MEP Advisory Board 

September 2020 FACA Board Meeting

Tuesday, Sept 22, 2020

For the Full MEP Advisory Board Presentation, please 

contact Cheryl Gendron at Cheryl.Gendron@nist.gov

1
FACA and the Advisory Board 

• 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.

• 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.

2
Welcome from Board Chair

• Matthew Newman

• MEP Advisory Board, Chair

3
MAB Meeting Details

• Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020

• Board Meeting Opening/Logistics

• Welcome and Introductions

• Opening Remarks

• Welcome from NIST Leadership

• Board and Audience Introductions

• NIST MEP Senior Management Update 

• Presentation: National and State Economic Challenges and Opportunities, Data Trends

• Board Feedback and Discussion

• Discussion: Exploring Future Themes – NIST MEP Competitive Award Program’s Notice of Funding 

Opportunity 

• Board Feedback and Discussion

• Working Group Update: Supply Chain Development

• Board Feedback and Discussion

• Wrap Up/Public Comments

4

4
Welcome and Introductions

• Dr. Walt Copan; NIST, Director

• Mojdeh Bahar; NIST, Associate Director 

• Carroll Thomas; NIST MEP, Director

• NIST and NIST MEP Leadership, MEP Advisory Board

5

5
NIST MEP Senior Management Update

• MEP Program Budget Outlook / Spend Plan

• MEP National Network Update

• NIST MEP Operational Update

• MEP National Network Strategic Plan Update

6

6
MEP Program Budget Outlook (as of 9/22/2020)

7
NIST MEP FY 2020 Projected Spend Plan

8 8
Legislative Update

• The $50 million appropriated in the CARES Act for MEP Centers was sent out in record 

time. While another stimulus bill is being talked about, no agreements have been 

reached as yet.

• The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2021 currently is in conference 

and could pass with two important amendments impacting the MEP National Network 

(MEPNN):

1. Allows the DoD to provide funds to MEP Centers for cybersecurity assistance of SMMs.

2. Would establish a database housed at NIST MEP: 

• Connect MEP Centers to minimize vulnerability to supply chain disruptions;

• Enhance the ability of U.S. manufacturers to communicate and coordinate;

• And ensure that the U.S. responds quickly and effectively during national disasters, including retooling for 

such items as PPE.

9
CARES Act Update

• All 51 awards were made by June 30.

• 85 days from the posting of the RFA!

• MEP Centers executing awards to provide critical assistance to 

manufacturers.

• First quarterly reports will be received at the end of October.

10
Competitive Award Funding Update

• Advanced Manufacturing Technology Services – Deploys advanced manufacturing technology services,

emphasizing technology-based needs of small U.S. manufacturers.

• In June we reported 4 projects had been awarded.

• In early July, a 5th award was made:

• NJ MEP - I 4.0 technical assistance to supply chains for biopharmaceuticals and biofabrication, targeting the

supply chains associated with focus areas of the NIIMBL and BioFab Mfg USA Institutes.

(Rolling) Competitive Award Program (CAP): Awards Issued to Date

11
MEP National Network Center Leadership Team 

(CLT)

• MEP National Network

• Buckley Brinkman (WI)

• Tom Bugnitz (CO)

• Mike Coast (MI)

• Bonnie Del Conte (CT)

• Bill Donohue (VA)

• Ethan Karp (OH) 

• Kathie Mahoney (MA)

• Chuck Spangler (SC)

• Jim Watson (CA)

• Carrie Hines (ASMC/FORME)

• Mark Schmit (NIST MEP)

• Carroll Thomas (NIST MEP)

12
MEP National Network Center Leadership Team 

(CLT) Part 1

Regional Communications Nodes

Background

Need to create more efficient and effective ways of connecting Centers around the country to build 

relationships, provide support, exchange ideas and information, catalyze learning and improve 

communications. Better connections form the basis for a faster and more flexible National Network.

Objectives

• Establish one-to-one connections between Center Directors and a Center Director on the National 

Network CLT;

• Create Regional National Network Nodes (see map) to facilitate regular group conversations and 

create learning opportunities;

• Build closer and deeper relationships between and among Centers.

