Supplier Scouting Network
As a NIST MEP–approved Center, Purdue MEP is the official representative of the MEP National Network in Indiana. Through this network known as the MEP National Network (MEPNN), Purdue MEP is able to leverage the MEPNN'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.
Purdue MEP is able to connect U.S. manufacturers that have relevant production capabilities and capacities with other manufacturers – enabling them to fulfill current market and societal needs. We can then assist those manufacturers in actually delivering needed products.
MEPNN Supplier Scouting Process
The MEPNN Supplier Scouting process is straight-forward and easy for the requesting company or federal government agency.
For those companies with a supplier need:
- Companies with supply chain needs can download and complete a Supplier Scouting Opportunity Synopsis form. The completed form will need to be returned to supplierscouting@purdue.edu.
- NIST MEP disseminates the information to MEP Centers in every state and Puerto Rico to conduct a nationwide search for U.S. manufacturers with the capabilities and business interests to supply the needed item.
- The results are summarized by NIST MEP and reported to the organization that submitted the request. MEPNN Supplier Scouting typically takes 30-45 days to return results.
For those companies with manufacturing capacity to produce items in the Open Supplier Scouting Opportunities:
- Review the list of Open Supplier Scouting Opportunities below.
- If your company has the capacity to produce an item in the list below, download and complete a Supplier Scouting Submission Form. The completed form will need to be returned to supplierscouting@purdue.edu.
- Your information will be submitted to NIST MEP as a potential match.
- The results are summarized by NIST MEP and reported to the organization that submitted the request.
- If identified to move forward, the original submitting organization will contact your company to review details and determine if a match is made.
Open Supplier Scouting Opportunities
| Opportunity Number | Description | Closing Date |
| 2024-385 | Aluminum Extrusion Outdoor Furniture OEM | 12/11/2025 |
| 2025-046 | Water Based Colloid Concentration | 4/21/2025 |
| 2025-068 | 100% Bonded Polyester Batting and Fill | 4/19/2025 |
| 2025-074 | 304 Stainless Steel Punched Cylinder (1-4 gallon capacity) | 6/10/2025 |
| 2025-076 | HDPE Blow Molded Wheel - 6" Diameter, 1" Thick | 4/26/2025 |
| 2025-077 | Tubing Leg Assembly - Metal Fab, Tube Bending, Welding and Paint processes | 4/26/2025 |
| 2025-082 | 5" x 8" Vinyl Food Product Packaging | 5/18/2025 |
| 2025-083 | Metal Screw Top Lid | 4/18/2025 |
| 2025-084 | White Sifter Top Can (Fiberboard and Plastic Material) | 4/18/2025 |
| 2025-085 | Melamine Material - Tableware (Dishes and Serving Bowls) | 4/19/2025 |
| 2025-086 | Multi-Layered Printed Circuit Boards | 5/19/2025 |
| 2025-088 | Saturating Kraft Paper (roll weight and widths specified) | 4/25/2025 |
| 2025-089 | Mylar Foil Material for Party Balloons | 4/25/2025 |
| 2025-090 | Small Aircraft Tires - Pre-Owned | 4/16/2025 |
| 2025-091 | Hydrophobic or Hydrophilic Polyurethane Resin | 4/25/2025 |
| 2025-092 | Recirculating (Submersible) Pump - BABA compliant | 4/23/2025 |
| 2025-093 | Puzzle Manufacturer (Cardboard Material) | 4/30/2025 |
| 2025-094 | Compostable Paper Bag - Sandwich Size | 5/9/2025 |
| 2025-095 | Dispenser Box (Cardstock Material) with Perforated Side | 5/9/2025 |
| 2025-096 | Blankets - 50% Berber Fleece, 50% Microfiber Fleece Material | 4/30/2025 |
| 2025-097 | Playing Cards | 4/30/2025 |
| 2025-098 | Dish Towels - 100% Cotton Flour Sack Material | 4/30/2025 |
| 2025-099 | Tote Bag - Canvas Material | 4/30/2025 |
| 2025-100 | Pelleted Fish Feed - Ingredients Provided | 4/24/2025 |
| 2025-101 | Refrigeration Compressor - Miniature Size (specs provided) | 5/24/2025 |
Executive Order on Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America's Workers Mentions MEP
On January 25, 2021, The White House announced Executive Order (EO) 14005, called Executive Order on Ensuring the Future is Made in All of America by All American Workers. EO 14005 establishes a substantial role for the MEP National Network in the Biden Administration’s plans to bolster American manufacturing.
“To the extent appropriate and consistent with applicable law, agencies shall partner with the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), discussed in the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Improvement Act (title V of Public Law 114-329), to conduct supplier scouting in order to identify American companies, including small- and medium-sized companies, that are able to produce goods, products, and materials in the United States that meet Federal procurement needs.”
You can read the full text of EO 14005 on Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers.
Click here for a description of the MEP National Network Supplier Scouting Program.
Questions? Contact supplierscouting@purdue.edu
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