MAKING AN IMPACT ON U.S. MANUFACTURING

Information Webinar

Federal Funding Opportunity: 2016-NIST-MEP-01

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MAKING AN IMPACT ON U.S. MANUFACTURING

WELCOME 

Informational Webinar – February 23, 2016

3:00 p.m. (Eastern)

Federal Funding Opportunity: 2016-NIST-MEP-01

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) 

Mark Troppe, Manager of Partnership & Program Development, NIST MEP

Tab Wilkins, Regional Manager, NIST MEP

Diane Henderson, Manager of Competitions, NIST MEP
MEP Overview

• Webinar serves as a communication vehicle to provide an overview of the funding 

opportunity.

• During the webinar, proprietary technical discussions about specific project ideas 

will not be permitted. 

• NIST/MEP staff will not critique or provide feedback on any project ideas during the 

webinar or at any time before submission of a proposal to MEP.

– We will consider questions of a clarifying nature that are not specific to an individual proposal.

– If you want to submit questions following the webinar, please email them to MEP at 

mepffo@nist.gov.

• Your question and response will become part of the FAQ document available on our competition page of 

our MEP website, http://nist.gov/mep/ffo-state-competitions-03.cfm

3

Information Webinar and Communication Protocols

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020
MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 4
MEP Overview

MEP Program in Short

MEP System Budget

$130 Million Federal Budget 

with Cost Share 

Requirements for Centers

Global Competitiveness 

Program was created by the 

1988 Omnibus Trade And 

Competitive Act

Evolving Role

Program continues to evolve in 

order to support manufacturers 

during changing economic 

situations.

Program Started in 1988

At least one center in all 50 

states by 1996

National Network

60 Centers with over 550 Field Locations. System 

wide, Non-Federal Staff is over 1,200. Contracting 

over 3,200 third party service providers.

Partnership Model

Federal, State

and Industry

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 5
MEP Overview

The MEP Organization

Carroll A. Thomas

Director, MEP

Margy Phillips, Chief

Partnerships and Program 

Development

Mark Troppe, Chief

System Operations 

Office

Mike Simpson, Chief

Center Operations

Oversees the use of federal 

funds awarded through MEP 

centers cooperative 

agreements

Identifies new service 

offerings for implementation 

by MEP Center system. And 

works with MEP Centers to 

foster partnerships with 

federal, state, and local 

partners.

Helps MEP Centers identify 

opportunities for serving 

manufacturers. Regional 

managers serve as primary 

points of contact with MEP 

Centers

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 6
MEP Overview

The MEP Organization

Manufacturing 

Policy & Research

Ken Voytek, 

Acting Manager

Communications

Zara Brunner, Acting 

Manager

Administration & 

Finance

Chancy Lyford, Chief of 

Staff and CFO

Conducts performance 

evaluations for the MEP 

Center system and facilitates 

reporting of MEP performance 

data.

Manages public outreach and 

internal and external 

communications.

Develops and maintains 

information technology tools 

for NIST and the MEP center 

system. Manages financial 

and budgetary processes.

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 7
MEP Overview

MEP Strategic Plan

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 8

MISSION

To enhance the productivity and technological 

performance of U.S. manufacturing.

ROLE

MEP ‘s state and regional centers facilitate and 

accelerate the transfer of manufacturing 

technology in partnership with industry, 

universities and educational institutions, state 

governments, and NIST and other federal research 

laboratories and agencies.

• National program with at least one center 

in every state and Puerto Rico.

• Federal/state, public-private partnership 

with local flexibility.

• Cost share policy that matches federal 

investment with state and private sector 

investment.

• Market driven program that responds to 

the needs of private sector manufacturers.

• Leverage partnering expertise as a strategic 

advantage. 

• Local knowledge of, focus on, and access to 

manufacturers.

PROG RAMMATIC S TRENGTHS:
MEP Overview

MEP Strategic Plan (2014-2017)

Strategic Goals

ENHANCE COMPETITIVENESS

Enhance the competitiveness of U.S. 

manufacturers, with particular focus 

on small and medium-sized 

companies.

CHAMPION MANUFACTURING

Serve as a voice to and a voice for 

manufacturing and manufacturers 

in engaging policy makers, 

stakeholders, and clients.

SUPPORT PARTNERSHIPS

Support national, state, and regional 

manufacturing eco-systems and 

partnerships.

DEVELOP CAPABILITIES

Develop MEP’s capabilities as a 

learning organization and high 

performance system.

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 9
MEP Overview

Partnering to Drive a National Program

The MEP network focuses on solving 

manufacturers’ biggest challenges and 

identifying opportunities for growth. 

Nearly 300,000 Manufacturers

Over 3,200 Affiliated Service 

Providers

Over 1,200 Center Staff

559 Service

Locations

National

Network

Customers

Small and Medium Size 

Manufacturers

MEP Program

Integration, Knowledge 

Sharing, and Evaluation

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 10
MEP Overview

National Network

wwww.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 11

s mfg@nist.gov (301)975-5020
MEP Overview

Center Structure Diversity

Partnerships

• Single location

• Principal organization with independent partner organizations

• Central office with regional offices

• Headquarters operation with multiple field offices

Utilizes existing local resources to 

provide manufacturing extension 

services relies heavily on 

partnerships

Public & Private 

Sector

Staff are employees of the 

Center and its partners –

not the Federal Government

Geography

Urban and Rural Areas. 

Centers are never more than 2 

hours away of a manufacturer.

Organization Type

Nonprofit

University

State Government

Organizational Structure Nonprofit University State	Gov't

33

18

7

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 12
MEP Overview www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 13

Partnerships

Centers serve as an invaluable partner to the 

manufacturing community by:

Educating

local and regional partners on 

small and medium sized 

manufacturer needs and 

drivers of behavior. 

Connecting the Gap

between technology developers / 

R&D organizations and 

manufacturers: finding firms that are 

interested in a particular technology, 

as well as informing tech developers 

of manufacturer’s technology needs

Providing Outreach

to manufacturers by 

connecting them to other 

programs and services offered 

by partner organizations. 

