliency. P. Moulton also raised the impact of climate change on resiliency. G. 

Rottenstrich remarked that plants and warehouses that traditionally have been used for 

manufacturing are now serving logistics and supply chain functions, leaving very little 

real estate for manufacturing. She also discussed the importance of the electric grid to 

manufacturers. T. Smith asked, rhetorically, "If we are going to not be vulnerable, what 

must be true?" A. Parker raised the issue of insufficient workforce housing. B. Hawes 

recommended that manufactures treat resiliency the same way they treat continuous 

improvement, a goal which never goes away in the language of manufacturers. D. 

Vasko remarked that resiliency means some degree of duplication and loss of 

productivity because of efficiencies. M. Kmetzo suggested using the key terms agility 

and diversification when talking about resiliency. 

• Regarding narrowing the workforce gap, B. Hawes asked if there is a recruitment bias 

that has been introduced by MEPs based at universities. N. Thomas replied that it is 

definitely easier for universities to matriculate graduates into the workforce. Regarding 

expanding workforce partnerships, A. Parker recommended that NIST MEP merge the 

categories of community college and technical college. M. Kmetzo asked whether there 

was a formal definition of partnership, to which N. Thomas replied that use of that term 

differs across the centers, and they tend to focus on longer-term relationships. Both forprofit and not-for-profit institutions are included under "Universities." 

• T. Smith remarked that MEP Centers should pursue partnerships and relationships with 

Historically Black Colleges and Universities, tribal universities and other minority-serving 

institutions. P. Moulton remarked that the partnerships that the MEP National Network 

should pursue are those that result in actual workforce-related projects, including referral 

and succession planning. N. Thomas commented that NIST MEP is currently adding 

more granularity to their coding in order to more accurately identify projects that straddle 

many competencies, themes, and focus areas. NIST MEP is also now allowing centers 

to report light interactions that do not rise to the level of requiring the rigorous follow-up 

survey process, therefore N. Thomas expects the number of clients and projects 

reported to NIST MEP to grow. D. Vasko recommended that MEP have a partnership 

with every single Manufacturing USA institute; the MEP should be the delivery arm to 

reach the small- and medium-sized manufacturers from those institutes, and those 

institutes should benefit from the relationships with MEP's broad base of customers that 

can come to them with problems. M. Bahar echoed the comments of D. Vasko, saying 

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that NIST has been strategically implementing this relationship with Manufacturing USA, 

and that there have to be well-known and well-defined on-ramps for different entities to 

enter from the institutes to the MEPs and vice versa. C. Thomas urged the Board and 

staff to consider what partnerships will bring NIST MEP to the strategic goals outlined by 

the Director. 

• N. Thomas discussed upskilling the workforce in advanced manufacturing technologies 

such as augmented and virtual reality, cloud technology, artificial intelligence, simulation 

and automation, and robots and cobots. D. Vasko suggested adding emulation and 

digital twins to the growing list of advanced technologies. 

• When considering how MEP can encourage manufacturers to adopt and leverage 

advanced manufacturing technologies, the Board and staff extensively discussed the 

importance of cybersecurity best practices. Board members shared stories about 

industry cyber-attacks and suggested gathering more first-hand experiences and 

lessons learned from industry stakeholders. S. Ketter mentioned incorporating 

cybersecurity into their supplier vetting process and sharing risk data with their suppliers 

during regular engagements. B. Hawes mentioned the roll-out of MEP's Cyber-in-a-Box. 

P. Moulton emphasized the necessity for industry to invest in cybersecurity practices like 

cyber insurance and multi-factor authentication. B. Hawes recommended focusing on 

the young employees of a manufacturer when promoting new technology adoption. T. 

Smith suggested that NIST MEP look at adjacent industries to understand how to reach 

their target population with cybersecurity practices. M. Kmetzo noted a gap in the 

human resource function of small manufacturers. 

Meeting Break 

MEPNN Workforce Panel and Discussion 

Speakers:

Pravina Raghavan, Director, NIST MEP 

G. Nagesh Rao, Deputy Director, NIST MEP 

Jeff Spain, Center Director, Ohio MEP Subrecipient 

Peter Connolly, Center Director, New Jersey MEP 

Dusty Cruise, Center Director, Missouri Enterprise MEP 

Kathie Mahoney, Center Director, Massachusetts MEP 

Jessica Herbert, Center Director, New York MEP 

P. Raghavan briefed the Board on the workforce panel discussion and gave the floor to G. Rao 

who introduced the Center Directors and facilitated the discussion on workforce. 