13
MEP National Network Center Leadership Team 

(CLT) Part 2

• Continuing to convene virtually to operationalize communication and 

collaboration “norms.” 

• Working on Network structure and governance.

• Regional communication nodes created and currently being 

implemented.

• During the past few months Centers looking inward out of 

necessity...simultaneously... the urgency of times exacerbated the 

imperative to communicate more among the Network.

14
MEP National Network Center Leadership Team 

(CLT) Part 3

• Information about CLT priorities, business issues and strategy is quickly

disseminated throughout the National Network.

• As each CLT member works with their Regional National Network Node, they

bring information back to the CLT, keeping everyone in touch with all of the

Centers and abreast of what is happening across the Network.

• The structure improves access directly to CLT members and ensures that

everyone in the National Network has a voice.

• All regions have met and several have met multiple times.

15
NIST MEP: National Network Support Part 1

MEPNN Food Industry Services / Food Safety

• 2017-2020.

• 4,087 Center projects.

• 2,649 food manufacturing clients addressing many technical assistance areas, including food 

safety.

• MEPNN Working Group facilitated by NIST MEP.

• 51 MEP Centers participate.

• MEPNN staff w/food safety credentials.

• Approximately two dozen Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals.

• More than one dozen Lead Instructors.

• Strong ongoing MEPNN partnership with FDA relating to food safety.

16
NIST MEP: National Network Support Part 2

MEP-Assisted Technology and Technical Resource (MATTR)

• Connecting MEPNN, MEP Center clients w/NIST lab expertise, resources.

• 70 MATTR requests submitted by 22 Centers; 6 NIST labs/offices engaged in 

these requests. 

• 23 offers of assistance to MEPNN made by 5 NIST labs in 2020. 

• NIST lab staff providing webcasts to MEPNN addressing various technical 

topics. 

• 15 MEP Centers participating in MEPNN MATTR Working Group.

• NIST MEP facilitating CRADAs between MEP Center clients and NIST labs; also 

compensating NIST labs, as warranted by MATTR opportunities.

17
NIST MEP: National Network Support Part 3

Advanced Manufacturing Industry 4.0 for End-to-End Cyber-Physical 

Connectivity

Activities Across the Network

• Adv. Mfg. Tech Services: funding awards made in May and July for multi-Center

projects led by Centers in CA, IN, MI, NJ, TX to accelerate MEP Center Industry

4.0 (I 4.0) service delivery; additional projects among recent CAP awards.

• CAP project led by OMEP, involving multiple Centers, sharing useful foundational

I 4.0 info across MEPNN; also working closely w/CLT; concluding in Dec. 2020.

• MEPNN I 4.0 Working Group sharing best practices and highlighting Center

work; facilitated by NIST MEP; dozens of Centers participating; also introducing

emerging topics to Centers.

• MEP Centers utilizing user/demonstration facilities and continuing to collaborate

with Manufacturing USA Institutes.

18
NIST MEP: National Network Support

Cybersecurity Practice Developing Across the Network

• MEPNN Cyber Working Group sharing best practices among all 51

Centers.

• Cyber for Def. Mfg Special Award from NIST MEP to MMTC (MI MEP

Center) providing awareness, assistance for >1,000 defense

contractors; participation from >30 MEP Centers, 2 NIST labs; health

crisis tasking delays ongoing.

• NIST MEP issuing program guidance to MEP Centers relating to DoD

CMMC.

19
NIST MEP: National Network Support

Center Reviews: 2020

Annual Reviews

• All 51 Centers.

Panel Reviews

• Third and eighth-year.

• Currently processing three eighth-year reviews.

Secretarial Reviews

• One time at the fifth-year mark.

• Currently processing reviews of eight Centers.

20
NIST MEP and MEP Centers: 

National Network Collaboration

NIST MEP and the MEPNN are hosting roundtable-style conversations with 

manufacturing executives from across the country. 

• This series began on July 30 with six panelists and over 70 observers. Ten

sessions have been scheduled.