Supporting

workforce development 

programs.
MEP Overview www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301)975-5020 14

How Centers work with Manufacturers

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020

Initial Contact

Group sessions, 

referral

Assessment

Informal walkthrough, detailed 

company analysis

Identify

Find potential issues, 

define proposed 

project and approach 

for solving it

Negotiate

Consult with company 

and sign project 

contract with fee paid 

to center

Project 

Execution

Center staff, partner 

organization, and/or 

third party consultants

Project impact data collected by contractor 

for NIST approximately 6 months after 

project completion

Follow-Up

After completion, project 

follow-up by center to 

assure customer 

satisfaction and explore 

further project 

opportunities
MEP Overview

What MEP Does

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301)975-5020 15

Work with small and medium size manufacturers to help 

them create and retain jobs, increase profits and save 

time and money

Focus on meeting manufacturer’s short term needs, but 

in context of overall company strategy.

Reach over 30,000 manufacturing firms and complete 

over 10,000 projects per year.

Provides companies with a consistent set of services 

including:

Technology

Acceleration

Supply Chain 

Development

Workforce

Development

Innovation 

and Growth

Lean Process 

Export Reshoring

Sustainability
MEP Overview

NIST MEP Survey Process, Instrument, & Uses

• Surveys are conducted quarterly. Approximately 7,500 to 8,000 

surveys done annually. Response rates typically hover around 

75-80 percent. 

• Clients are surveyed only once a year. A census of all clients 

with completed projects. 

• Survey is client-based rather than project based.

• Client-based survey done since 2000. (@ 104,000 surveys 

attempted)

• Survey is done using a third party. Fors Marsh conducts the 

survey. Surveys are done typically on-line. 

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 16
MEP Overview

NIST MEP Survey Process, Instrument, & Uses

• Surveys are done typically six months after the first project is 

completed and questions are time bound. In some cases, clients 

can be surveyed over multiple years even if only one project is 

completed. 

• Survey consists of 12 questions focusing on: • Bottom-line client outcomes such as sales, capital investment, cost savings, and employment

• Questions about challenges, reasons for using the MEP, use of other external resources, and customer satisfaction (Net 

Promoter)

• Survey results used for GPRA, budget and program decisions, 

and also to develop a series of metrics to determine relative 

center performance and targets for improvement.

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 17
MEP Overview

Client Impacts

= 1,000 manufacturers

30,056

Manufacturers

served in FY20141

$2.7

Billion

NEW CLIENT 

INVESTMENTS

$1.1

Billion

COST SAVINGS

$4.2 

Billion

$2.5 

Billion

NEW SALES

46,069 17,883

JOBS RETAINED JOBS CREATED RETAINED SALES

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 18
MEP Overview

Client Challenges

19

69%

53%

48%

41%

21%

14% 14% 12%

8%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Cost Reduction GrowthProduct Development Employee Recruitment Sustainability Technology Needs Manage PartnersFinancing Exporting

MEP Overview

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020
MEP Overview

MEP Program Initiatives & Services

MEP’s Program Initiatives & Services

are aimed to help manufacturers identify opportunities that will accelerate and strengthen their 

growth and competitiveness in the global marketplace

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301)975-5020 20

Growth and Innovation Sustainability Supply Chain

Technology Acceleration Workforce Make it in America

Export

Continuous Improvement
MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 21
MEP Overview

MEP State Competition – Rounds 1 & 2

• Press Releases available:

• http://nist.gov/mep/awards-support-manufacturing.cfm

• http://www.nist.gov/mep/new-funding-brings-new-opportunities-for-manufacturers-innine-states.cfm

• http://www.nist.gov/mep/new-funding-awarded-to-support-wisconsinmanufacturers.cfm

• To locate contact information for the MEP Centers listed below, please go to:

• http://ws680.nist.gov/mepmeis/FindYourLocalCenter.aspx

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 22
MEP Overview

Funding Opportunity Overview (1)

• Funding Opportunity Title: Award Competitions for Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership 

(MEP) Centers in the States of Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, 

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

• Funding Opportunity Description: 

– NIST invites applications from eligible organizations in connection with NIST’s funding up to thirteen (13) 

separate MEP cooperative agreements for the operation of MEP Centers in the designated States’ service areas 

and in the funding amounts identified in Section II.2. of this FFO. NIST anticipates awarding one (1) cooperative 

agreement for each of the identified States.

– Objective of the MEP Center Program is to provide manufacturing extension services to primarily small and 

medium-sized manufacturers within the States designated in the applications. 

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 23
MEP Overview

Funding Opportunity Overview (2)

MEP Center Location and 

Assigned Geographical 

Service Area (by State)

Anticipated Annual Federal 

Funding for Each Year of the 

Award

Total Federal Funding for 5 

Year Award Period

Alabama $1,780,800 $8,904,000

Arkansas $971,218 $4,856,065

California $14,046,449 $70,232,245

Georgia $2,693,482 $13,467,410

Louisiana $1,197,546 $5,987,730

Massachusetts $2,467,879 $12,339,395

Missouri $2,207,873 $11,039,365

Montana $512,000 $2,,560,000

Ohio $5,246,822 $26,234,110

Pennsylvania $5,280,586 $26,402,930

Puerto Rico $643,133 $3,215,665

Utah $1,147,573 $5,737,865

Vermont $500,000 $2,500,000

The States of Ohio and Utah were included in a prior round of MEP Center award competitions (see 80 FR 12451 (March 9, 2015) and

NIST Funding Opportunity Number 2015-NIST-MEP-01), which did not result in an application being selected for funding. As a result, 

NIST is announcing competition for these two States as part of this round of MEP Center award competitions. 

Funding Available: NIST anticipates funding thirteen (13) MEP Center awards with an initial five-year period of 

performance in accordance with the multi-year funding policy described in Section II.3. of this FFO. Initial funding for the 

awards listed below is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds.

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 24
MEP Overview

Funding Opportunity Overview (3)

• Authority: The statutory authority for the MEP Program is 15 U.S.C. 278k, as implemented 

in 15 CFR part 290.

• Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement

– The nature of NIST’s “substantial involvement” will generally be collaboration between 

MEP and the recipient organization(s).

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 25
MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 26
MEP Overview

Federal Award Information (1)

• Multi-Year Funding Policy. 

– When an application for a multi-year award is approved, funding will usually be provided for only the first year of the project. 

– Recipients will be required to submit detailed budgets and budget narratives prior to the award of any continued funding. 

– Continued funding for the remaining years of the project will be awarded by NIST on a non-competitive basis, and may be adjusted 

higher or lower from year-to-year of the award, contingent upon satisfactory performance, continued relevance to the mission and

priorities of the program, and the availability of funds. 

– Continuation of an award to extend the period of performance and/or to increase or decrease funding is at the sole discretion of 

NIST. 