• G. Rao asked how the NJ MEP and Mass MEP deliver programs and trainings that focus 

on apprenticeships and internships and how other MEP Centers can utilize or leverage 

what they have done over the years. K. Mahoney replied that Mass MEP has an 

apprenticeship program called the Frontline Supervisor to train workers who are 

promoted to supervisor without the necessary skills; it is one of their largest revenue 

generators. Mass MEP is also working on a DEI assessment for companies. P. 

Connolly remarked that NJ MEP has had apprenticeship programs with the Department 

of Labor for many years. They have recently developed the Makers and Creators which 

aims to visit all 21 counties in New Jersey targeting underserved high schools in order to 

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expose those students to internships, apprenticeships, and training. P. Connolly 

observed that females outdo every male walking up to the equipment; they're better 

welders. P. Connolly also observed that according to discussions with his EDA, it may 

be too late for high school students, that NJ MEP should start training middle school 

students for a career in manufacturing, and that industry should educate high school 

guidance counselors that manufacturing is a viable alternative to four-year university 

education. 

• G. Rao asked how NY MEP and Missouri Enterprise deliver programs and trainings on 

employee recruitment and retention and how other MEP Centers can utilize or leverage 

what they have done. D. Cruise replied that Missouri Enterprise uses Lean Six Sigma 

overall continuous improvement program to implement and train workforce, conduct 

quality work, and address food safety and open book management. Missouri also has a 

workforce readiness and career program that profiles communities and job vacancies 

throughout the state. J. Herbert replied that western New York MEP Center Insyte 

Consulting partners with Buffalo Manufacturing Works on a program called Shift which 

helps manufacturers adopt technologies around Industries 4.0 and provide employee 

training on automation and additive manufacturing. The MTAC Center in the MidHudson works with SUNY New Paltz to take in junior engineering students to work with 

their manufacturers over their last two years of college. The Center for Economic 

Growth partners with Hudson Valley Community College on apprenticeship programs 

around precision metal, composites and plastics. A MEP Center in the Mohawk Valley 

associated with Mohawk Valley Community College has worked with Wolfspeed, one of 

the world's largest 200 millimeter silicone chip fabricators, to set up a 10-month 

certificate program for entry level manufacturing and equipment tech. 

• G. Rao asked how the Ohio MEP sub-recipient housed at Columbus State Community 

College would recommend other centers to approach pipe-line building for the next 

generation of manufacturing workforce. J. Spain replied that within central Ohio there is 

need for middle-skill positions such as multi-craft maintenance technicians. The MEP at 

Columbus State worked with the Ohio State University to convene several regional 

manufacturers ranging from SMEs to OMEs to large manufacturers like Honda of 

America, Abbott Labs, and Worthington Steel, and they discovered that these 

manufacturers were borrowing talent from each other in an unsustainable model; they 

recognized to bring more people into the workforce at a younger age. Therefore the 

MEP at Columbus State developed the Modern Manufacturing Work Study Program 

which starts engaging students in middle schools with age appropriate experiences such 

as camp, follows them through high school, and then provides an accelerated higher 

education program around math, engineering and manufacturing skills that allows the 

student to matriculate into a one year paid work study program with one of the MEP's 21 

manufacturing partners. Post-pandemic, manufacturers are saying that they are still 

facing challenges identifying middle-skill employees as well as securing pipelines to 

entry level positions. MEP at Columbus State has responded to this challenge by 

forming even closer relationships with area high schools, career and tech centers, and 

community colleges, and has started a number of short term manufacturing training 

programs, often specific to semiconductors, electrification, and auto manufacturers. J. 

Spain remarked that recruiting is the single hardest part of building and developing 

workforce programs, and reiterated that forming partnerships is the most important key 

to securing the workforce pipeline. 

• G. Rao asked the panel what untapped or underserved communities they support in 

their workforce programs. P. Connolly described NJ MEP's program with the Pentagon's 

Office of Local Defense Communities. The five-year $5 million program based out of 

Picatinny Arsenal and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst trains veterans and their 

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families in Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) as they outsource from the 

military. The program results in two nationwide certifications: certified production 

technician and certified logistics technician. NJ MEP has also partnered with the County 

College of Morris, which has an advanced manufacturing center, and developed the 

New Jersey Defense Community Consortium, which is currently comprised of 65 

companies who are willing to hire veterans coming out of the program. D. Cruise 

remarked that Missouri Enterprise is working with the Goodwill of Western Missouri and 

Eastern Kansas to train unemployed people through a SME certified manufacturing 

program. Missouri Enterprise also has a women's reentry program based out of 

Chillicothe Prison. Called ASPIRE MO, it provides training in MSSC curriculum using 

Skillboss, a $40,000 piece of equipment which exposes trainees to control panels, 

mechanical drives, belts, chains, robotics, mechanic, hydraulic, troubleshooting, 

maintenance, precision measuring, Lean processes, drives, sensors, and PLCs. There 

are currently 74 women lined up to matriculate through ASPIRE MO over two years. 

