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

Hoist Gear Motor

Scouting #2025-042 Closes March 14

Polymer Recycling Service

Scouting #2025-043 Closes March 14

Precision Imprinted Mold Supplier

Scouting #2025-017

Closes March 16

Precision Film Imprinter

Scouting #2025-018

Closes March 16

Liquid Adhesive

Scouting #2025-019

Closes March 16

Flexible Magnetic Sheet

Scouting #2025-047

Closes March 22

Golf Club Heads

Scouting #2025-045

Closes March 22

Multi-Brush Cosmetic Kit

Scouting #2025-052

Closes March 26

Cast Iron Pillar

Scouting #2025-051

Closes March 28

Wire Form

Scouting #2025-040

Closes March 29

Water Based Colloid Concentration

Scouting #2025-046

Closes April 21

OEM for Outdoor Furniture Brand

Scouting #2024-385  Closes December 11

 

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

Scouting Number  Item Close Date
2025-034 Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger March 1
2025-035 Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems March 7
2025-039 Circuit Breakers March 7
      2024-063 Solar Panels, Electric Vehicle Chargers, Electric Vehicles March 7
2025-055 Nozzle Check Valves March 13
2024-044
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
March 15
2024-056 Axial Flow Control Valve March 19
2024-057 Food Macerator March 19
2024-048 Restroom Accessories March 27
2024-050 Check Valves March 28
2024-053 Spring Clip Washers March 28
2024-054 Quadrant Strain Clamps March 28
2024-058 Indicating Post Valve Assembly March 29
2024-059 Ball Valves March 29
2024-060 Iron Butterfly Valve March 29
2024-061 Iron Outside Screw & Yoke Gate Valve March 29
2024-062 Indicating-Type Butterfly Valve March 29
2024-063 Non-Rising Stem Gate Valve March 29
2024-064 Indicator Wall Posts March 29

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