• Potential for Additional 5 Years. 

– Initial awards issued pursuant to this FFO are expected to be for up to five (5) years with the possibility for NIST to renew the award,

on a non-competitive basis, for an additional 5 years at the end of the initial award period. 

– The review processes in 15 C.F.R. § 290.8 will be used as part of the overall assessment of the recipient, consistent with the 

potential long-term nature and purpose of the program. 

– In considering renewal for a second five-year, multi-year award term, NIST will evaluate the results of the annual reviews and the 

results of the 3rd Year peer-based Panel Review findings and recommendations as set forth in 15 C.F.R. § 290.8, as well as the 

Center’s progress in addressing findings and recommendations made during the various reviews. 

– The full process is expected to include programmatic, policy, financial, administrative, and responsibility assessments, and the 

availability of funds, consistent with Department of Commerce and NIST policies and procedures in effect at that time.

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 27
MEP Overview

Federal Award Information (2)

Kick-Off Conferences

• Each recipient will be required to attend a kick-off conference, which will be held within 30 days post start date of award, to help 

ensure that the MEP Center operator has a clear understanding of the program and its components.

• The kick-off conference will take place at NIST/MEP headquarters in Gaithersburg, MD, during which time NIST will: 

– (1) orient MEP Center key personnel to the MEP program; 

– (2) explain program and financial reporting requirements and procedures; 

– (3) identify available resources that can enhance the capabilities of the MEP Center; and 

– (4) negotiate and develop a detailed three-year operating plan with the recipient. NIST/MEP anticipates an additional set of site 

visits at the MEP Center and/or telephonic meetings with the recipient to finalize the three-year operating plan.

• The kick-off conference will take up to approximately 3 days and must be attended by the MEP Center Director, along with up to two 

additional MEP Center employees. 

• Applicants must include travel and related costs for the kick-off conference as part of the budget for year one (1), and these costs should 

be reflected in the SF-424A. (See Section IV.2.a.(2). of the FFO.) 

• These costs must also be reflected in the budget table and budget narrative for year 1, which is submitted as part of the budget tables and 

budget narratives section of the Technical Proposal. (See Section IV.2.a.(6).(e). of the FFO.) 

• Representatives from key subrecipients and other key strategic partners may attend the kick-off conference with the prior written approval 

of the Grants Officer. Applicants proposing to have key subrecipients and/or other key strategic partners attend the kick-off conference 

should clearly indicate so as part of the budget narrative for year one of the project.

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 28
MEP Overview

Federal Award Information (3)

MEP System-Wide Meetings

• NIST/MEP typically organizes system-wide meetings approximately four times a year in an effort to share best practices, new and 

emerging trends, and additional topics of interest. 

• These meetings are rotated throughout the United States and typically involve 3-4 days of resource time and associated travel costs for 

each meeting. 

• The MEP Center Director must attend these meetings, along with up to two additional MEP Center employees.

• Applicants must include travel and related costs for four quarterly MEP system-wide meetings in each of the five (5) project years (4 

meetings per year; 20 total meetings over five-year award period). 

• These costs must be reflected in the SF-424A (see Section IV.2.a.(2). of the FFO).

• These costs must also be reflected in the budget tables and budget narratives for each of the project’s five (5) years, which are submitted 

in the budget tables and budget narratives section of the Technical Proposal. (See Section IV.2.a.(6).(e). of the FFO). 

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 29
MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 30
MEP Overview

Eligibility Information (1)

• Eligible Applicants. 

– The eligibility requirements set forth below will be used in lieu of and to the extent they are inconsistent with will supersede those 

given in the MEP regulations found at 15 CFR part 290, specifically 15 CFR 290.5(a)(1).

– Each applicant for and recipient of an MEP award must be a U.S.-based nonprofit institution or organization. For the 

purpose of this FFO, nonprofit institutions include public or private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit or State colleges 

and universities, public or nonprofit community and technical colleges, and State, local or Tribal governments. 

– Existing MEP awardees and new applicants who meet the eligibility criteria set forth in this section may apply. 

– An eligible organization may work individually or may include proposed subawards to eligible organizations or proposed 

contracts with any other organization as part of the applicant’s proposal, effectively forming a team. 

– However, as discussed in Section I.4. of this FFO, NIST generally will not fund applications that propose an organizational or 

operational structure that, in whole or in part, delegates or transfers to another person, institution, or organization the applicant’s 

responsibility for MEP Center Core Management and Oversight functions.

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 31
MEP Overview

Eligibility Information (2)

• Cost Share or Matching Requirements:

Non-Federal cost sharing of at least 50 percent of the total project costs is required for each of the first through the third year of the 

award, with an increasing minimum non-federal cost share contribution beginning in year 4 of the award as follows: 

• Non-Federal cost sharing is that portion of the project costs not borne by the Federal Government. The applicant’s share of the MEP 

Center expenses may include cash, services, and third party in-kind contributions, as described at 2 C.F.R. § 200.306, as applicable, and in 

the MEP program regulations at 15 CFR § 290.4(c). No more than 50% of the applicant’s total non-Federal cost share for any year of 

the award may be from third party in-kind contributions of part-time personnel, equipment, software, rental value of centrally 

located space, and related contributions, per 15 CFR § 290.4(c)(5). The source and detailed rationale of the cost share, including 

cash, full- and part-time personnel, and in-kind donations, must be documented in the budget tables and budget narratives submitted with 

the application and will be considered as part of the review under the evaluation criterion found in Section V.1.c.ii. of this FFO. 

• Recipients must meet the minimum non-federal cost share requirements for each year of the award as identified in the chart 

above. For purposes of the MEP Program, “program income” (as defined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.80, as applicable) generated by an MEP 

Center may be used by a recipient towards the required non-federal cost share under an MEP award. 

Year of Center Operation Maximum NIST Share Minimum Non-Federal Share

1-3 1/2 1/2

4 2/5 3/5

5 and beyond 1/3 2/3

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 32
MEP Overview

Eligibility Information (3)

• Additional Eligibility Requirement

– Oversight Board or Advisory Committee and Governance (See Section III.3 of the FFO) 

• The applicant must include in their application a proposed board structure including the 

type of board, board member names, organization and roles of such board members. If 

such a board is not in place, or is not expected to meet these requirements at the time of 

the MEP award, the applicant must provide a plan for establishing such a board within 90 

days of award start date (expected to be October 1, 2016).