• Discussions focus on the current state of manufacturing during these

unprecedented economic times, predictions for the future state of U.S.

manufacturing and recommendations for the MEPNN.

• The program will continue through early October.

• Results will be aggregated and reported.

21
Strategic Plan Update

• Empower Manufacturers

• Champion Manufacturers

• Leverage Partnerships

• Transform the Network

22
18 Month Measures of Success

9/2019-3/2021 Progress to Date

1. Consensus Within Integrated National Network

• Reach Network consensus on definition of Project and CME (client

manufacturing establishment) interaction.

2. Center and Program Office Operational Excellence

• Operationally improve reporting via measurement of on-time and accurate

reporting.

3. Increased Visibility

• Amplify and measure Network brand awareness by at least 10%.

4. Increase Projects and New Clients

• Increase reported projects by 10% and reported new clients by 5%.

23
18 Month Measures of Success Progress to Date

Measure 1:

Consensus Within Integrated National Network

Define:

• Client/project.

• Client manufacturing establishment 

interaction.

• Working Group of Center Directors 

established.

Center Working Group is identified and is on 

hold. Will reconvene in the fall of 2020. 

Measure 2: 

Center and Program Office Operational 

Excellence

Four Elements Measured:

• Progress plan.

• Progress data.

• Success story.

• Survey confirmation.

Baseline (Q2 2019):

• 40 Centers reported on time with the first three 

elements.

• 24 Centers reported on time across all four 

elements. 

Progress to Date (Q2 2020):

• 45 centers reported on time with first three 

elements.

• 23 Centers reported on time across all four 

elements.

24
18 Month Measures of Success

Measure 3: Increased Visibility by Amplifying Network Brand 

Awareness by at Least 10%.

*Progress to date for April 1, 2020 – June 30, 2020.

25
18 Month Measures of Success

Progress to Date

Measure 4: Increase Projects and New Clients

• Combined clients Q1 and Q2.

 In July MEP Centers surveyed a combination of clients from the postponed Q1 survey with those up for survey in Q2. 

 Outstanding response given we doubled the number of clients surveyed which increased Center workload. 

• Survey changes through 2021.

 Survey response rate will be removed from the ten metrics used to measure Center performance until late 2021. 

 NIST MEP will give more weight to the two measures of market penetration in evaluating Center performance. 

 This is done to accommodate the expected increase in clients served from the CARES Act funding.

FY20 Surveys & Responses

> 5,200 clients surveyed (combined Q1 and Q2)

77% final survey response rate for the MEPNN

26
NIST MEP Operational 

Update

27
NIST Campus Locations Status

• All NIST staff including NIST MEP staff were on mandatory telework

from mid-March until early July, and now on maximum telework.

• NIST phased re-opening emphasizes employee safety and focuses on

laboratory staff having access to labs.

• NIST staff remain on maximum telework; 90% of all staff for an

extended period returning in later phases.

• NIST MEP Move Back In Committee has met twice and 301 office

construction has resumed.

28
NIST MEP Org Chart FY20

29
National and State Economic 

Challenges and Opportunities, 

Data Trends

Dan Berglund

SSTI

Executive Director

30
Overview

• Uncertain economic future

• Uncertain state budget future

• Past as guide to the future 

• Higher education’s particular risks

• Opportunity for MEP centers

31
Uncertain economic future Part 1

• V, W or K recovery?

• Unemployment by the end of 2021

• 6.5%, per June 2020 Federal Reserve forecast

• 5.5%, per September 2020 Federal Reserve forecast

32
Uncertain economic future Part 2

• What if a vaccine isn’t effective? Or distributed rapidly?

• Difficult to get clear measurements

• Questions about unemployment measures

• How many businesses going out of business

33
Systemic racism and the economy

“Systemic racism is a yoke that drags on the American economy. A 

commitment to an inclusive society also means a commitment to an 

inclusive economy.”

