70NANB22H032

Purpose: Effective April 1, 2022, via this cooperative agreement, this recipient will be granted funding to operate an MEP Center in the state of Hawaii. The purpose of this award is to provide manufacturing extension services to the rapidly growing small and medium manufacturers in the state of Hawaii. Key initiatives include:

1) Enhance competitiveness of Hawaii manufacturers through training and services.
2) Sustain and grow Hawaii manufacturers.
3) Build a support ecosystem for manufacturers.
4) Develop the capabilities of the MEP Center.

Activities to be performed: Through its collaborations with the HTDC (State), the center is focusing on establishing and sustaining a skilled workforce while navigating the struggles of the geography of Hawaii. The activities that will support #1 include growth (e.g., export assistance, business development, and product development), efficiency (e.g., lean operations, energy efficiency, quality, supply chain management, and technology integration), assistance for businesses which leverage the Hawaii brand or have significant intellectual property (e.g., Hawaii food manufacturers, SBIR companies). #2 Increasing programs available for manufacturers and establishing infrastructure to support new manufacturers, serving as a champion for manufacturing and promoting the "Made in Hawaii" brand, mentoring and outreach support to strengthen manufacturing on the neighbor islands. #3 Strengthening regional partnerships and collaborating on initiatives, shared infrastructure, and support programs for manufacturers, connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, facilitating a pipeline of skilled and talented manufacturing workers. And #4 adopting training provided by NIST into Innovate Hawaii service offerings, learning from other MEP centers and staying current with relevant federal programs, growing our network of providers to address the changing needs of our customers, and improving the program through continuous reviews and updates to the operation plan.

Expected outcomes: Innovate Hawaii aims to be the leading manufacturing consulting and training organization in Hawaii, as well as the facilitator that builds relationships between local and U.S. mainland support organizations to bolster Hawaii's growing manufacturing industry.

Intended beneficiaries: Small and medium-sized manufacturers in the state of Hawaii.

Subrecipient activities: The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.

Hawaii Technology Development

NOT APPLICABLE

11.611 - Manufacturing Extension Partnership

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) [DOC]

Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-4994 United States

Single Zip Code

NOT APPLICABLE

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 342% from $1,419,600 to $6,267,667.