The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) works with small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers to help them create and retain jobs, increase profits, and save time and money. The nationwide network provides a variety of services, from innovation strategies to process improvements to green manufacturing. MEP also works with partners at the state and federal levels on programs that put manufacturers in position to develop new customers expand into new markets and create new products.

The MEP system includes over 1,300 technical experts – located in every state – serving as trusted business advisors, focused on solving manufacturers’ challenges and identifying opportunities for growth. As a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce, MEP offers its clients a wealth of unique and effective resources centered on addressing manufacturers' challenges and identifying growth opportunities.

With a vast set of service delivery partners and program stakeholders, NIST MEP relies on digital communication and collaboration services to efficiently and effectively share program updates, manufacturing information and opportunities with the MEP system, partners and program stakeholders and the general public. MEP Connect provides a platform to facilitate successful online engagement and collaboration. MEP Connect is a web-based collaboration tool to provide internal staff, MEP center staff, partners, and manufacturing clients with a suite of tools and services designed to significantly enhance the effectiveness and speed of communication and information sharing.

MEP Connect provides users with a variety of flexible tools including:

• Web Content Management
• Document Management and Sharing
• Discussion Boards
• Announcements
• Surveys and Submit Forms
• Calendars and events
• Groups/Teams
• Social Collaboration