Raphael Bostic, president of the Atlanta Fed 

Comments echoed by presidents of Dallas, San Francisco and Richmond 

Fed

34
State & local gov’t importance

“State [and] local governments amount to something like 13 percent of 

the labor force — they’re one of the largest employers. So it can really 

weigh on the economy. It can be a drag. In fact, it was after the global 

financial crisis and during the Great Recession for a number of years. 

It’s pretty well documented now: It was a drag on growth.”

Jerome Powell, chair, Federal Reserve

35
State budgets

• Budget shortfalls of $555B for FY20-22, Center on Budget Policy and

Priorities

• Decreased tax revenue

• Income and sales tax

• Oil/natural gas royalties or taxes

• Fuel taxes as result of less traffic

• Increase in Medicaid enrollment

• More than 10% increase in KY, MN and NV

• Represented 19.7% of state general fund spending in FY2019

• Depletion of rainy day funds

36
Difficulties in talking about state budgets

• Year to year comparisons out the window as tax day moved from April 

15 to July 15

• Extra $600/week federal unemployment helped keep spending and 

sales tax from cratering

• Press coverage reports, “Revenues better than expected,” but 

revenue expectations were developed in April/May at bottom of 

trough

• Some states holding off doing updated revenue estimates

• Some states (e.g., CA, IL) built budgets assuming Congress would 

provide funds to states

37
Budget holes by state

38
39
40
Higher education

• Typically a first target of state budget cuts

• Refunds from spring semester for housing costs

• Medical systems hit with revenue loss due to cancelled surgical 

procedures

• Extra expenses in preparing for in-person instruction

• Unclear enrollment picture as students take gap years or enroll in 

cheaper alternatives

41
Opportunities for MEP

• Pandemic exposed U.S. dependence on foreign manufacturing in

starkest manner possible

• Pandemic provided opportunities for new dialogue between MEP

centers and policymakers on PPE supply chain

• Both Biden and Trump campaigns have talked about importance of

U.S. manufacturing

• Shift in public attitude toward manufacturing

42
Focus Group word association for mfg

43
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

China

Commercialization

Technology transfer

Venture capital

Inclusion

University

Entrepreneurship

Converting research*

Community college

Environmental protection

Economic development

Renewable energy

Very favorable Somewhat favorable No response Unfavorable

44
Contact Information

For more information, contact:

Dan Berglund

614.901.1690

berglund@ssti.org

To sign up for SSTI Weekly Digest go to:

https://ssti.org

45
Exploring Future Themes: NIST 

MEP Competitive Award 

Program’s Notice of Funding 

Opportunity (NOFO) 

Michael Wilson

NIST MEP 

Strategic Competitions Group

Competition Manager

46
Background

• Established under statutory authority (15 U.S.C §278k-1).

• Provides MEP Centers additional resources to add capabilities to the MEP Program.

• Established in consultation with the MEP Director, the MEP Advisory Board, other 

Federal agencies and SMMs.

• Published Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) April 17, 2017.

• Themes for the NOFO derived from SMMs’ input.

- New manufacturing technologies/Industry 4.0.

- Supply chain management technologies/practices.

- Workforce intermediary and business services.

• 29 awards made to date (FY17 through FY20).

47
FY 2021 CAP NOFO

• Goal – To publish a new CAP NOFO no later than the end of the first

quarter of FY 2021.

• New themes.

• Input from each of you!

48
FY 2021 CAP NOFO Theme – Things to 

Consider

Things to Consider

1. Relevance of previous themes.

2. Activities supported through previous awards.

3. Challenges to manufacturers.

4. Technologies and/or business models. 

49
FY 2021 CAP NOFO Themes – Board Input to 

Date

• Supply Chain Resiliency Beta Test Program

• A.I. Application to Continuous Process/Chemical Process Industry

• Onshoring/Supply Chain Efforts

• Workforce Development (capturing knowledge from people exiting 

the workforce; reskilling of displaced/unemployed workers)

50
MEP Advisory Board Working Group Updates

51
Supply Chain Development Working Group

• Committee Members

• Board Leadership

Don Bockoven

• Board Members

LaDon Byars, Mary Isbister, Matt Newman, Chris Weiser

• NIST MEP Support

Rob Ivester, Dave Stieren, Mark Schmit

• Deliverable

• Guidance and perspectives on the MEPNN support and development of manufacturing supply 

chains with an emphasis on defense suppliers regarding Defense Industrial Base gaps; and 

expertise on who should be brought into the discussion to provide insight on defense supplier 

gaps.

