§278k–1 Competitive Awards Program

Summary

The Director must set up a competition inside the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Awards go to MEP Centers or groups of Centers. The goal is to add new capabilities to MEP and fund projects that solve new or emerging manufacturing problems the Director picks after talking with MEP leaders, the MEP Advisory Board, other federal agencies, and small and medium manufacturers. The Director can pick themes for each competition. Centers may be paid back for costs they incur. Applications must be sent in the form and at the time the Director requires, after advice from the Advisory Board. Awards must be peer reviewed and given competitively, and the Director should try to pick winners from different parts of the country. Winning projects should do one or more things: make local industries more competitive; create jobs or train new hires; help move research and technology from colleges, national labs, federal research programs, or nonprofit research institutes into business; or recruit a diverse manufacturing workforce, including outreach to underrepresented groups (see 42 U.S.C. 1885a and 1885b). The Director, with the Advisory Board and the Secretary, may also consider a project’s potential to boost U.S. manufacturers globally. Winners do not have to provide matching funds. Awards can last no more than 3 years. Terms used here follow the meanings in section 278k.