Mass MEP is also partnering with a corrections facility to do manufacturing basic skills 

training and is partnering with local organization to provide support and wraparound 

services, K. Mahoney said. J. Spain described an access program out of MAGNET, 

Ohio MEP's northeast SRA. It is a short term 120-hour career readiness program open 

to residents of Cuyahoga County; 60% of participants were justice-impacted. J. Spain 

mentioned that Ohio's Columbus State MEP is able to matriculate veterans into job 

positions more easily than justice-impacted individuals, but the state and the nation is in 

an environment where employers are eager and open to new ways to onboard 

employees. J. Herbert described the fast-track program at AIM, the NY MEP subrecipient at Mohawk Valley Community College, which is free for underserved and atneed high-risk community members. AIM has also partnered with Utica Center for 

Refugees to drive job placement, training, and recruitment. Giotto Enterprises, a 

manufacturer with a portfolio of seven advanced manufacturing organizations, works 

with NY MEP to fill gaps in employment. 

• G. Rao asked how the NIST MEP team can better support centers offering workforce 

programs and services. D. Cruise observed that MEP Centers across the 51 

jurisdictions have a lot of capabilities, strengths, expertise and experience, and should 

collaborate to help each other. K. Mahoney mentioned that the Center Leadership Team 

which advises P. Raghavan helps broadcast stories and share information. J. Spain 

remarked that centers would benefit from a workforce skills training standard that is 

consistent across regions, such as employability skills, and access to a common 

curriculum and database. J. Herbert reiterated the desire for a way to share information 

nationally. 

• G. Rao opened the floor to questions and discussion from the Board. B. Hawes 

reiterated the importance of workforce over the course of the day's conversations. A. 

Parker commended the panel for sharing their experiences and observations and 

discussed its importance to national security. J. Smith asked what kind of follow-up the 

centers are doing after the training programs. J. Spain replied that follow-up is 

expensive and requires dedication on the front end. MAGNET, for example, has written 

into their funding to work with a third party to follow-up with graduates 12 and 18 months 

later. T. Smith discussed career and college readiness and asked whether guidance 

counselors or parents are more responsible for driving high school students into fouryear universities. P. Connolly replied that it's both. J. Spain discussed Ohio MEP's 

Modern Manufacturing Mondays for Mom (MMMM) initiative which introduces 

manufacturing career paths to the person who students listen to most. As a result of this 

initiative, they saw enrollment increase among females at Columbia State's engineering 

department. A. Parker discussed her community's 2040 plan and cradle to career 

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initiative. P. Moulton reiterated the importance of bringing girls into the fold of 

engineering and manufacturing, referencing a Florida MEP partnership with Citrus Girl 

Scout Council. Furthermore, retaining women in the field of engineering is directly 

related to the culture at the workplace. 

• B. Hawes thanked the panel and opened the floor to public comment. 

Public Comments and Meeting Wrap Up 

Public Comment 

Speakers:

Michael Marusic, AIM/NY MEP 

Jyoti Malhotra, NIST MEP 

• M. Marusic from the MEP Center in Utica, New York, thanked the Board, the staff and 

the panel for holding the meeting and made remarks about the impact that working with 

industry in the MEP Centers have had on him. 

• J. Malhotra from NIST MEP made remarks about how NIST MEP is going to crosscoordinate among the MEP National Network. As the America Works network is now 

concluded, NIST MEP is going to revitalize a NIST MEP-led Workforce Working Group. 

MEP Advisory Board Meetings - 2024 

• Planning continues – details coming soon 

• Tuesday, March 5 and Wednesday, March 6, 2024 

o Gaithersburg, MD and Washington, DC 

• Date TBD, June 2024 

o Virtual 

• Date TBD, September 2024 

o Location TBD 

• Dates are subject to change 

Meeting Wrap Up 

B. Hawes invited the Board members to share their final thoughts. P. Raghavan delivered some 

closing remarks. B. Bobb, Designated Federal Officer, adjourned the Advisory Board Meeting 

at 5:43 p.m. 

Stay Connected

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https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog 

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www.nist.gov/mep 

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Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board Minutes | Page 23