52
Discussion Topics for the Board

• The MEP National Network supports DoD Supply Chains in many 

areas, highlighted by:

• Cybersecurity awareness and assistance.

• Working in defense manufacturing supply chain technology 

transfer/transition and supply chain development.

• These efforts primarily focus on the MEP Strategic Plan pillar: 

Empowering Manufacturers across the Nation.

• NIST MEP seeks ongoing Advisory Board perspectives on these MEP 

National Network focus areas, approaches, challenges – and their 

alignment with MEP Strategic Plan.

53
MEP National Network Cybersecurity

MEP National Network cybersecurity assistance for small manufacturers 

continues to develop strong nationwide capabilities:

• Continues to be spurred by strong DoD partnerships.

• Continued MEP role with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 

Supplement (DFARS) requirements for defense sector.

• Emerging MEP Center role with DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model 

Certification (CMMC) Program.

• Continued emphasis on risk management for all manufacturing industries 

served by MEP Centers.

54
MEP National Network Cybersecurity Progress 

Summary 

55
2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

• Specifies DoD budget, expenditures, policies for FY 2021.

• House and Senate bills NDAA have passed; final 2021 NDAA in conference.

• Excerpt from Senate Bill:

• “1642. ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL MANUFACTURERS IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CHAIN ON MATTERS 

RELATING TO CYBERSECURITY.

a) IN GENERAL. - Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with 

the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, may award financial assistance to a[n 

MEP] Center for the purpose of providing cybersecurity services to small manufacturers.

c) USE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. - Financial assistance under this section -

1)shall be used by a Center to provide small manufacturers with cybersecurity services relating to

a) compliance with the [DFARS] cybersecurity requirements...; and

b) achieving compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification framework of the 

Department of Defense; ...

56
DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model 

Certification (CMMC) 

CMMC overview

• Future DoD acquisitions will include required certification levels for contractors; full implementation 

planned 2026.

• CMMC does not negate DFARS.

• Centers continuing to provide awareness, assistance to small defense contractors, including via 

NIST MEP – OSD IAA, OEA partnerships.

NIST MEP providing guidance to MEP Center approach to serving CMMC needs of clients

• Centers serve as trusted advisors to clients to assist with CMMC without providing formal audit or 

certification functions – as with DFARS.

• Ongoing relationship with DoD, CMMC Accreditation Body for policy alignment. 

• Ongoing NIST Lab interactions for alignment with NIST cybersecurity approaches, policies.

57
Additional MEP - DoD Tech Transition / Transfer, 

Supply Chain Development

NavalX /Tech Bridges 

• Established in Feb 2019 as innovation acceleration systems for DoD.

• MEP Centers operating in Tech Bridge states are working with Tech Bridges to engage small U.S.

manufacturers.

• NIST MEP, Office of Naval Research national relationship.

NIST MEP – NAVSEA IAA

• Funding MEP Centers to identify, insert leading-edge mfg. tech. into Navy shipbuilding.

• Initial efforts led by GENEDGE (VA MEP Center), working on Ford Class aircraft carrier production at

Newport News Shipbuilding; discussions underway to expand.

Defense Mfg. Communities Support Program

• Runs through Office of Economic Adjustment; supports long-term community investments to strengthen

natl. security innovation, expand defense industrial ecosystem capabilities.

• 6 consortia designated by OSD in 2020 – all 6 involve active MEP Center participation: AL, CA, CT, OH, PA ,

UT.

58
Discussion

• NIST MEP seeks ongoing Advisory Board perspectives on these MEP 

National Network focus areas, approaches, challenges – and their 

alignment with MEP Strategic Plan.

