The Office of the Secretary of Defense Manufacturing Technology Office (OSD ManTech) encourages the Department of Defense Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (DoD MIIs) to maintain a close relationship with the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP).  This relationship promotes manufacturing innovation within small and medium-sized manufacturers. 

MEP is led by the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) with Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico dedicated to serving small and medium-sized manufacturers, providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.