The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has awarded roughly $400,000 to each of its MEP National Network™ Centers in every state and Puerto Rico. The more than $20 million of total funding will be used to develop programs to make domestic supply chains more resilient and efficient. The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 authorized a pilot program of awards that would allow MEP centers to provide services focused on resiliency of domestic supply chains, workforce development and adoption of advanced technology upgrades at small and medium-sized manufacturers.

As a result of this pilot program, SCOIN was created. An initiative that will comprehensively support supplier scouting services, rigorously assess and analyze domestic manufacturing capabilities, and expand knowledge of each MEP Center’s local manufacturing ecosystem.

Our goal is to focus on providing supplier scouting services, establishing new service offerings to improve existing supply chain networks, filling gaps in the supply chain by connecting original equipment manufacturers with small and medium-sized manufacturers, and create a complete map of the Puerto Rico supplier capability and capacity. We have created and assessment that will help us collect the information needed to create a solid database. We can then connect small suppliers to more opportunities in the supply chain.

By completing this assessment, not only will you be stimulating the growth of the PR supply base, your company may benefit too with the suppliers we receive. You will have access to information about opportunities in and outside of PR and become a possible supplier for other companies in the look of products or raw materials. You can find more information below.