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 33
MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 34
MEP Overview

Application and Submission Information (1)

• Required Forms and Documents:

– Required Forms*:

• SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

• Must indicate State in which Applicant is seeking to establish an MEP Center in Field 4 (Applicant Identifier)

• Must be certified through www.grants.gov by an authorized representative of the applicant organization

• Item 12 must list the FFO Number as 2016-NIST-MEP-01

• Item 18 must list the total budget information for full five (5) years of the project

• List of certifications and assurances referenced in Item 21 of the SF424 is contained in the SF424B

• SF-424A Budget Information Non-Constructions

• Must reflect anticipated expenses for all five (5) years of the project

• Must meet minimum cost share required throughout the five (5) years of the project

• Must include estimated costs associated with the NIST MEP Kick-Off Conference and System Wide Meetings (See Sections II.5 & II.6

of FFO)

• The Grant Program Function or Activity on Line 1 under Column (a) should be entered as Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number on Line 1 under Column (b) should be 11.611.

• SF-424B Assurances Non-construction

• CD-511 Certification Regarding Lobbying

• SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable)

*Forms are available as part of the Grants.gov application kit

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 35
MEP Overview

Required Forms & Documents Continued....

• Technical Proposal. The five (5) year Technical Proposal is a word-processed document not exceeding 40 pages responsive to the program 

description (see Section I. of the FFO) and the evaluation criteria (see Section V.1. of this FFO). The following is a suggested format that applicants 

may use for the technical proposal. 

– Table of Contents (Does not count towards page limit)

– Executive Summary - The executive summary should briefly (usually no longer than two pages) describe the proposed project, consistent with 

the evaluation sub-criteria (see Section V.1.a. of this FFO). Applicants should name the State in which they are seeking to establish an 

MEP Center in the first sentence of the Executive Summary. 

Please note, if an applicant’s proposal is selected for funding, NIST may use all or a portion of the Executive Summary as part of a 

press release issued by NIST, or for other public information and outreach purposes. Applicants are advised not to incorporate 

information that concerns business trade secrets or other confidential commercial or financial information as part of the Executive 

Summary. See also 15 C.F.R. § 4.9(c) concerning the designation of business information by the applicant. (Does not count towards 

page limit).

– Project Narrative

– Qualifications of the Applicant; Key Personnel, Organizational Structure and Oversight Board or Advisory Committee Governance

– Budget Tables and Budget Narratives

• A suggested format is provided on the MEP website - http://nist.gov/mep/ffo-state-competitions-03.cfm

• Letters of Commitment or Support – DOES NOT COUNT TOWARDS PAGE LIMIT

Application and Submission Information (2)

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 36
MEP Overview

Application and Submission Information (3)

• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

– If indirect costs are included in the proposed budget, provide a copy of the approved negotiated agreement if this rate was negotiated with a 

cognizant Federal audit agency. 

– If the rate was not established by a cognizant Federal audit agency, provide a statement to this effect. If the successful applicant includes 

indirect costs in the budget and has not established an indirect cost rate with a cognizant Federal audit agency, the applicant will be required to 

obtain such a rate in accordance with the DoC Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions.

• Resumes

– One-page resumes of no more than five key personnel may be included; these do not count toward the page limit. 

– Any information beyond one page for each resume and any additional resumes submitted will not be considered. 

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MEP Overview

Application and Submission Information (4)

Letters of Commitment or Support

• For non-profit applicants with a fiduciary board of directors, a resolution from such board authorizing submission of the MEP 

Center application to NIST and supporting the activities described therein is required.

• Applicant Non-Federal Cost Sharing (Cash and In-kind): A letter of commitment is required from an authorized representative of the 

applicant, stating the total amount of cost share to be contributed by the applicant towards the proposed MEP Center project separate and 

apart from the submission of the proposal. 

– This stand-alone letter must cover all five (5) years of the proposed MEP Center project and include a per year break-out of the 

applicant’s contribution of non-federal cost share, as well as a per year break-out of cash cost share (including anticipated program 

income) and in-kind (non-cash) contributions.

• Please make sure to review Section IV.2.a.7, Letters of Commitment or Support

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MEP Overview

Application and Submission Information (5)

• Application Format (Section IV 2(b)):

– Page Limit. The Technical Proposals are limited to forty (40) pages. Information on pages beyond the page 

limit will not be considered. 

– Page limit includes: Cover page, Technical Proposal (with the exception of the Executive Summary), figures, 

graphs, tables, images, pictures, and all other pages of an application, with the exception of the page limit 

exclusions listed below.

– Page limit excludes: Table of Contents, Executive Summary, SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance; SF424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs form; SF-424B, Assurances – Non-Construction 

Programs; SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities; CD-511, Certification Regarding Lobbying; Table of 

Contents, budget tables and budget narratives; Letters of Commitment and/or Support; Indirect Cost Rate 

Agreement, and Resumes.

– Application Replacement Pages. Applicants may not submit replacement pages and/or missing documents 

once an application has been submitted. Any revisions must be made by submission of a new application that 

must be received by NIST by the submission deadline

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MEP Overview

Application and Submission Information (6)

.

• Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM). 

– Pursuant to 2 C.F.R. part 25, applicants and recipients (as the case may be) are required to: 

• (i) be registered in SAM before submitting its application; 

• (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and 

• (iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal

award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency, unless otherwise excepted from these 

requirements pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 25.110. 

– When developing your submission timeline, keep in mind that (1) all applicants are required to have a current registration in the 

System for Award Management (SAM.gov); (2) a free annual registration process in the electronic System for Award Management 

(SAM) (see Section IV.3 and Section IV.7.a.(1)(b) may take between three and five business days or as long as more than two 

weeks, and (3) electronic applicants are required to have a current registration in Grants.gov; and (4) applicants will receive a series 

of e-mail messages from Grants.gov over a period of up to two business days before learning whether a Federal agency’s electronic 

system has received its application. 

– NIST will not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and 

SAM requirements; if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time that NIST is ready to make a Federal 

award pursuant to this FFO, NIST may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that 

determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant. 

– Applicants will find instructions on registering with SAM.gov as part of the Grants.gov process at: 

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html

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MEP Overview

Application and Submission Information (7)

• Submission Dates and Times. 

– Applicants must submit applications electronically through www.grants.gov.

• A receipt from Grants.gov indicating an application is received does not provide information about whether 

attachments have been received. 

– Electronic applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, April 25, 

2016. 

