FINDING DOMESTIC SUPPLIERS

The 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 country that can meet supply chain needs of 

commercial entities and government agencies. To initiate the supplier scouting process, a Supplier Scouting Opportunity Synopsis 

Form needs to be completed. The form is used to gather technical and business information and is divided into 4-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 any additional comments)

• Section 3: Business information (business volume, target price, delivery and packaging requirements and any 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 interest to supply the 

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

any questions.

MEP Supplier Scouting Matches

A matched manufacturer can be an exact match (i.e., makes the exact item being sought) or a partial match. Partial matches fall 

into four categories. The manufacturer:

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

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

 1-800-MEP-4MFG • MFG@NIST.GOV
WWW.NIST.GOV/MEP/MEP-NATIONAL-NETWORK

 1-800-MEP-4MFG • MFG@NIST.GOV

The MEP National Network is Uniquely Positioned to Assist You

At the end of the supplier scouting period, NIST MEP will provide the requesting organization a report of the results. The report 

provides relevant business information for exact and partial matches as well as contact information for MEP Center staff who can 

connect you with manufacturers of interest. The report also includes recommendations and next steps.

For MEP 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.

About MEP Supplier Scouting Contact Us:

For over a decade, MEP supplier scouting has been identifying and 

connecting U.S. manufacturers with government and commercial 

supply chain needs. MEP supplier scouting ensures our national 

health and safety, strengthens domestic supply chains, and develops 

resiliency for small and medium manufacturers.

100 Bureau Drive

Gaithersburg, MD

(800) MEP-4MFG 

scouting@nist.gov 

MEP Supplier Scouting Process

30-45 days for results