MEP ADVISORY BOARD 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 1 

2020 MEP Advisory Board Report

2020 was a momentous year of challenge, growth and resiliency for the MEP National NetworkTM. With $50 million in 

funds authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, NIST issued emergency funding 

awards to MEP Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico for the first time in the history of the MEP program. NIST 

made all the awards in record time. The funds are helping manufacturers increase production of personal protective 

equipment (PPE), reach new suppliers and markets, recover from workforce and supply chain interruptions, and 

achieve greater resilience. 

The MEP Advisory Board met in person in March 2020, and virtually in June and September 2020. At each meeting, 

the Board received detailed updates on performance toward the goals of the MEP National Network 2017-2022 

Strategic Plan. The September 2020 Board meeting included the introduction of a new working group focused on 

developing the next strategic plan, for 2023-2028. Each meeting also included high-level discussions of various 

topics integral to the program and report outs from the Board’s working groups. These meetings gave Board 

members opportunities to learn about the latest trends in manufacturing, advise and support the MEP program 

and actively engage with the MEP National Network. Many Board members participated in the virtual MEP National 

Network Update Meeting in September which drew 400 registrants from around the country. Presentations 

were interspersed with brief videos of MEP Center staff describing how they met the many challenges of their 

manufacturing clients, including helping them pivot to produce PPE.

More opportunities to hear directly from manufacturers occurred between July and October, when NIST MEP 

hosted a series of 11 virtual roundtables, the National Conversations with Manufacturers. Nearly 50 manufacturing 

leaders representing 27 U.S. states and diverse industries participated. The roundtable format generated important 

conversations and insight into current challenges and opportunities for manufacturers. NIST MEP is analyzing these 

sessions for a final report with actionable findings.

The MEP National Network was prepared to meet the challenge of the pandemic in 2020. MEP relaunched the 

MEP Supplier Scouting service, originally developed in 2009. When U.S. manufacturers needed to rapidly increase 

production of PPE, ventilators, N95 masks, hand sanitizer and other supplies, the Network quickly mobilized, 

creating supply chain portals, sharing best practices, and connecting with local organizations. The Network 

continues to build capabilities and resilience through the nearly $17 million in additional awards to MEP Centers 

made this year through the Competitive Awards Program, Advanced Manufacturing Technology Services and 

Manufacturing Disaster Assessment Program Notice of Funding Opportunities.

In crisis, there is opportunity. The Board is fully engaged and advising the MEP program through these 

demanding and rewarding times. The MEP National Network is playing a vital role in the recovery and growth of 

U.S. manufacturing and we look forward to helping the Network continue to be the “Go-To Experts for Advancing 

U.S. Manufacturing.”

Matthew B. Newman, Chair

Director, Business Development - Renewables

ONEOK, Inc.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Mary Isbister, Vice Chair

President

GenMet Corporation

Mequon, Wisconsin 
 2 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

Mitch Magee 

Director, Global Advanced Manufacturing Team

PPG Aerospace

Sylmar, California

Jose Anaya

Dean, Community Advancement

El Camino Community College

Hawthorne, California

E. LaDon Byars

President and Chief Executive Officer

Colonial Diversified Polymer Products, LLC

Dyersburg, Tennessee

Ray Aguerrevere

General Manager

Custom Metal Designs

Oakland, Florida

Kevin Heller

Chief Operations Officer/Chief Financial Officer

The Ziegenfelder Company

Wheeling, West Virginia

Willie May, Ph.D.

Vice President for Research and Economic Development

Morgan State University

Baltimore, Maryland 

Bernadine Hawes

Senior Research Analyst

Community Marketing Concepts

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Donald Bockoven

Chief Executive Officer

Fiber Industries LLC

Darlington, South Carolina
2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 3 

Patricia Moulton

President

Vermont Technical College

Randolph Center, Vermont

Kathay Rennels

Special Advisor to the Chancellor for 

 Rural-Urban Initiatives

Colorado State University System

Fort Collins, Colorado

Chris Weiser

Owner and President

J.V. Manufacturing, Inc. 

Springdale, Arkansas

Jim Wright

Vice President of Operations

Proof Research

Columbia Falls, Montana

George Spottswood

Owner and Chief Executive Officer

Quality Filters, Inc.

Robertsdale, Alabama

Leslie Taito

Chief of Staff

Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island

Smithfield, Rhode Island
 4 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

Table of Contents

About the Manufacturing Extension Partnership....................................................................... 5

About the MEP Advisory Board ...................................................................................................... 6

2020 MEP Advisory Board Members ............................................................................................. 7

2020 MEP Advisory Board Activities............................................................................................16

Advisory Board Meetings.......................................................................................................................... 16

Working Group Updates............................................................................................................................ 18

 Supply Chain Development Working Group.............................................................................. 18

 Advisory Board Executive Committee Working Group........................................................... 19

 MEP National Network Strategic Plan 2023-2028 Working Group..................................... 19

MEP National Network Update: Meeting the Challenge .........................................................20

CARES Act Funding...................................................................................................................................... 21

Efforts Across the Network ....................................................................................................................... 22

MEP National Network Supplier Scouting........................................................................................... 23

Center Leadership Team.................................................................................................................24

National Conversations with Manufacturers Series .................................................................25

MEP National Network 2017-2022 Strategic Plan.....................................................................26

Accomplishments........................................................................................................................................ 28

NIST MEP Special Awards Programs ............................................................................................29

NIST MEP Competitive Awards Program.............................................................................................. 29

Advanced Manufacturing Technology Services Awards................................................................ 30

NIST Manufacturing Disaster Assessment Program ........................................................................ 31

Summit Consulting and W.E. Upjohn Institute Report.............................................................32

NIST MEP Budget.............................................................................................................................33

Mission and Vision...........................................................................................................................34
2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 5 

About the Manufacturing Extension Partnership

The Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 created the National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program to improve the 

competitiveness of U.S.-based manufacturing by making manufacturing technologies, processes and services 

more accessible to small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs). For over thirty years, the MEP program 

has focused on bridging the manufacturing productivity gap, identifying opportunities for growth and 

encouraging technology deployment. 

