Overview

MMEC's Supplier Scouting services help Montana manufacturers improve the quality of their supply chains by helping to source components and materials, and by matching their products with sourcing requests from around the U.S.

Manufacturers can use MMEC’s supplier scouting services to help find the American-sourced raw materials and original equipment they require. Our scouting services can help improve your operations by: 

  • Finding the products and materials you need to fill the gaps in your supply chain.
  • Seeking out lower-cost alternatives to what you already buy.
  • Creating redundancy so you can minimize how a single supplier’s problems affect your production.
  • Identifying domestic suppliers, supporting the U.S. economy and eliminating risks associated with international sourcing.

For more information, or to start your search,click this link to email Jeff Peterson, Supply Chain Program Manager, or click this link to identify and contact your regional Business Advisor. After that the process is simple:

  • Discuss your needs and how SCOIN can help.
  • Fill out a form describing essential details about what you seek. The form is available through this link.
  • Submit the scouting request to the national network.
After a designated length of time for the search, MMEC will aggregate responses and deliver them to you. Findings will include the names, capabilities, and contact information of companies (if any) that have the capability to produce or provide the materials/items you post.
The Sustainment platform is a supplier management and domestic supply sourcing tool, with a searchable database of US manufacturers.  
The SBA has partnered with several online platforms to assist searches for domestic producers. 

Build America Buy America Waivers

If your organization receives federal funding for an infrastructure project, MMEC may be able to help understand and comply with Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) requirements. While BABAA generally mandates that all manufactured products used in federally funded infrastructure projects be produced in the United States, there are circumstances where this may not be feasible. For such cases—when domestic products are unavailable or unaffordable—the Buy America Office has an established wavier process.

For guidance on compliance strategies or to discuss waiver options, contact Jeff Peterson.

Find Sales Opportunities through the National Network

Below is a sample of supplier scouting requests from the NIST national Network. If you would like more information or to submit your company as a qualified supplier for one of these opportunities, follow this link to email Jeff Peterson. 

Current Supplier Scouting Opportunities

Staff Directory

Aluminum Culvert

Scouting #2025-378 Closes January 10

BABA Compliant Surface Mounted Downlights

Scouting #2025-379 Closes January 15

Bathroom Accessories

Scouting #2026-026 Closes January 22

Braided Stainless Steel Supply Lines

Scouting #2026-008 Closes January 22

Sink Supply Outlet Boxes

Scouting #2026-009 Closes January 22

Wye Strainers

Scouting #2026-004 Closes January 22

Domestic Hot Water Recirculation Pump & Flanges

Scouting #2026-005 Closes January 22

PEX Expansion Fittings

Scouting #2026-006 Closes January 22

Gas Press Fittings and Ball Valves

Scouting #2026-007 Closes January 22

Malleable Black Iron Fittings

Scouting #2026-021 Closes January 23

Fiberglass Pipe Insulation and Zeston Fittings

Scouting #2026-022 Closes January 23

Copper Press Fittings

Scouting #2026-023 Closes January 23

Copper Press Lead-Free Ball Valves

Scouting #2026-024 Closes January 23

120" + Length Shafts

Scouting #2025-186 Closes June 5

Stainless Steel Tubing

Scouting #2025-373 Closes December 3

Supply Chain Webinars

MMEC joined with MEPs around the country to promote the Supply Chain 101 series presented by Manufacturer's Edge and CMTC. The three parts of the series are available on-demand at the links below.

 

View Part III on Demand

View Part II on Demand

View Part I On Demand