Mitigating Supply Chain Risk: How to Engage Supplier Scouting 

MEP National Network (MEPNN) supplier scouting leverages the Network’s extensive relationships and knowledge of U.S. 

manufacturing capabilities and capacity to identify manufacturers across the U.S. that can meet supply chain needs of commercial 

entities and government agencies. To initiate the supplier scouting process, MEP Centers and government agencies need to 

complete and submit our Supplier Scouting Opportunity Synopsis Form. (Companies seeking to engage in supplier scouting 

should contact their local MEP Center). The form is used to gather technical and business information and is divided into four 

sections.

• Section 1: General information (email, item and description)

• Section 2: Technical information (type of supplier being sought, reason for scout, mfg process, dimensions, tolerances, 

performance specs, required materials, required certifications, regulations, and additional comments)

• Section 3: Business information (business volume, target price, delivery and packaging requirements, and additional 

comments)

• Section 4: Additional information (attach drawings, photos, specs, etc.) and a checkbox to notify MEP of outcomes within 

30-days of receiving a results report/email

This information is used to develop a clear and concise description that will be shared with MEP Centers in every state and Puerto 

Rico. MEP Centers will conduct a search for U.S. manufacturers with the capabilities, capacities and business interests to supply 

the item(s). Contact the NIST MEP supplier scouting team if you need help to complete the opportunity synopsis and answer any 

questions.

WWW.NIST.GOV/MEP/MEP-NATIONAL-NETWORK

 1-800-MEP-4MFG • MFG@NIST.GOV

MEPNN Supplier Scouting Process

30-45 days for results
WWW.NIST.GOV/MEP/MEP-NATIONAL-NETWORK

 1-800-MEP-4MFG • MFG@NIST.GOV

For MEPNN supplier scouting needs that are limited to state-based identification of potential manufacturers within an individual state, versus on a national scale, please contact 

the local MEP Center for that state. 

NIST MEP makes no claim that the report represents all capabilities in the U.S. to produce an item. The organization requesting this information will need to vet the identified 

manufacturers to determine whether they are a good fit to meet the supply need. In most cases, MEP Center staff has established business relationships with the identified 

manufacturers. Contacting the MEP Center staff who submit the matches is highly encouraged and can be beneficial in facilitating interactions.

Contact Us: About MEPNN Supplier Scouting

For over a decade, MEPNN supplier scouting has been identifying 

and connecting U.S. manufacturers with government and 

commercial supply chain needs. MEPNN supplier scouting ensures 

our national health and safety, strengthens domestic supply chains, 

and develops resiliency for small and medium-sized manufacturers.

100 Bureau Drive

Gaithersburg, MD

(800) MEP-4MFG 

scouting@nist.gov 

The MEP National Network is Uniquely Positioned to Assist You

The results submitted by MEP Centers include company name, contact information, as well as product lines and relevant 

information. Results are aggregated into a report and presented to the organization requesting the search. The MEP supplier 

scouting results report provides a summary of submissions including the number of exact and partial matches. The results report 

also includes the state in which companies operate and the contact information of MEP Center staff who submitted capable and 

interested companies. The report concludes with recommendations and next steps. 

MEPNN Supplier Scouting Matches

A matched manufacturer falls into the following categories:

Currently produces the exact item

Has produced the item in the past and could produce it again

Currently produces a similar item

Currently possesses the capability and capacity to produce the item

Possesses relevant capability to allow production of the item with minimal retooling