• The approximate start date for awards under this FFO is expected to be October 1, 2016.

• NIST will not accept applications submitted by mail, facsimile, or by email.

• Applications received after the respective deadline will not be reviewed or considered.

– Applicants should be aware, and factor in their application submission planning, that the Grants.gov 

system is expected to be closed for routine maintenance at these times: from 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time, 

Saturday, February 20, 2016 until Monday, February 22, 2016 at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time; and from 12:01 

a.m. Eastern Time, Saturday, February 20, 2016 until Monday, February 22, 2016 at 6:00 a.m. Eastern 

Time; and from 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time, Saturday, March 19, 2016 until Monday, March 21, 2016 at 6:00 

a.m. Eastern Time. 

– Applications cannot be submitted when Grants.gov is closed. 

– The approximate start date for the award made under this FFO is expected to be October 1, 2016.

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MEP Overview

Application and Submission Information (8)

• Submission Dates and Times. 

– NIST strongly recommends that applicants do not wait until the last minute to submit an application. NIST will 

not make allowance for any late submissions. 

– The responsibility for ensuring a complete application is received by NIST by the deadline is the sole 

responsibility of the applicant. 

– To avoid any potential processing backlogs due to last minute Grants.gov registrations, applicants are strongly 

encouraged to start their Grants.gov registration process at least four (4) weeks prior to the application due 

date. 

– To find instructions on submitting an application on Grants.gov, Applicants should refer to the “Applicants” tab in 

the banner just below the top of the www.grants.gov home page. 

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 42
MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 43
MEP Overview

Evaluation Review Criteria:

The applications will be evaluated based on the evaluation criteria described below.

a. Executive Summary and Project Narrative (40 – Sub-criteria i through iv will be weighted equally)

i. Center Strategy 

ii. Market Understanding 

1. Market Segmentation

2. Needs Identification and Product/Service Offerings 

iii. Business Model

1. Outreach and Service Delivery to the Market 

2. Partnership Leverage and Linkages 

iv. Performance Measurement and Management 

b. Qualifications of the Applicant; Key Personnel, Organizational Structure and Management; and Oversight Board or Advisory 

Committee and Governance (30 – Sub-criteria i and ii will be weighted equally)

i. Key Personnel, Organizational Structure and Management

ii. Oversight Board or Advisory Committee and Governance

c. Budget and Financial Plan (30 – Sub-criteria i and ii will be weighted equally))

i. Budget 

ii. Quality of the Financial Plan for Meeting the Award’s Non-Federal Cost Share Requirements over 5 years.

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MEP Overview

Review Criterion #1- Executive Summary and Project Narrative (Center Strategy, Market 

Understanding, Business Model and Performance Measurement and Management)

a. Executive Summary and Project Narrative. (40 points; Sub-criteria i through iv will be weighted equally) NIST/MEP will evaluate the extent 

to which the applicant’s Executive Summary and Project Narrative demonstrates how the applicant’s methodology will efficiently and 

effectively establish an MEP Center and provide manufacturing extension services to primarily small and medium-sized manufacturers in the 

applicable State-wide geographical service area identified in Section II.2. of this FFO. Applicants should name the state to be covered in the 

first sentence of the Executive Summary and Project Narrative. Reviewers will consider the following topics when evaluating the Executive 

Summary and Project Narrative:

i. Center Strategy. Reviewers will assess the applicant’s strategy proposed for the Center to deliver services that meet 

manufacturers’ needs, generate client impacts (e.g., cost savings, increased sales, etc.), and support a strong 

manufacturing ecosystem. Reviewers will assess the quality with which the applicant:

• incorporates the market analysis described in the criterion set forth in Section V.1.a.ii.(1). below to inform strategies, 

products and services; 

• defines a strategy for delivering services that balances market penetration with impact and revenue generation, addressing 

the needs of manufacturers, with an emphasis on the small and medium-sized manufacturers;

• defines the Center’s existing and/or proposed roles and relationships with other entities in the State’s manufacturing 

ecosystem, including State, regional, and local agencies, economic development organizations and educational institutions 

such as universities and community or technical colleges, industry associations, and other appropriate entities;

• plans to engage with other entities in Statewide and/or regional advanced manufacturing initiatives; and

• supports achievements of the MEP mission and objectives while also satisfying the interests of other stakeholders, investors,

and partners.

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MEP Overview

Review Criterion #1 – continued

ii. Market Understanding. Reviewers will assess the strategy proposed for the Center to define the target market, understand the needs of 

manufacturers (especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)), and to define appropriate services to meet identified needs. Reviewers 

will evaluate the proposed approach for regularly updating this understanding through the five years. The following sub-topics will be 

evaluated and given equal weight:

1) Market Segmentation. Reviewers will assess the quality and extent of the applicant’s market segmentation strategy including: 

• Segmentation of company size, geography, and industry priorities including some consideration of rural, start-up (a 

manufacturing establishment that has been in operation for five years or less) and/or very small manufacturers as 

appropriate to the state;

• alignment with state and/or regional initiatives; and

• other important factors identified by the applicant.

2) Needs Identification and Product/Service Offerings. Reviewers will assess the quality and extent of the applicant’s proposed 

needs identification and proposed products and services for both sales growth and operational improvement in response to the 

applicant’s market segmentation and understanding assessed by reviewers under the preceding Section V.1.a.ii.(1). Of particular 

interest is how the applicant would leverage new manufacturing technologies, techniques and processes usable by small and 

medium-sized manufacturers. Reviewers will also consider how an applicant’s proposed approach will support a job-driven training 

agenda with manufacturing clients. (To learn more about the White House job-driven training agenda, please go to: 

(https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/ready_to_work_factsheet.pdf).

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MEP Overview

Review Criterion #1 – continued

iii. Business Model. Reviewers will assess the quality, feasibility and potential efficacy and efficiency of the applicant’s proposed business 

model for the Center as provided in the Project Narrative, Qualifications of the Applicant; Key Personnel, Organizational Structure and 

Management, and the Budget Tables and Budget Narratives sections of its Technical Proposal, submitted under section IV.2.a.(6) of this 

FFO, and the proposed business model’s ability to execute the strategy evaluated under criterion set forth in Section V.1.a.i., based on the 

market understanding evaluated under criterion set forth in Section V.1.a.ii.. The following sub-topics will be evaluated and given equal 

weight:

1) Outreach and Service Delivery to the Market. Reviewers will assess the extent to which the proposed Center is organized to:

• identify, reach and provide proposed services to key market segments and individual manufacturers described above; 

• work with a manufacturer’s leadership in strategic discussions related to new technologies, new products and new markets; 

and 

• leverage the applicant’s past experience in working with small and medium-sized manufacturers as a basis for future 

programmatic success.