Growing from a pilot project of just three Centers to a system of organizations in every state and Puerto 

Rico, the 51 MEP Centers are now an integral part of the MEP National Network, providing its manufacturing 

customers with a wide array of fundamental services in manufacturing, business and process improvements. 

Today, the MEP National Network has more than 1,400 trusted advisors and experts at more than 385 MEP 

service locations across the nation. The MEP Centers and their partners, including state governments, 

universities, community colleges, nonprofit entities, associations and private consultants provide 

manufacturers with the services needed to reduce bottom-line expenses and grow top-line profits, both of 

which are necessary to thrive in the global marketplace. 

According to a third-party survey, in fiscal year (FY) 2020, the MEP National Network interacted with more 

than 27,574 manufacturers. MEP Center clients from across the country reported that the assistance they 

received helped to create or retain 105,748 manufacturing jobs in FY 2020. MEP Center clients had $13 billion 

in new and retained sales and realized $2.7 billion in cost savings as manufacturers navigated numerous 

challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For every dollar of federal investment in FY 2020, the MEP 

National Network generated $19.60 in new sales growth and $33.70 in new client investment. During this 

same time, for every $1,381 of federal investment, the Network created or retained one manufacturing job. 

Since 1988, MEP has worked with 138,917 manufacturers, leading to $145 billion in new sales and $24.7 

billion in cost savings, and it has helped create and retain more than 1,327,744 jobs.
 6 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

About the MEP Advisory Board

The statutory purpose of the Board is to provide advice and recommendations to the NIST Director on the 

following items:

z The activities, plans and policies of MEP

z The soundness of MEP’s plans and strategies

z Current performance in relation to MEP program plans

The MEP Advisory Board consists of members broadly representing the interests and needs of the 

manufacturing sector appointed by the NIST Director. By statute, at least two members must be on an 

advisory board for an MEP Center and at least five other members must be from small U.S. businesses 

representing the manufacturing sector. The statute also requires that at least one Board member represent a 

community college. Board members are limited to two consecutive full three-year terms and Board members 

are ineligible for reappointment during the year following the expiration of the second term. In addition, the 

law requires the Board to meet at least twice per year. In FY 2020, the Board met three times to perform its 

chartered functions.

A number of changes were made to Board membership in 2020. Board chair Bernadine Hawes finished 

her second term in May 2020 and a new chair and vice chair were designated. Former vice chair Matthew 

Newman stepped into the role as chair and Mary Isbister accepted the nomination for vice chair. 

In addition to Bernadine Hawes, Chris Weiser left the Board this year. Their leadership and advice over their 

years of service, and their time and commitment to the MEP Advisory Board are appreciated. One new 

member joined the Board in 2020, Ray Aguerrevere, bringing the roster to 14 members going into FY 2021.

The current Board members represent the diversity of the U.S. manufacturing industry, from CEOs and 

executives at various-sized manufacturing companies to academic leaders at both state and community 

colleges. The important and varied perspectives of these volunteers will positively impact the MEP program 

into the future.
2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 7 

2020 Advisory Board Members

MARY ISBISTER, VICE CHAIR 

Second Term Expires: March 2023

Mary Isbister is President of GenMet Corporation, a custom metal fabricating company located 

in Mequon, Wisconsin. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, she worked 

at Pfizer in Groton, Connecticut for 11 years. During her tenure at Pfizer she held positions in 

medicinal chemistry, clinical research and senior organizational development. In 1997, she 

moved to Wisconsin and founded Synergy Solutions, an organizational development and 

strategic planning consulting business, which she ran until 2001. In 1999 Ms. Isbister and her 

husband purchased GenMet Corporation, a custom manufacturer specializing in high valueadded metal fabrications and enclosures. From 2010-2014 Ms. Isbister also served on the U.S. 

Manufacturing Council, reporting to the Secretary of Commerce.

MATTHEW NEWMAN, CHAIR 

Second Term Expires: March 2023

Matthew Newman is the Director of Business Development – Renewables for ONEOK, Inc. 

He joined ONEOK in 2019 and has more than 30 years of experience in the energy industry, 

which includes sustainability initiatives, business development, asset optimization, logistics 

optimization, electricity generation, renewable energy, fossil fuels, government, media and 

community relations, financial derivatives, and hedging. Integrating environmental, social and 

governance best practices throughout operations has long been a critical strategy for ONEOK. 

ONEOK is a leading midstream service provider and owner of one of the nation’s premier natural 

gas liquids (NGL) systems, connecting NGL supply in the Rocky Mountain, Mid-Continent and 

Permian regions with key market centers and an extensive network of natural gas gathering, 

processing, storage and transportation assets. ONEOK is a Fortune 500 company headquartered 

in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is included in the S&P 500.
 8 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

RAY AGUERREVERE 

First Term Expires: October 2023

Ray Aguerrevere is the General Manager for Custom Metal Designs, located in Oakland, Florida. 

Custom Metal Designs is an industry leader that designs and manufactures turnkey industrial 

automation solutions that include collaborative and industrial robotics, autonomous vehicles 

and complex conveyor systems for clients worldwide. Mr. Aguerrevere has led the company 

through a technological transformation resulting in a tripling of revenues since 2005. Mr. 

Aguerrevere has a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of Central 

Florida and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida. He serves as 

president on the board of the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida and is board chair of 

the FloridaMakes board of directors.

JOSE ANAYA 

Second Term Expires: July 2022

Jose Anaya oversees the El Camino Community College District’s Community Advancement 

Division and Business Training Center as the Dean. Prior to joining the staff at El Camino College, 

he directed economic development programs at Cerritos College. Under Mr. Anaya’s guidance, 

Cerritos College received numerous honors and recognition related to workforce development. 

