Third Party Providers

Become a Purdue Third-Party Provider

Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is always looking to expand its third-party provider database with providers that offer high-quality, market-driven, cost-effective services to support Indiana manufacturing.

Third Party Provider Application Reference Questionnaire 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of working with Purdue MEP?

Purdue MEP provides our providers with:

• Sales and Distribution Channel — Access to manufacturing companies throughout Indiana — reducing the provider's sales and marketing costs, and offering an opportunity to increase sales.
• Pre-Qualified Prospects — Purdue MEP staff conduct the initial assessment and brings the provider in only after a need has been identified — significantly reducing the selling cost and cycle.
• Limited Liability — typically, contracts are written between the provider and Purdue MEP — simplifying the payment process for work performed through the Purdue MEP.

2. What are the requirements for working with Purdue MEP?

• Must be a company set up as a C Corporation, S Corporation, Limited Liability Company taxed as a C Corporation or Limited Liability Company taxed as an S Corporation
• Submit a W9 with Tax ID Number
• Execute a formal agreement with requirements such as:
  • Worker's compensation, as required by the laws of the State of Indiana
  • Commercial general liability for bodily injury and/or property damage in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 single limit, per occurrence
  • Automobile liability for bodily injury and/or property damage in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 single limit, per occurrence
  • No Compete agreement
  • Background checks
  • Confidentiality requirements

3. What is the qualification process?

1. The first step in becoming a Purdue MEP resource is to complete the Third Party Provider Application. This application requests basic information about the organization; general qualifications, areas of expertise, industry focus, and references. 
2. Once the Third Party Provider Application has been completed, applicants must select three clients to complete a Reference Questionnaire.

Note: Purdue MEP does not accept applications from organizations that are product vendors and/or resellers.

Incomplete applications will not be processed. All questions and requests for information should be made via email to Bill Pearce at wpearce@purdue.edu. If there is demand for the provider's services, a member of the Purdue MEP staff will be in contact to initiate the next step in the process, which includes follow up interviews with Purdue MEP. A final formal presentation to Purdue MEP staff may also be required.

4. What is the service development process?

Once a provider has been notified of being selected as a viable candidate, the next step is to provide specific service information. These services should fall into one of the following categories:

• Operational Excellence — These services are designed to improve a company’s efficiency, processes, and overall profitability. Services in this area fall into the following areas for Purdue MEP: Continuous Improvement, Environment & Quality Systems, Financial and Business Operations, Supply Chain Solutions, and Human Capital Consulting.
• Business Growth Services — These services are designed to help a business grow, innovate, and increase revenue. Services in this area fall into the following areas for Purdue MEP: Innovation & Growth, Strategy & Leadership, Sales & Marketing, New Product & New Market Development.

A detailed description of top services should be submitted to Purdue MEP. After this service information is reviewed and accepted by Purdue MEP, the applicant will be notified and the necessary information will be entered into the Purdue MEP Center resource database.  If appropriate, the applicant will be invited to present an overview of capabilities and the services provided. 

When a potential client need is identified, the provider will be contacted by the Associate Director or Third Party Services Coordinator.

5. How are client projects conducted?

An assigned MEP staff member will work with the provider during project execution. Activities may include preliminary meetings with the client, sales calls with MEP staff and client, and creating the project Statement of Work. During the project, the Consultant is responsible for macro project management to ensure that the project is on schedule, within budget and meets quality expectations.

6. What are the quality controls and how is project work monitored?

 The client receives a brief customer satisfaction survey to determine:

• If they were happy with the services we provided them;
• Whether the project added value to the company; and
• What type of positive impact do they anticipate this project having on their company?

An independent, third party may also survey the clients with more in-depth questions which may vary from project to project.