The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has provided $50 million in funds via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to back U.S. manufacturing companies in their COVID-19 response efforts.
NIST said Wednesday that it seeks to help Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers market services meant to augment the production of various items such as personal protective equipment. The funding effort also aims to assist manufacturers in contacting new suppliers and recovering from potential supply chain disruptions.
The institute awarded funds from $91,000 to $6.1 million to 51 MEP centers within 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. The MEP program is established in an effort to reinforce the competitiveness of small and medium-sized manufacturers in the U.S.