These included a best practices award for its partnership with Lockheed Martin and selection 

by the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce and its partners as one of five national exemplary 

models for expanding postsecondary education and training opportunities for Hispanic 

workers. Mr. Anaya’s earlier experiences include work in the private sector with corporations 

such as Honeywell, ITT Industries and DataCard. He has broad experience and expertise in the 

areas of product design, manufacturing and management, as well as economic and workforce 

development. Mr. Anaya has a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from California 

State Polytechnic University, Pomona and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis 

in entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California.
2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 9 

LADON BYARS

Second Term Expires: February 2023

LaDon Byars is the President and CEO of Colonial Diversified Polymer Products, LLC of 

Dyersburg, Tennessee. Colonial Diversified produces high-quality rubber products for a 

wide variety of industries including automotive, defense, commercial building, construction, 

farm equipment, aerospace, computers, medical, telecommunications, recreation, health, 

entertainment, plumbing, refrigeration and many more. She started out as a financial analyst 

and rose to become president of the company. Ms. Byars is very active in the manufacturing 

community, has received many awards and is on the advisory board of the University of 

Tennessee Center for Industrial Services which houses Tennessee MEP, the MEP Center in 

Tennessee.

DONALD BOCKOVEN

First Term Expires: October 2022

Donald Bockoven is the CEO for Fiber Industries LLC, a textile production operation based in 

Darlington, South Carolina. He has extensive experience over a nearly forty year career as a 

senior leader within both large and small companies across many industries. He specializes 

in transformational company growth through performance improvement. He has extensive 

knowledge in organizational redesign through Lean Six Sigma manufacturing practices, 

adaptive and advanced work systems and quality management. Mr. Bockoven has extensive 

board experience. He currently sits on the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership 

Board and recently left the South Carolina Manufacturers Association Board. At the national 

level, he was the vice chairman of the National Council of Textile Organization’s board until 

April 2019 and in 2018 was appointed to the President’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy 

and Negotiations for a four-year term. He has also served on technical advisory boards at the 

community college level as well as startup companies.
 10 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

BERNADINE HAWES, IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Second Term Expired: May 2020

Bernadine Hawes is an executive-level nonprofit professional and economic development 

specialist working in the areas of project management, strategy development, compliance and 

evaluation. Her most recent achievement has been the authorship of a best practices manual 

for small business and economic development, which was funded in part through a grant from 

the U.S. Small Business Administration to American Cities Foundation. Ms. Hawes began her 

career at the University City Science Center in Philadelphia, starting as a senior-level project 

administrator and later becoming Vice President. Currently, she is a Senior Research Analyst for 

Community Marketing Concepts. Ms. Hawes is chairwoman of the Delaware Valley Industrial 

Resource Center, which is part of Pennsylvania MEP. She also serves on the board of the PEC 

Community Development Corporation, which focuses on community development initiatives in 

Philadelphia, is chair of the PEC Foundation and serves on the advisory board of the Philadelphia 

Urban League Entrepreneurship Center. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Ms. Hawes has a 

Master of Science from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a summa cum laude graduate of 

Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. She has been the national co-chair of Penn’s Black Alumni 

Society and is a former member of the University of Pennsylvania’s James Brister Society for 

Diversity Inclusion. 

KEVIN HELLER

First Term Expires: October 2022

Kevin Heller is the Chief Operations Officer/Chief Financial Officer of Ziegenfelder Company, 

located in Wheeling, West Virginia. The Ziegenfelder Company is over one hundred years old and 

Mr. Heller joined the company in 2004. He is responsible for all accounting, finance, business and 

operating activities of the company, and oversight of the business policies and practices. He has 

been integral in scaling and facilitating the business growth from $16 million to $75 million and 

has successfully managed more than $25 million in expansion projects over the past four years. 

Mr. Heller graduated from Bethany College and is a certified public accountant in Ohio and West 

Virginia.
2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 11 

MITCH MAGEE 

Second Term Expires: March 2023

Mitch Magee is Director of the Global Advanced Manufacturing Team for PPG’s aerospace 

business unit. He has over 30 years of manufacturing experience, having served in capacities 

from front-line plant operations to global quality and environment, health and safety roles 

in PPG’s automotive, industrial, and food and beverage package coatings business units. Mr. 

Magee is also actively engaged in workforce development as the past chair of the Delaware 

Manufacturing Association and led the development of Delaware’s first Pathways to Prosperity 

high school manufacturing technology program. This program was developed in conjunction 

with Gov. Jack Markell’s administration, Delaware Technical and Community College and local 

high schools. Mr. Magee has also served on the Delaware Workforce Development Board, 

boards of Western Pennsylvania Air and Waste Management Association, Delaware Technical 

Community College-Terry Campus, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and as a Pickaway 

County, Ohio trustee. He has a Bachelor of Science in liberal arts from Allegheny College, a 

Master of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and is a licensed 

professional engineer. 

WILLIE E. MAY

First Term Expires: October 2022

Dr. Willie E. May is Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Morgan State 

University. He previously served as Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology 

and Director of NIST. As NIST Director, Dr. May provided high-level oversight and direction for 

NIST, the agency that promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing 

measurement science, standards and technology. Dr. May began as a bench chemist and went 

on to work at every management level within the organization. In addition to the MEP Advisory 

Board, Dr. May serves on science and technology advisory boards for the United Kingdom’s 

National Physical Laboratory and China’s National Institute of Metrology, and on the board of 

directors for Consumer Reports. He earned his Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Knoxville 

College and his doctorate in analytical chemistry from the University of Maryland, College Park.
 12 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

PAT MOULTON 

First Term Expires: June 2021

Patricia Moulton was appointed President of Vermont Technical College by the Vermont State 

Colleges Board of Trustees in March 2017. Pat served as Interim President from September 

2016-March 2017. Vermont Technical College is part of the Vermont State College System 

and the only technical college in the state. Prior to joining the college, Ms. Moulton served as 

secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. Ms. Moulton 

has served in a variety of appointed positions in Vermont state government, having been 

appointed by four different governors. She has served as commissioner of labor in addition to 

several economic development-related appointments. She has also served as appointed chair 

of an environmental regulatory board for the state of Vermont. Ms. Moulton spent 35 years in 

the practice of economic development on the local, regional and state levels. She has worked 

as executive director of four different regional economic development corporations in Vermont. 

