Overview

MMEC's Supplier Scouting services help Montana manufacturers improve the quality of their supply chains by helping to source components and materials, and by matching their products with sourcing requests from around the U.S.

We are part of NIST MEP’s Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network (SCOIN), which seeks to build resiliency into American manufacturing by connecting supply chains across the country. Manufacturing Extension Partnerships in all 50 states and Puerto Rico share their clients' needs through the network, matching them with capable domestic suppliers. 

MMEC Supplier Scouting services are temporarily provided free of charge thanks to funding by the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act.   

Helping Montana Manufacturers Find What They Need

Manufacturers can use MMEC’s supplier scouting services to help find the American-sourced raw materials and original equipment they require. Scouting for supplies through SCOIN can help improve your operations by: 

  • Finding the products and materials you need to fill the gaps in your supply chain.
  • Seeking out lower-cost alternatives to what you already buy.
  • Creating redundancy so you can minimize how a single supplier’s problems affect your production.
  • Identifying domestic suppliers, supporting the U.S. economy and eliminating risks associated with international sourcing.

For more information, or to start your search,click this link to email Jeff Peterson, Supply Chain Program Manager, or click this link to identify and contact your regional Business Advisor. After that the process is simple:

  • Discuss your needs and how SCOIN can help.
  • Fill out a form describing essential details about what you seek. The form is available through this link.
  • Submit the scouting request to the national network.
After a designated length of time for the search, MMEC will aggregate responses and deliver them to you. Findings will include the names, capabilities, and contact information of companies (if any) that have the capability to produce or provide the materials/items you post.

Find Sales Opportunities through the National Network

Below is a continually updated list of supplier scouting requests from the NIST national Network. If you would like more information or to submit your company as a qualified supplier for one of these opportunities, follow this link to email Jeff Peterson. 

Current Supplier Scouting Opportunities

LoadMaster

Scouting #2024-236 Closes September 28

Robotic Tape-Laying Machine

Scouting #2024-234

Closes October 6

Horsehair from the Tail and Mane

Scouting #2024-179

Closes October 10

DC Gearmotor

Scouting #2024-227

Closes October 29

Wearable Camera Prototype

Scouting #2024-233

Closes December 10

 

Government Agencies are Also Seeking Sources of the Following Items, in Compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act:

Scouting Number  Item Close Date
      2024-063 Solar Panels, Electric Vehicle Chargers, Electric Vehicles 3/7/25
      2024-029 Coils and Fans For Fan Coils 2/6/25
2024-251 Hospital Clock System 9/28/24
2024-252 Hospital Paging System 9/28/24
2024-253 Close Coupled Centrifugal Water Pump 9/28/24
2024-254 Steam Safety Relief Valve 9/28/24
2024-255 Variable Refrigerant Flow Ductless HVAC Unit 9/28/24

 

Supply Chain Webinars

MMEC joined with MEPs around the country to promote the Supply Chain 101 series presented by Manufacturer's Edge and CMTC. The three parts of the series are available on-demand at the links below.

 

View Part III on Demand

View Part II on Demand

View Part I On Demand