Skip to main content

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
2025-186 Machined Shaft - 120" (10ft) in length - 17-4 PH stainless steel round bar 6/4/2026
2025-188 Aluminum Extrusion Outdoor Furniture OEM (was prior 2024-385) 12/11/2025
2025-228 Keyboard Assembly 8/31/2025
2025-234 Neoprene Rubber Rolls 8/30/2025
2025-237 222 Traffic Signal Loop Detector 8/22/2025
2025-238 Sleeved and Flanged Bearings 8/22/2025
2025-239 Glass Globes for LED Light Fixtures 8/22/2025
2025-240 Metal Detector 10/21/2025
2025-241 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Felt Thermoforming 8/22/2025
2025-247 Copolymer PolyEthylene (PE) Thermoplastic Powder Coating 9/20/2025
2025-248 Stainless Steel Needle Bearings 9/20/2025
2025-249 Self-Closing Olive Oil Spouts 9/20/2025
2025-250 Rainbow Movement Scarves 9/5/2025
2025-251 Sensory Squish Balls 9/5/2025
2025-252 Wooden Rainstick 9/5/2025
2025-253 Breathing Buddies Plush Toy 9/5/2025
2025-254 Low-Voltage Transformers 8/16/2025
2025-255 Electrical PVC Conduit & Fittings (Underground) 8/16/2025
2025-256 Heavy Crane Rail 11/4/2025

 

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

Contact

Tim McDonnell
Tim McDonnell
Supply Chain Services Specialist
Return to main content
NIST

Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership, 550 Congressional Blvd., Suite 140, Carmel, IN 46032, (317) 275-6810

© 2024 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Trouble with this page? Disability-related accessibility issue? Please contact Manufacturing Extension Partnership at mepsupport@purdue.edu.