She also ran her own economic development consulting company for several years. Ms. Moulton 

is a graduate of the University of Vermont with a degree in political science.

KATHAY RENNELS

Second Term Expires: March 2022

Kathay Rennels is the Special Advisor to the Chancellor for Rural-Urban Initiatives at Colorado 

State University (CSU) and works to advance collaborative networks across the state and create 

economic development opportunities. She has significant experience fostering public and 

private partnerships in regional and rural workforce development, with particular attention 

to Larimer and Weld Counties. Ms. Rennels previously served three terms as a Larimer County 

commissioner and is now leading the Food and Agriculture Key Industry Network for the state 

of Colorado. Ms. Rennels helped initiate the “Value Chain of Colorado Agriculture” study released 

in February 2013 and coauthored the November 2014 follow-up study, “The Emergence of 

an Innovation Cluster in the Agricultural Value Chain along Colorado’s Front Range.” She also 

initiated the Advancing the Agricultural Economy through Innovation summit, held at CSU in 

March 2015. Ms. Rennels was the president of Colorado Counties Inc. and named commissioner 

of the year. She currently serves on the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, El Pomar 

Foundation and Manufacturer’s Edge, the Colorado MEP Center, as a board member.
2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 13 

GEORGE SPOTTSWOOD

Second Term Expires: May 2023

George Spottswood is Owner and CEO of Quality Filters, Inc. (QFI) in Robertsdale, Alabama. 

QFI was incorporated in 1981 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Mr. Spottswood and his father, Horace 

Spottswood, purchased the business in 1983. At the time of purchase, QFI employed eight 

associates and operated out of a 10,000-square foot rented facility, manufacturing a single HVAC 

air filter product. Today, QFI employs 150 associates and operates out of a 70,000-square foot 

corporate-owned facility. He has served two terms as associate council president of the National 

Air Filtration Association (NAFA) as well as served on several NAFA committees in varying roles. 

Mr. Spottswood has been involved with the Alabama Technology Network (ATN, Alabama’s 

MEP Center) since 2005. He was named 2005 ATN Business Innovator of the Year for the state of 

Alabama. Other corporate awards include the 2011 Innovator of the Year Award for Alabama by 

the Southern Growth Policy Board.

LESLIE TAITO

Second Term Expires: July 2023

Leslie Taito is currently the Chief of Staff for Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. 

Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island is a mission-driven organization that partners with 

the community health centers and others to secure access to high quality, cost-effective health 

care for individuals, families and small businesses. Using her over 27 years of management and 

manufacturing experience she is able to address the crucial need for health care insurance for 

smaller organizations including manufacturers with less than 50 employees. Prior to her current 

employment, Ms. Taito served as the CEO of Hope Global, a manufacturer of products and 

engineering of textile solutions and director of regulatory reform for the Rhode Island Office of 

Management and Budget. She has also held leadership positions as the CEO for the Rhode Island 

Manufacturing Extension Services, Inc., executive director of the Rhode Island Manufacturers 

Association and acting executive director and chief operating officer of the Rhode Island 

Regional Employment and Training Board. In addition to serving on the MEP Advisory Board, 

Ms. Taito is a member of the Polaris MEP Advisory Board. She also has served by appointment of 

the governor on the Rhode Island Manufacturing Advisory Council and the Lean Government 

Initiative. Actively involved in her community, Ms. Taito has served in executive board leadership 

positions and as chair of the Northern Rhode Island and North Kingstown Chambers of 

Commerce.
 14 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

CHRIS WEISER 

Second Term: Resigned from the Board, November 2020

Chris Weiser is the Owner and President of J.V. Manufacturing, Inc. Since 1978, J.V. Manufacturing 

has provided the best equipment solutions for America’s waste and recycling needs. J.V. 

Manufacturing provides safe, quality products made in the USA. Known for their excellent 

customer service which has made Cram-A-Lot one of the most respected brands in the industry, 

J.V. Manufacturing has over 200 employees, two manufacturing locations and three remote 

service locations. Upon graduating from the University of Arkansas, Mr. Weiser moved to 

Louisiana and worked for Freeport-McMoRan, a minerals and oil and gas producing company. 

In 1985, he moved back to Arkansas to help his family run J.V. Manufacturing. Since 1996, he has 

been President, CEO and Owner of the company. Mr. Weiser is passionate about the waste and 

recycling industry and about service to his community. 