2) Partnership Leverage and Linkages. Reviewers will assess the extent to which the proposed Center will make effective use of 

resources or partnerships with third parties such as industry, universities, community/technical colleges, nonprofit economic

development organizations, and Federal, State and Local Government Agencies in the Center’s business model.

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MEP Overview

Review Criterion #1 continued:

iv. Performance Measurement and Management. Reviewers will assess the extent to which the applicant will 

use a systematic approach to measuring and managing performance including the:

• quality and extent of the applicant’s stated goals, milestones and outcomes described by operating year 

(year 1, year 2, etc.); 

• applicant’s utilization of client-based business results important to stakeholders in understanding 

program impact; and

• depth of the proposed methodology for program management and internal evaluation likely to ensure 

effective operations and oversight for meeting program and service delivery objectives. 

.

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MEP Overview

Review Criterion #2 Qualifications of the Applicant; Key Personnel, Organizational 

Structure and Management; and Oversight Board or Advisory Committee and Governance 

b. Qualifications of the Applicant; Key Personnel, Organizational Structure and Management; and 

Oversight Board or Advisory Committee and Governance (30 points; Sub-criteria i and ii will be 

weighted equally). Reviewers will assess the ability of the key personnel, the applicant’s management structure 

and Oversight Board or Advisory Committee and Governance to deliver the program and services envisioned for 

the Center. Reviewers will consider the following topics when evaluating the qualifications of the applicant and of 

program management:

i. Key Personnel. Reviewers will assess the extent to which the:

– proposed key personnel have the appropriate experience and education in manufacturing, outreach, 

program management and partnership development to support achievements of the MEP mission and 

objectives;

– proposed management structure and organizational roles are aligned to plan, direct, monitor, organize 

and control the monetary resources of the proposed center to achieve its business objectives (Refer to 

Section I.4. of this FFO);

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MEP Overview

Review Criterion #2 Qualifications of the Applicant; Key Personnel, Organizational 

Structure and Management; and Oversight Board or Advisory Committee and Governance 

– proposed organizational structure flows logically from the specified approach to the market and 

products and service offerings; and

– proposed field staff structure sufficiently supports the geographic concentrations and industry targets 

for the region.

ii. Oversight Board or Advisory Committee and Governance. Reviewers will assess the extent to which the:

• proposed Oversight Board or Advisory Committee and its operations are complete, appropriate and will meet 

the program’s objectives at the time of award, or, if such a Board or Committee does not exist at the time of 

application or is not expected to meet these requirements at the time of award, the extent to which the 

proposed plan for developing and implementing such an Oversight Board or Advisory Committee within 90 

days of award start date (expected to be October 1, 2016) is feasible. (Refer to Section I.3. of this FFO).

• Oversight Board or Advisory Committee and Governance is engaged with overseeing and guiding the Center 

and supports its own development through a schedule of regular meetings, and processes ensuring Oversight 

Board or Advisory Committee involvement in strategic planning, recruitment, selection and retention of board 

members, board assessment practices and board development initiatives (Refer to Section I.3. of this FFO).

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MEP Overview

Review Criterion #3 – Budget and Financial Plan

c. Budget and Financial Plan. (30 points; Sub-criteria i and ii will be weighted equally) Reviewers will assess the suitability and focus of 

the applicant’s five (5) year budget. The application will be assessed in the following areas:

i. Budget. Reviewers will assess the extent to which:

– the proposed financial plan is aligned to support the execution of the proposed Center’s strategy and business model over the five (5) year 

project plan;

– the proposed projections for income and expenditures are appropriate for the scale of services that are to be delivered by the proposed Center 

and the service delivery model envisioned within the context of the overall financial model over the five (5) year project plan;

– a reasonable ramp-up or scale-up scope and budget has the Center fully operational by the 4th year of the project; and

– the proposal’s narrative for each of the budgeted items explains the rationale for each of the budgeted items, including assumptions the 

applicant used in budgeting for the Center.

ii. Quality of the Financial Plan for Meeting the Award’s Non-Federal Cost Share Requirements over 5 Years. Reviewers will assess the quality of 

and extent to which the:

– applicant clearly describes the total level of cost share and detailed rationale of the cost share, including cash and in-kind, in their proposed 

budget.

– applicant’s funding commitments for cost share are documented by letters of support from the applicant, proposed sub-recipients and any other 

partners identified and meet the basic matching requirements of the program;

– applicant’s cost share meets basic requirements of allowability, allocability and reasonableness under applicable federal costs principles set for 

in 2 CFR 200, Subpart E; 

– applicant’s underlying accounting system is established or will be established to meet applicable federal costs principles set for in 2 CFR 200, 

Subpart E; and

– the overall proposed financial plan is sufficiently robust and diversified so as to support the long term sustainability of the Center throughout the 

five (5) years of the project plan.

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MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 52
MEP Overview

Review and Selection Process (1)

Proposals Received

Preliminary Quality 

Review 

(Approx. 2 days)

Evaluation Panel: Full 

Technical Review

(Approx. 2-3 weeks)

Evaluation Panel 

Deliberations

(Approx. 2 weeks)

Teleconferences/Video 

Conferences/Site 

Visits

(Approx. 3-4 weeks)

Ranking Against All 

Evaluation Criteria

(Approx. 1 week)

Final Selection

(Approx. 3 weeks)

Negotiations

(Approx. 2 months)

Cooperative 

Agreement

(Approx. 60 Days)

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MEP Overview

Review and Selection Process (2)

• Initial Administrative Review of Applications. An initial review of timely received applications will be conducted to determine 

eligibility, completeness, and responsiveness to this FFO and the scope of the stated program objectives. Applications determined to be 

ineligible, incomplete, and/or non-responsive may be eliminated from further review. However, NIST, in its sole discretion, may continue 

the review process for an application that is missing non-substantive information that can easily be rectified or cured.

• Full Review of Eligible, Complete, and Responsive Applications. Applications that are determined to be eligible, complete, and 

responsive will proceed for full reviews in accordance with the review and selection processes below. Eligible, complete and responsive 

applications will be grouped by the State in which the proposed MEP Center is to be established. The applications in each group will be 

reviewed by the same reviewers and will be evaluated, reviewed, and selected as described below in separate groups. 

