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

Hook Truck

Scouting #2024-337

Closes November 20

Metalolrganic Chemical Vapor Deposition System

Scouting #2024-342

Closes November 22

Inline Ultrasonic Flow Meter

Scouting #2024-311

Closes November 23

Paper Tubes

Scouting #2024-351

Closes November 28

White PVC Plates

Scouting #2024-336

Closes November 23

Ball Y-Clevis

Scouting #2024-339

Closes November 30

PVC-Backed Clear Hockey Tape

Scouting #2024-339

Closes November 30

Full Locked Coil Rope

Scouting #2024-353

Closes December 3

4 Liter Steel Can

Scouting #2024-344

Closes December 7

Probe Medical Device Assembly

Scouting #2024-345

Closes December 7

Wearable Camera Prototype

Scouting #2024-233

Closes December 10

Cast Iron Lid & Rim

Scouting #2024-354

Closes December 22

Stainless Steel Sheets

Scouting #2024-321

Closes January 7

Fingerprint Table

Scouting #2024-280

Closes January 9

 

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

Scouting Number  Item Close Date
2024-319&320 Interior & Exterior Hose Bibbs Nov 23
2024-341 Robe Hooks (Single & Double) Dec 7
2024-350 Bariatric Folding Shower Seat Dec 7
2024-346 Elevator Disconnect Switch Dec 7
2024-347 Resilient Sheet Flooring Dec 7
2024-348 Wiring Devices (Switches and Receptacles) Dec 7
2024-349 Wiring Devices (Wall Cover Plates, Floor Boxes, Emergency Pushbuttons) Dec 7
2024-352

HVAC Ductless Wall Mounted Split Units

Dec 7
2024-354

Interior LED Lighting and LED Exit Signs

Dec 13
2024-355

Nurse Call System

Dec 13
      2024-063 Solar Panels, Electric Vehicle Chargers, Electric Vehicles 3/7/25
      2024-029 Coils and Fans For Fan Coils 2/6/25

 

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