JIM WRIGHT

Second Term Expires: March 2023

Jim Wright is the Vice President of Operations for Proof Research, located in Columbia Falls, 

Montana. Proof Research is an industry leader that designs and manufactures state-of-the-art 

carbon fiber composite firearms for both military and commercial applications. Mr. Wright has 

over 25 years of experience in manufacturing engineering and production management across 

the aerospace, automotive, semiconductor and firearms industries. Throughout his professional 

career, he has spent a significant amount of time abroad working with European and Asian 

companies and brings a passion to apply best-in-class concepts and lean manufacturing 

principles to help improve manufacturing within the U.S. He holds a Bachelor of Science and 

Master of Business Administration from Southern Illinois University and was a member of the 

Montana Manufacturing Extension Center advisory board for six years, serving in both the vice 

president and president roles. He is active in the local community and serves on the board of 

directors for the Kalispell City Chamber of Commerce.
2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 15 
 16 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

2020 MEP Advisory Board Activities

Advisory Board Meetings

The MEP Advisory Board held three meetings in 2020. Board members along with NIST, NIST MEP staff 

and representatives of the MEP National Network met in Gaithersburg, Maryland on March 3. Due to the 

pandemic, that was the only in-person meeting — the June 3 and Sept. 22 meetings were held virtually. At 

each meeting, the Board received detailed updates from NIST MEP leadership on programmatic operations 

and performance on the MEP National Network 2017-2022 Strategic Plan including progress toward meeting 

new 18-month goals. Each meeting also included high-level discussions of various topics integral to the 

program and report outs from the Board’s working groups. These meetings provided opportunities for Board 

members to increase their knowledge of the latest trends in manufacturing, advise and support the MEP 

program and actively engage with the MEP National Network. Detailed MEP Advisory Board meeting minutes

are available on the NIST MEP website. 

 March 3, 2020: Gaithersburg, Maryland

The first 2020 MEP Advisory Board meeting was held on the NIST Gaithersburg campus on March 3. Before 

the meeting, Board members toured the NIST Additive Manufacturing Research Center, Cybersecurity for 

Smart Manufacturing Systems Testbed, Acoustic Anechoic Chamber, and the Inertial Calibration Laboratory. 

The March meeting featured NIST Engineering Laboratory (EL) Deputy Director Joannie Chin who presented 

an overview of EL, described EL’s mission, and emphasized collaborations with MEP. NIST MEP Marketing 

and Communications Manager Ben Vickery then provided a deep dive into MEP National Network branding 
2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17 

efforts and tools available from NIST MEP for MEP Centers. The Board talked about the power of amplifying 

messages from the entire Network through social media. The Supply Chain Development and Advisory 

Board Executive Committee Working Groups also reported out. The extensive presentation from the Supply 

Chain Development Working Group included NIST MEP Division Chief for Extension Services Dave Stieren 

describing cybersecurity training across the Network.

 June 3, 2020: Virtual Meeting

On June 3, the second MEP Advisory 

Board meeting in 2020, previously 

planned for Tulsa, Oklahoma, shifted 

successfully to a virtual format. The 

meeting featured remarks by NIST 

Director Walt Copan who focused on 

the power of the MEP National Network 

which went into action and is playing 

a key role in the pandemic response 

and recovery. Dr. Copan noted that 

the Network is supporting U.S. 

manufacturing through facilitating the creation 

of alternative supply chains, helping manufacturers pivot to increase production of PPE, 

assisting manufacturers to find sources of financing, sharing best practices in employment safety guidelines, 

and providing services to facilitate manufacturing recovery efforts. The meeting featured a presentation by 

NIST MEP Deputy Director Rob Ivester on CARES Act funding. He explained how NIST and NIST MEP met the 

challenge of the CARES Act appropriations which allowed for distribution of $50 million for MEP Centers to 

prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 Sept. 22, 2020: Virtual Meeting

The third MEP Advisory Board meeting in 2020, previously planned for Phoenix, Arizona, was held virtually on 

Sept. 22 and had over 100 attendees. The meeting featured a report by SSTI Executive Director Dan Berglund 

on national and state economic challenges, opportunities and data trends. NIST MEP Competition Manager 

Michael Taylor led a discussion encouraging Board members to contribute proposed future themes for NIST 

MEP’s Competitive Awards Program. The Board’s Supply Chain Development and Executive Committee 

Working Groups reported out, and a new working group focused on the MEP National Network 2023-2028 

Strategic Plan was introduced, with Rob Ivester giving an overview of the past strategic plan and steps for 

moving forward. Many MEP Advisory Board members participated in the first virtual MEP National Network 

Update Meeting on Sept. 23, the day after the MEP Advisory Board meeting. 
 18 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

Working Group Updates

Supply Chain Development Working Group

The MEP National Network supports Department of Defense (DOD) 

supply chains in many areas. Highlights are cybersecurity awareness 

and assistance, and working with the DOD in technology transfer and 

transition involving defense manufacturing suppliers. The Network 

continues expanding cybersecurity assistance capabilities across the 

Network, with all 51 MEP Centers now having the capability to provide 

cybersecurity assistance to U.S. manufacturers, and over 3,400 small 

and medium-sized manufacturers served by MEP Centers nationwide. 

Spurred by strong partnerships with DOD, MEP has a continued role 

with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 

requirements for the defense sector, along with an emerging and 

important role with the new DOD Cybersecurity Maturity Model 

Certification (CMMC) program. The MEP National Network also provides 

technology transfer and transition support for DOD as MEP Centers 

work with NavalX Tech Bridges and are inserted in Navy shipbuilding 

activities in a number of states. In 2021, MEP anticipates expanded roles 

supporting defense manufacturing supply chains in conjunction with 

new DOD focus areas relating to the defense industrial base. 

The MEP Advisory Board 

Supply Chain Development 

Working Group offers 

guidance and perspectives 

on the MEP National Network 

support and development of 

manufacturing supply chains 

with an emphasis on defense 

suppliers. The working group 

focuses attention on defense 

industrial base gaps and 

expertise on who should be 

brought into the discussion 

to provide insight on defense 

supplier gaps. In 2020 the 

Supply Chain Development 

Working Group included the 

following MEP Advisory Board 

members: Matt Newman, 

lead, LaDon Byars, Bernadine 

Hawes, Mary Isbister and Chris 

Weiser, as well as NIST MEP 

staff support. 
2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 19 

The Advisory Board Executive 

Committee Working 

Group offers guidance on 

future MEP Advisory Board 

leadership and membership 

recruitment, provides 

insights into cultivating 

strong Board governance 

as well as exploring ways to 

expand the MEP Advisory 

Board’s role regarding the 

local MEP Center boards. 

