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

Aluminum Fabrications

An organization in Indiana seeks metal fabricators with the ability to fabricate large sheet aluminum.

Scouting #2024-055

Closes March 30

Backpacks and Carry-On Luggage

A Georgia company would like to identify a domestic manufacturer for backpacks, carry-on luggage, and a custom carrying case for a cot.

Scouting # 2024-060

Closes April 4

Wood Surface Table Panels

A company in Indiana is looking for a lumber distributor to supply wood panels cut to specifications for use in a surface top of a rolling workshop cart.  

Scouting # 2020-066

Closes April 5

Grill Guard Tube

A company in Wisconsin is looking for a manufacturer to make a grill guard tube for a light bar to be attached to the bumper of a Jeep Wrangler. Involves bending, cutting, machining, welding, and zinc/powder coating a steel tube.

Scouting # 2024-064

Closes April 12 

Compression Molded Part

A company in Ohio a seeking a manufacturing partner for initial production of compression molded parts.

Scouting # 2024-068

Closes April 19

Medium Density Fiber Mold

A company in Pennsylvania seeks a CNC-routed MDF prototype mold for vacuum forming.

Scouting # 2024-070

Closes April 19

Spindle Shaft

A company in Pennsylvania seeks a manufacturer for a steel spindle shaft used to rotate a drum.

Scouting #2024-054

Closes April 28

 

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

Scouting Number  Item Close Date
2024-051 Solar Photovoltaic System 3/29/2024
2024-053 Rugged Data Logger 3/29/2024
2024-067 Batteries (Various Sizes and Applications) 4/4/2024
2024-058 Polyethylene to Steel Transition Fittings 4/5/2024
2024-059 Gas Meter Swivels, Nuts, and Washers 4/5/2024
2024-061 Minibus 4/5/2024
2024-062 Surface Water Membrane Ultrafiltration Packaged System 4/5/2024
2024-065 Generator 4/12/2024
2024-069 Electrical Breaker Test Equipment 4/19/2024
2024-063 Solar Panels, Electric Vehicle Chargers, Electric Vehicles 3/7/2025
2024-029 Coils for fan coils 2/6/2025
2024-030 Fans for fan coils 2/6/2025