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

LiFePO4 Battery Cells

Scouting #2024-168

Closes July 28

Additive Manufacturing (3D printed) Parts

Scouting #2024-165

Closes July 28

Electrolyzer Manufacturer

Scouting #2024-181

Closes August 1

32 Oz Plastic Bottles

Scouting #2024-187

Closes August 1

Doping Services for Silicon Wafers

Scouting #2024-180  Closes August 2

Heated Bicycle Grips

Scouting #2024-166

Closes August 2

Power Supply - 100 kW Active Front End Cubicle

Scouting #2024-192

Closes August  7

Power Supply - Inverter Cubicle

Scouting #2024-193

Closes August  7

High Voltage (HV) Transformer and PCB Assembly

Scouting #2024-194

Closes August  7

Control Cabinet and Power Distribution Panel (PDP)

Scouting #2024-195

Closes August  7

Lead Core Bullets

Scouting #2024-175

Closes August 9

Brass cases/shells for pistol and rifle ammunition

Scouting #2024-176

Closes August 9

Gun powder for ammunition manufacturing

Scouting #2024-177

Closes August 9

Primers for pistol and rifle rounds

Scouting #2024-178

Closes August 9

Nutrient Analyzer

Scouting #2024-182

Closes August 11

Solid Rocket Motors

Scouting #2024-184

Closes August 16

Laminated Spunbond Non-Woven Fabric

Scouting #2024-185

Closes August 16

Ammonium Hydroxide Solution, 28-30%

Scouting #2024-152

Closes August 30

Ammonium Phosphate Dibasic Crystals

Scouting #2024-153

Closes August 30

Citric Acid Anhydrous

Scouting #2024-154

Closes August 30

Glycerol

Scouting #2024-155

Closes August 30

Potassium Phosphate Monobasic

Scouting #2024-156

Closes August 30

Magnesium Sulfate

Scouting #2024-157

Closes August 30

Thyme Oil

Scouting #2024-158

Closes August 30

Horsehair from the Tail and Mane

Scouting #2024-179

Closes October 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
      2024-123
Industrial Diesel Generator
July 28
      2024-124
Solar Panel
July 28
2024-189 PEFL-EOLA Laser August 1
2024-186 Phosphate Sensor August 1
2024-188
Logger Module System
August 1
2024-191 Anemometer August 1
2024-183 Termination, Port August 11
      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. Part I and Part II of the series are available on-demand at the links below.

 

View Part II on Demand

View Part I On Demand