In 2020 the Executive 

Committee Working Group 

included the following MEP 

Advisory Board members: 

Bernadine Hawes and Matt 

Newman, co-leads, Mitch 

Magee, Pat Moulton and 

George Spottswood, as well 

as NIST MEP staff support.

Advisory Board Executive Committee Working Group 

In 2020, the Center Board Outreach Program continued as a focus, as fostering 

strong connections between the MEP Advisory Board and the MEP Center 

boards remains a priority. The Board is making personal connections to better 

understand Network needs and considers this important to achieving its 

statutory requirements to advise on the MEP program as a whole. 

This working group is also actively engaged in succession planning as many 

current Board members’ terms expire in 2023. This is closely tied to Center 

outreach efforts — there are people across the Network who have expressed 

interest in MEP and are potential MEP Advisory Board members.

MEP National Network Strategic Plan 2023-2028 Working Group

The newly formed MEP National Network Strategic Plan 2023-2028 

Working Group will provide long-term program direction, guidance and 

perspectives for the MEP National Network Strategic Plan for 2023-2028. The 

working group will consider feedback from Centers, stakeholder partners, 

management and staff as the plan is developed. The MEP National Network 

Strategic Plan 2023-2028 Working Group currently includes the following MEP 

Advisory Board members: Kathay Rennels, lead, Don Bockoven, Kevin Heller, 

Mary Isbister, Willie May, Matt Newman, Chris Weiser, Jim Wright and ex officio 

support from Bernadine Hawes, as well as NIST MEP staff support.
 20 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

MEP National Network Update: 

Meeting the Challenge

2020 was a year of unexpected challenges, but the MEP National 

Network was uniquely positioned to help manufacturers across the 

country survive and even thrive in the face of crisis. MEP Centers and 

their manufacturing clients demonstrated incredible resilience and 

innovation on a daily basis. All 51 MEP Centers in every state and Puerto 

Rico supported manufacturers in countless ways throughout this demanding and rewarding year. 
2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 21 

CARES Act Funding

2020 was a momentous year of challenge, growth and resiliency for the MEP National Network. With $50 

million in funds authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, NIST issued 

emergency funding awards to MEP Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico for COVID-19-related projects 

for the first time in the history of the MEP program. Due to the critical need for this funding, NIST made all 

the awards to the MEP Centers in record time. NIST submitted an implementation plan to the Department 

of Commerce (DOC) ten days after the CARES Act was signed on April 6, setting a stretch goal of issuing all 

awards within 90 days. The last award was issued on June 29, 94 days after passage of the CARES Act and 84 

days after setting the 90-day goal with DOC. With these funds, Centers are helping manufacturers increase 

production of PPE, reach new suppliers and markets, recover from workforce and supply chain interruptions, 

and achieve greater resilience. The awards to the 51 MEP Centers range from $91,000 to $6.1 million and are 

enabling the Centers to support a national manufacturing recovery from the crisis.

Vision of the MEP National Network

We are the go-to resource for America’s manufacturers, ensuring U.S. 

manufacturing is resilient and leads the world in manufacturing innovation.
 22 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

Efforts Across the Network

The MEP National Network and its manufacturing clients are working with state and federal government 

to respond to the challenges and needs resulting from the pandemic. NIST MEP created a document that 

highlights what the 51 MEP Centers are doing to help U.S. manufacturers in key areas. 

Connecting resources to needs

The MEP National Network works with industry 

organizations, federal, state and local governments 

and manufacturers to share critical information and 

connect resources to address urgent needs. From the 

beginning of the pandemic, each MEP Center has 

been continuously problem-solving — leveraging 

partnerships and know-how to meet local needs. 

The Network is linking manufacturers to hospitals 

and others with critical needs for PPE and medical 

supplies. MEP Centers are helping manufacturers map 

new supply chains, identify alternative materials, and 

follow guidelines to maintain safe work environments. 

In addition, MEP Centers connect manufacturers 

to resources available through the Small Business 

Administration and at the state and local levels.

Working directly with state governments

The Network helps link state government policies and programs to manufacturers by participating in 

emergency task forces to address challenges and issues. MEP Centers are the connection between the 

manufacturing industry and state procurement efforts. They are managing state-level supply chain portals, 

linking manufacturers to demand and organizing them to deploy as needs change, while also connecting 

them with state resources.

Addressing specific issues with manufacturing PPE, medical supplies and medical devices

The MEP National Network is helping manufacturers meet the country’s urgent needs for PPE and medical 

devices by guiding them to information and solutions about testing protocols, quality testing and required 

certifications. MEP Centers are helping address issues of potential legal liabilities arising from the production 

of PPE and medical supplies and devices.

Maintaining base operations and serving all manufacturers

Through the pandemic and the resulting economic crisis, the MEP National Network continues to fulfill its 

mission to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturers in order to maintain the health of the 
2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 23 

The first virtual MEP National Network Update 

Meeting took place on Sept. 23, the day after the 

third MEP Advisory Board meeting. It was originally 

scheduled to follow the Board meeting in Phoenix. 

The virtual format was a success, with over 400 

registrants from across the country. A major theme 

of the Update Meeting was how to continue 

positioning the Network to provide key services 

that strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturers 

during the economic downturn. A series of videos 

shown during the Update Meeting featured MEP 

Center staff discussing how they met the many 

challenges of their manufacturing clients, including 

helping them pivot to PPE production. The full MEP 

National Network Update Meeting recording is 

available for review.

U.S. manufacturing base as it faces an extraordinary 

emergency that will have long-lasting effects. 

MEP Centers are helping companies engage with 

customers in new and different ways. They are 

providing cybersecurity assistance — addressing 

new kinds of threats as employees work in new ways. 

The Network is helping manufacturers examine ways 

to use technologies to improve productivity, which 

will benefit them long into the future. 

