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

Staff Directory

Micro Refrigeration Compressor

Scouting #2025-101

Closes May 25

Sheet Metal Parts

Scouting #2025-134

Closes May 30

Compostable Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive

Scouting #2025-127

Closes May 31

Stainless Steel Binding Barrel

Scouting #2025-105

Closes May 31

Biotech Blow Molded Part

Scouting #225-168  Closes June 4

Coolers and Radiators for Wind Turbines

Scouting #2025-148

Closes June 6

Ghee Butter

Scouting #2025-122

Closes June 7

Thermolysis Skids

Scouting #2025-163  Closes June 7

Stainless Steel Punched Cylinder

Scouting #2025-074

Closes June 10

Custom Plastic Components

Scouting #2025-168

Molded Plastic Flood Buckets

Scouting #2025-103 

Closes June 15

Printed Circuit Board

Scouting #2025-121

Closes June 16

Document Organizer Pouch (Cut & Sew)

Scouting #2025-128

Closes June 29

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
2025-143 Door Access Control May 21
2025-130 Wastewater Grinder Pump Level Sensor May 21
2025-132 Thermal Insulation (Sill Sealer & EPS Foam) May 21
2025-150 Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC System May 22
2025-151

Natural Gas Pressure Regulator

May 22
2025-155 Marble Thresholds May 22
2025-165 Backflow Preventer May 23
2025-147 Wall Hung Vitreous China Lavatory May 23
2025-129 Particulate Sampling System May 30
2025-156 Vitreous China Toilets June 6
2025-157 Stainless Steel Top Mount Double Bowl Sink June 6
2025-158 Combination Microwave Range Hood June 6
2025-159 Recirculating Range Hood June 6
2025-160 Ductless Split System June 6
2025-154 Toilet Accessories June 6
2025-166 Custom Fasteners June 13
2025-167 Stamped Metal Strips June 13
2025-123 Fire-Rated Glazing June 15

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