• Evaluation and Review. Each application will be reviewed by at least three technically qualified individual reviewers who will evaluate 

each application based on the evaluation criteria (see Section V.1. of this FFO). Applicants may receive written follow-up questions in 

order for the reviewers to gain a better understanding of the applicant’s proposal. Each reviewer will provide a written technical 

assessment against the evaluation criteria and based on that assessment will assign each application a numeric score, with a 

maximum score of 100. If a non-Federal reviewer is used, the reviewers may discuss the applications with each other, but scores will 

be determined on an individual basis, not as a consensus.

• Applicants whose applications receive an average score of 70 or higher out of 100 will be deemed finalists. If deemed necessary, 

finalists will be invited to participate with reviewers in a conference call, and/or a video conference and/or finalists will be invited to 

participate in a site visit that will be conducted by the same reviewers at the applicant’s location. In any event, if there are two (2) or 

more finalists within a state, conference calls, video conferences or site visits will be conducted with each finalist. Finalists will be 

reviewed and evaluated, and reviewers may revise their assigned numeric scores based on the evaluation criteria (see Section V.1. of 

this FFO) as a result of the conference call, video conference and/or site visit.

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MEP Overview

Review and Selection Process (3)

– Ranking and Selection. Based upon an average of the technical reviewers’ final scores, an adjectival rating will be assigned to each 

application in accordance with the following scale: 

– Fundable, Outstanding (91-100 points); 

– Fundable, Very Good (81-90 points); 

– Fundable (70-80 points); or 

– Unfundable (0-69 points).

– For decision-making purposes, applications receiving the same adjectival rating will be considered to have an equivalent 

ranking, although their technical review scores, while comparable, may not necessarily be the same.

• The Selecting Official is the NIST Associate Director for Innovation and Industry Services or designee. The Selecting Official 

makes the final recommendation to the NIST Grants Officer regarding the funding of applications under this FFO. The Selecting 

Official shall be provided all applications, all the scores and technical assessments of the reviewers, and all information obtained 

from the applicants during the evaluation, review and negotiation processes.

• The Selecting Official will generally select and recommend the most meritorious application for an award based on the adjectival

rankings and/or one or more of the six (6) selection factors described in Section V.3. of this FFO. The Selecting Official retains 

the discretion to select and recommend an application out of rank order (i.e., from a lower adjectival category) based on one or

more of the selection factors, or to select and recommend no applications for funding. The Selecting Official’s recommendation 

to the Grants Officer shall set forth the bases for the selection decision.

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MEP Overview

Review and Selection Process (4)

– Ranking and Selection. 

• As part of the overall review and selection process, NIST reserves the right to request that applicants provide pre-award 

clarifications and/or to enter into pre-award negotiations relative to programmatic, financial or other aspects of an application, 

such as but not limited to the revision or removal of proposed budget costs, or the modification of proposed MEP Center 

activities, work plans or program goals and objectives. 

• In this regard, NIST may request that applicants provide supplemental information required by the Agency prior to award. NIST 

also reserves the right to reject an application where information is uncovered that raises a reasonable doubt as to the 

responsibility of the applicant. The final approval of selected applications and issuance of awards will be by the NIST Grants 

Officer. The award decisions of the NIST Grants Officer are final.

• The Selecting Official will generally select and recommend the most meritorious application for an award based on the adjectival

rankings and/or one or more of the six (6) selection factors described in Section V.3. of this FFO. The Selecting Official retains 

the discretion to select and recommend an application out of rank order (i.e., from a lower adjectival category) based on one or

more of the selection factors, or to select and recommend no applications for funding. The Selecting Official’s recommendation 

to the Grants Officer shall set forth the bases for the selection decision.

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MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 57
MEP Overview

Selection Factors

Selection Factors. The Selection Factors for this FFO are as follows: 

a. The availability of Federal funds;

b. Relevance of the proposed project to MEP program goals and policy objectives;

c. Reviewers' evaluations, including technical comments;

d. The need to assure appropriate distribution of MEP services within the designated State; 

e. Whether the project duplicates other projects funded by DoC or by other Federal agencies; and

f. Whether the application complements or supports other Administration priorities, or projects supported by DoC or other Federal 

agencies, such as but not limited to the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation and the Investing in Manufacturing 

Communities Partnership.

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 58
MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 59
MEP Overview

Anticipated Announcement, Award Date, Notification to Unsuccessful 

Applicants

• Review, selection, and award processing is expected to be completed in mid-late 2016.

• The anticipated start date for awards made under this FFO is expected to be October 1, 

2016.

• Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing.

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MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 61
MEP Overview

Reporting Requirements

• In lieu of the reporting requirements described in Sections A.01 Performance (Technical) Reports and B.02 Financial Reports of the 

Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions (December 26, 2014), the following reporting 

requirements shall apply:

– Financial Reports. The Recipient shall submit an SF-425, Federal Financial Report, into the MEP’s Enterprise Information System 

(MEIS) on a semi-annual basis after the sixth and twelfth month of each operating year, unless other reporting intervals 

and/or due dates are identified by the NIST Grants Officer pursuant to a Special Award Condition. Reports will be due within 30 

days after the end of each semi-annual reporting period. The Recipient shall submit a final SF-425 within 90 days after the 

expiration date of the award.

– Performance (Technical) Reports. The Recipient shall submit a Technical Report (completing all required MEIS fields) on a semiannual basis after the sixth and twelfth month of each operating year, unless other reporting intervals and/or due dates are 

identified by the NIST Grants Officer pursuant to a Special Award Condition. Reports are due in MEIS no later than 30 days 

following the end of each reporting period. The Recipient shall submit a final Technical/Quarterly report within 90 days after the 

expiration date of the award. Technical/Quarterly Report details are accessible on the MEIS website 

(https://meis.nist.gov/).Technical progress reports shall contain information as prescribed in the NIST MEP Reporting Guidelines

(OMB Control Number 0693-0032). For further information regarding the NIST MEP Reporting Process, you may download a copy 

of the NIST MEP Reporting Guidelines at http://nist.gov/mep/ffo-state-competitions-03.cfm.