MEP National Network 

Supplier Scouting

In March 2020, NIST MEP relaunched its supplier 

scouting service, which originated in 2009. Having 

already developed the scouting process, the MEP 

National Network was quick to mobilize. MEP 

Supplier Scouting is a formal process that provides 

business opportunities to U.S. manufacturers and 

connects those that have relevant production 

capabilities. When U.S. manufacturers needed to 

rapidly increase production of PPE, ventilators, 

N95 masks, hand sanitizer and other supplies, the 

Network quickly created supply chain portals, 

shared best practices, and connected with local 

organizations. All 51 MEP Centers are participating 

and MEP Supplier Scouting is leveraging existing 

online collaboration platforms for MEP Centers to 

communicate about and respond to national and 

state needs and cybersecurity.
 24 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

Center Leadership Team

Established in 2017, the MEP National Network Center Leadership Team (CLT) includes leaders from MEP 

Centers who interact with the NIST MEP leadership team to provide MEP Center strategies, identify funding 

opportunities, support the MEP National Network brand, validate multistate project processes, provide 

Center guidance and promote efforts for the Network to successfully serve more manufacturers. 

The CLT continued to convene virtually during 2020 to operationalize communication and collaboration 

norms. Their work on Network structure and governance continues. The CLT created regional communication 

nodes as 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. This 

structure improves access directly to CLT members and ensures that everyone in the Network has a voice. 

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

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2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 25 

National Conversations with Manufacturers Series 

Between late July and early October, NIST MEP hosted a series of 11 virtual roundtables, the National 

Conversations with Manufacturers, highlighting the experiences of manufacturing leaders across the country. 

NIST MEP heard from nearly 50 manufacturers representing 27 U.S. states and diverse industries such as 

aerospace, food, electronics, sheet metal, apparel, and plastics. Discussions centered on what keeps them 

up at night, how they are operating during the pandemic, what they see in the future, and what the MEP 

National Network can do to help U.S. manufacturers. The roundtable format provided an excellent forum for 

generating these important conversations and resulted in a great deal of insight into the current challenges 

and opportunities for manufacturers. NIST MEP published a series of blogs about the conversations on the 

NIST MEP website. In addition, NIST MEP is analyzing these sessions for a final report including actionable 

findings. 
 26 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

MEP National Network 2017-2022 Strategic Plan

The Advisory Board continued to review and discuss the progress made on the MEP National Strategic 

Plan as it guides the Network forward from 2017-2022. Developed in conjunction with the Board, Center 

representatives, and NIST MEP staff, the plan creates a sharp focus for the Network with four expansive goals 

supporting the important mission and vision of the program. The full plan can be downloaded from the NIST 

MEP website. At each meeting, the Board was provided with updates, including detailed Network priorities 

along with measurable results outlining continuing progress. This information is available in the Board 

meeting minutes posted on the NIST MEP website. 

The strategic plan’s four principal goals include:
MEP NATIONAL NETWORK MEASURES OF SUCCESS

18-MONTH MEASURES OF SUCCESS (THROUGH MARCH 2021):

• Reach consensus across the MEP National Network on the definition of project and client manufacturing 

establishment interaction to ensure accurate and consistent measurement

• Achieve operational excellence by improving reporting via measurement of on-time and accurate

reporting

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

• Increase visibility by amplifying and measuring MEP National Network brand awareness by at least 10%

FIVE-YEAR VIVID DESCRIPTION:

As the go-to resource for U.S. manufacturers... 

• Recognized by SMMs as a valuable and essential resource for delivering advanced technology

solutions and cited by key manufacturing stakeholders (local, state, federal) as integral to growing U.S.

manufacturing ecosystems

• Increased our market penetration as an integrated National Network by 20%

• Delivered integrated digitalization and cybersecurity assistance to dispersed supply chains and 

embraced Industry 4.0 in our own operational excellence

The MEP National Network is known and recognized by U.S. manufacturers and stakeholders as an 

indispensable resource whose trusted experts help them grow and embrace manufacturing technology 

advances. MEP’s goals are a doubling of federal and state funding in the Network along with a strategic 

expansion of the current members of the MEP National Network:

• To be known and recognized by U.S. manufacturers as the go-to resource for manufacturing

• Triple the number of manufacturers served annually

• Increase the MEP National Network impact numbers four-fold

SIGNIFICANT LONG-TERM GOAL:
 28 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

Accomplishments

At each meeting, the Board received detailed updates from the MEP Director on progress toward updated 

goals for the MEP National Network 2017-2022 Strategic Plan’s second 18-month period which runs from 

September 2019 through March 2021. The September Board meeting included an update from NIST MEP 

leadership on how the goals were adjusted and quantified due to the disruption caused by the pandemic. 

Even with the disruptions of 2020, steady progress was seen. In addition, the Board began pulling together a 

working group to chart the next strategic plan, for 2023-2028.

Credit : Eliud Echevarria / FEMA
2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 29 

NIST MEP Special Awards Programs

NIST MEP Competitive Awards Program

As part of NIST MEP’s ongoing efforts to build the MEP National Network 

and to make the program more effective and efficient, in 2017 NIST MEP 

launched the performance-based Competitive Awards Program (CAP). The 

format of using an open solicitation award throughout the fiscal year is based 

on an existing NIST Measurement Science and Engineering solicitation used 

by the Laboratory Organizational Units in their grants programs. The MEP 

CAP awards are performance-based and open to MEP Centers that meet an 

acceptable level in seven out of ten Improving Manufacturing Productivity 

and Competitiveness Tracker (IMPACT) metrics. This funding opportunity is available for MEP Centers to add 

capabilities to the MEP National Network including projects that solve new or emerging manufacturing 

problems that are not already provided for under a Center’s base MEP award.