59
MEPNN Strategic Plan Working Group 2023-2028

• Committee Members

• Board Leadership - Kathay Rennels

• Board Members - Don Bockoven, Kevin Heller, Mary Isbister, Willie May, Matt Newman, 

Chris Weiser, Jim Wright

• Ex-Officio Support

Bernadine Hawes (Immediate Past-Chair)

• NIST MEP Support

Rob Ivester, Wiza Lequin, Cheryl Gendron

• Deliverable

• To provide long-term, program direction, guidance and perspectives for the MEP National 

Network Strategic Plan for 2023-2028. The WG will consider feedback from Centers, 

stakeholders, partners, management and staff as the plan is developed.

60
MEP National Network 2017-2022 Strategic Goals 

EMPOWER MANUFACTURERS

Objective - Assist U.S. manufacturers in embracing productivity-enhancing innovative manufacturing 

technologies, navigate advanced technology solutions and recruit and retain a skilled and diverse 

workforce.

CHAMPION MANUFACTURING

Objective - Actively promote the importance of a strong manufacturing base as key to a robust U.S. 

economy and for the protection of national security interests; create awareness of innovations in 

manufacturing; create workforce development partnerships to build a stronger and diverse workforce 

pipeline; and maximize market awareness of the MEP National Network.

LEVERAGE PARTNERSHIPS

Objective - Leverage national, regional, state and local partnerships to gain substantial increase in 

market penetration; identify mission-complementary advocates to help MEP become a recognized 

manufacturing resource brand; build an expanded service delivery model to support manufacturing 

technology advances.

TRANSFORM THE NETWORK

Objective - Maximize National Network knowledge and experience to operate as an integrated 

national network; increase efficiency and effectiveness by employing a Learning Organization 

platform; and create a resilient and adaptive MEP National Network to support a resilient and 

adaptive U.S. manufacturing base.

61
Where We Are Going

62
63
Strategic Plan Mapped To National Network

64
Discussion Topics for the Board - Strategic 

Goals

• Where are we?

• Metrics used to measure progress drive behavior throughout the MEPNN.

• Where we are going.

• The 2017-2022 Strategic Plan serves to guide our current direction, and the

2023-2028 Strategic Plan will guide us moving forward.

• The four pillars.

• Empower Manufacturers, Champion Manufacturing, Leverage Partnerships

and Transform the Network – provide the structure for the current plan.

• The plan guides primary and supporting roles and specific actions within the MEP

office, within the Centers, and with key stakeholders, including the MEP Advisory

Board and local Center Boards.

• For each of these, where are our opportunities to improve?

65
Executive Committee Working Group

• Committee Members

• Board Leadership

Mary Isbister

• Board Members

Mitch Magee, Pat Moulton, Matt Newman, George Spottswood

• NIST MEP Support

Carroll Thomas, Cheryl Gendron, Phill Wadsworth, Wiza Lequin

• Deliverable

• Provide guidance on future MEP Advisory Board leadership and membership 

recruitment, provide insights into cultivating strong Board governance as well 

as explore ways to expand the MEP Advisory Board’s role in regard to the local 

MEP Center Boards.

66
Discussion Topics for the Board - Executive 

Committee 

NIST MEP seeks ongoing Advisory Board perspectives on these 

MEPNN focus areas, approaches, challenges.

• Center Board Outreach Program

• Succession Planning for Membership.

• NIST MEP staff is here to support you, our National Advisory Board; 

are there things we can do to better support you?

67
Future Meeting Schedule

• Planning is Underway

• Details Coming Soon

• Early March

• Virtual or Gaithersburg, Maryland/Washington, D.C.

• Middle of June

• Virtual or Tulsa, Oklahoma

• Late August/Early September

• Virtual or Phoenix, Arizona

• In conjunction with the MEP National Network Update Meeting and FORME 

Best Practice Conference

68
Thank You

For the Full Presentation, Please contact Cheryl 

Gendron at Cheryl.Gendron@nist.gov

VISIT OUR BLOG 

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

Get the latest NISTMEP news 

at:

www.nist.gov/mep

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