– Post Client Project Follow-Up. The recipient will be required to provide client and project data on a quarterly basis (unless 

otherwise directed by the NIST Grants Officer) and in a specified format to the organization identified by NIST/MEP in order for

post-project follow-up data to be obtained (OMB Control Number 0693-0021). For further information regarding the NIST MEP 

Reporting Process, you may download a copy of the NIST MEP Reporting Guidelines at http://nist.gov/mep/ffo-statecompetitions-03.cfm.

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MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

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MEP Overview

MEP Resources (1)

The following resources outlined in the FFO are currently available on the MEP website at: 

http://nist.gov/mep/ffo-state-competitions-03.cfm:

• NIST MEP System Strategic Plan;

• Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Operating Plan Guidelines (February 

2015);

• Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership General Terms and Conditions 

(February 2015); 

• 2014 Annual Report;

• Sample Financial Summary Table (for all 5 years) and Budget Summary and Narrative 

(for Year 1); and

• NIST MEP Reporting Guidelines

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MEP Overview

MEP Resources (2)

• Manufacturing Technology Acceleration Center (M-TAC) Pilot Projects – Report on Initial Progress and Learning (February 2015)

http://www.nist.gov/mep/services/supplychain/upload/MTAC_Report-print.pdf

• Promising Practices in Overall Performance – Featuring MEP Centers of Indiana, Ohio, and Oklahoma (January 2013) This document appears to be available on MEIS only!

https://meis.nist.gov/_layouts/MEIS/GetMeisDocument.ashx?AttachmentID=7165&MeisDocType=SubmissionAttachment

• National Governors Association – “Making” Our Future – What States Are Doing to Encourage Growth in Manufacturing through Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Investment (January 2013)

http://www.nga.org/cms/home/nga-center-for-best-practices/center-publications/page-ehsw-publications/col2-content/main-content- list/making-our-future.html

• Re-examining the MEP Business Model: Alternatives for Increasing the Program’s Impact on US Manufacturing Sector Performance (October 2010)

http://www.nist.gov/mep/upload/MEP_Bus_Model_Report_Summary_July2010.pdf

http://stone-assoc.com/uploads/MEP_Bus_Model_Rpt_.pdf

• Hollings MEP Advisory Board Innovation and Product Development in the 21st Century (February 2010)

http://nist.gov/mep/upload/MEP_advisory_report_4_24l.pdf

• National Academy of Public Administration – The NIST MEP Program – Report 2: Alternative Business Models (May 2004)

http://www.napawash.org/2004/1541-manufacturing-extension-partnership-program-report-2-alternative-business-models.html

• National Academy of Public Administration – The NIST MEP Program – Report 1: Re-examining the Core Premise of the MEP Program (September 2003)

http://patapsco.nist.gov/mep/documents/pdf/about-mep/reports-studies/napa_1.pdf

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 65
MEP Overview

MEP Resources (3)

• National Academies. 21st Century Manufacturing: The role of the Manufacturing-Extension-Partnership

http://www.nap.edu/catalog/18448/21st-century-manufacturing-the-role-of-the-manufacturing-extension-partnership

• Manufacturing Extension Partnership: Most Federal Spending Directly Supports Work with Manufacturers, but Distribution 

Could Be Improved

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-14-317

• Factors for Evaluating the Cost Share of Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program to Assist Small and Medium-Sized 

Manufacturers

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-437R

• MPI and ASMC. 2013. Next Generation Manufacturing Study

http://www.wmep.org/sites/default/files/NGM-StudySummaryReport.pdf

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 66
MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 67
MEP Overview

Tips from Prior Applicants

• Form an internal team, breaking down the application into sections that you can assign a 

champion to. i.e. finance, market, products and services. Meet frequently to start building the 

story.

• Invest in a good writer to edit and help with the flow of the application. It is extremely helpful since 

you will have a lot of information that needs to fit into the 40 pages.

• The application would be hard to achieve without a strategic plan for your organization in its 

present state. Make sure your strategic plan is up to date and has clear goals and metrics.

• Make sure you have done a good analysis of the market needs especially the needs of the small, 

rural, emerging manufacturers.

• Share your strategic goals - should align with state, federal, others' goals. If you don't have a 

strategic plan, develop one for the next 5 years.

• Get input from the stakeholders.

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 68
MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 69
MEP Overview

Key Take-Aways

• Make sure to read entire FFO (multiple times)

• Key Personnel cannot be employed both at the prime and sub-recipient organization.

• Ensuring you are meeting the minimum cost share requirement for all 5 years.

• Board Governance and/or Advisory Committee:

– If a structure is not currently in place, a plan MUST be proposed stating how you will come into compliance 

within 90 days from award start date (expected to be October 1, 2016) – part of the eligibility

• SAM.gov registration has been established and organization has received confirmation of validated 

account (Recommend completing well in advance of submitting application in grants.gov)

• Negotiations take place between NIST and the applicant organization not the subrecipients.

• Tell your story – Don’t assume we know everything about your organization.

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 70
MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 71
MEP Overview

Agency Contacts

Subject Area Point of Contact

Administrative, budget, cost-sharing, 

eligibility questions and other programmatic 

questions.

Diane Henderson

Manufacturing Extension Partnership

NIST

Phone: 301-975-5105

Fax: 301-963-6556

E-mail: mepffo@nist.gov

Technical Assistance with Grants.gov 

Submissions

Christopher Hunton

Administrative Support & Document Control 

Office

NIST

Phone: 301-975-5718

Fax: 301-975-8884

E-mail: grants@nist.gov

Grant Rules and Regulations Michael Teske

Grants Management Division

NIST

Phone: 301-975-6358

Fax: 301-975-6368

E-mail: michael.teske@nist.gov

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 72
MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 73
MEP Overview

Have additional questions.....

Please submit all questions in writing to NIST MEP, mepffo@nist.gov

Questions and Answers will be posted regularly on the NIST MEP Public Site, 

http://nist.gov/mep/ffo-state-competitions-03.cfm

New questions added to the FAQ will be identified with the date in which they 

were added to the document for ease of reference

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 74
MEP Overview

Information Webinar Agenda

• NIST MEP Program Overview

• Funding Opportunity Overview

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Evaluation Criteria

• Review and Selection Process

• Selection Factors

• Anticipated Announcement, Award Date and Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

• Reporting Requirements

• MEP Resources

• Tips from Prior Applicants

• Key Take-Aways

• Agency Contacts

• FAQs 

• Staying in touch

www.nist.gov/mep mfg@nist.gov (301) 975-5020 75
MEP Overview

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VISIT OUR BLOG! 

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Please email name and organization to mepffo@nist.gov to rsvp

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