In 2020, 12 additional CAP awards were made totaling about $11 million and issued to MEP Centers in 

California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee and Virginia 

(two awards). Project themes include new manufacturing technologies of relevance to small and mediumsized manufacturers, particularly those related to cybersecurity, Industry/Manufacturing 4.0, supply chain 

management technologies and practices, and workforce intermediary and business services. Each of these 

awards will increase the ability to effectively serve MEP clients across the whole Network. The following MEP 

Centers received CAP awards in 2020: 

z California Manufacturing Technology Consulting, Torrance, California

z CONNSTEP, Hartford, Connecticut

z FloridaMakes, Orlando, Florida

z GENEDGE Alliance, Martinsville, Virginia (two 2020 CAP awards)

z Georgia MEP, Atlanta, Georgia

z Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, Detroit, Michigan

z Missouri Enterprise, Rolla, Missouri

z New York MEP, Albany, New York

z Ohio MEP, Columbus, Ohio

z Oregon MEP, Portland, Oregon

z University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services, Nashville, Tennessee

At the Sept. 22 Board 

meeting, Board members 

discussed and contributed 

ideas for possible future 

themes for NIST MEP’s 

Competitive Awards 

Program.
 30 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

Advanced Manufacturing Technology Services Awards

MEP made $5 million in additional awards to five MEP Centers in California, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey 

and Texas through the 2020 NIST MEP Advanced Manufacturing Technology Services Notice of Funding 

Opportunity. These awards are to deploy advanced manufacturing technology services to U.S. manufacturers 

in the broad area of Industry/Manufacturing 4.0, with an emphasis on serving the technology-based needs of 

small U.S. manufacturers. These projects should lead to improved product quality and innovation, improved 

manufacturing process efficiency, and increased supply chain connectivity. Ultimately, this should result in 

small U.S. manufacturers being more competitive in the marketplace and being afforded business growth 

opportunities. The following MEP Centers received Advanced Manufacturing Technology Services Awards 

in 2020:

z California Manufacturing Technology Consulting, Torrance, California

z Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, Detroit, Michigan

z New Jersey MEP, Cedar Knolls, New Jersey

z Purdue University, Indiana MEP, West Lafayette, Indiana

z University of Texas in Arlington, dba TMAC, Arlington, Texas

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2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 31 

NIST Manufacturing Disaster Assessment Program 

The NIST Manufacturing Disaster Assessment Program invites applications from MEP Centers to perform 

assessments of small and medium-sized manufacturers in areas subject to a Federal Emergency Management 

Agency disaster declaration. In 2020, NIST MEP provided nearly $1 million to Puerto Rico Manufacturing 

Extension Inc. (the Puerto Rico MEP Center) for their Disaster Recovery Program for the Southwest Region in 

response to two earthquakes that hit the island in January 2020. 
 32 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

Summit Consulting and 

W.E. Upjohn Institute Report

In May 2020, Summit Consulting and the W.E. Upjohn Institute released an updated study which found the 

MEP program generated a substantial economic and financial return of nearly 13.4:1 for the $140 million 

invested in the program in FY 2019 by the federal government.

The study also found that total employment in the U.S. was over 217,000 higher because of MEP Center 

projects than without the program. The Upjohn study examined additional areas of economic impact not 

previously reported by the MEP program:

z Personal income is $14 billion higher.

z Gross domestic product is $22.9 billion larger, translating into an increase of $1.87 billion in personal 

income tax revenue to the federal government than without the MEP program.

An infographic is available and the study is available online. 

About the Team

Summit is a quantitative and management consulting firm that works with public and commercial clients 

to turn data into actionable intelligence. The W.E. Upjohn Institute is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, 

independent research organization devoted to investigating the causes and effects of unemployment, 

to identifying feasible methods of insuring against unemployment, and to devising ways and means of 

alleviating the distress and hardship caused by unemployment. 

JOBS

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$22.9

BILLION

RETURN ON 

INVESTMENT

13.4:1
2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 33 

NIST MEP Budget

The FY 2021 appropriation for the MEP program is $150 million, which represents an increase of $4 

million over MEP’s FY 2020 funding amount of $146 million. Similar to MEP’s FY 2020 appropriated funds, 

nonfederal cost share requirements are waived for FY 2021 federal funding for MEP Centers. Centers 

receiving state funding that is conditioned upon a federal cost sharing requirement are exempted from 

the cost share requirement waiver. 

Approximately $121 million of MEP’s funding goes directly to the MEP Centers. Additional funds are 

awarded competitively to Centers for direct support of the MEP National Network’s engagements with 

manufacturing firms and for enhancing the Network’s ability to deliver a greater range of services and in 

more efficient ways. 

MEP also received a $50 million supplemental appropriation under the CARES Act specifically to fund 

pandemic response and recovery activities. Of that funding amount, $49.1 million was provided directly 

to the Centers. 
 34 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

Mission and Vision

ROLE:

DRIVING FORCE: 

VISION:

MISSION: 

The MEP National Network focuses its expertise and knowledge as well as that of its 

partners (industry, educational institutions, state governments, NIST, and other federal 

research laboratories and agencies) on providing U.S. manufacturers with information 

and tools they need to improve productivity, assure consistent quality, accelerate the 

transfer of manufacturing technology, and infuse innovation into production processes 

and new products.

We are driven to attain and uphold U.S. manufacturing preeminence which is essential to 

our nation’s long-term economic strength and to protect our national security interests.

We are the go-to resource for America’s manufacturers ensuring U.S. manufacturing is 

resilient and leads the world in manufacturing innovation.

Strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturers.
2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 35 
 36 2020 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT

100 BUREAU DRIVE M/S 4800

GAITHERSBURG, MD 20899

PHONE: (301) 975-5020

EMAIL: MFG@NIST.GOV

WEB: WWW.NIST.GOV/MEP

The Go-To Experts for 

Advancing U.S. Manufacturing.