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

BABA Compliant Lighting

Scouting #2026-037 Closes February 13

BABA Compliant Electrified Hardware

Scouting #2026-030 Closes February 13

BABA Compliant Plumbing Components

Scouting #2026-031 Closes February 13

BABA Compliant Lavatory Components

Scouting #2026-032 Closes February 13

BABA Compliant Thermostats

Scouting #2026-033 Closes February 13

BABA Compliant Exhaust Fans

Scouting #2026-034 Closes February 13

Plumbing Fixtures

Scouting #2026-039 Closes February 13

Glass-filled Nylon Irrigation Remote Control Valve

Scouting #2026-041 Closes February 20

Vertical Window Blinds

Scouting #2026-042 Closes February 21

BABA Compliant Electrical Components

Scouting #2026-043 Closes February 21

Smoke Detectors

Scouting #2026-044 Closes February 21

BABA Compliant Irrigation Components

Scouting #2026-045 Closes February 21

Fire-rated Structural Sheathing

Scouting #2026-011 Closes February 21

Traffic Monitoring Sensors

Scouting #2026-053 Closes March 6

Traffic Monitoring Data Processing Units

Scouting #2026-054 Closes March 6

Gate Weldment

Scouting #2026-056 Closes March 6

Applying Fireproof Agent to Plywood

Scouting #2026-040 Closes March 7

Generator

Scouting #2026-003 Closes March 8

3-Ring Binder Mechanisms

Scouting #2026-049 Closes March 29

Remote Control Valves

Scouting #2026-055 Closes April 5

Track Chain Assembly

Scouting #2026-010 Closes April 7

Polypropylene Storage Jars and Bins

Scouting #2026-035 Closes April 14

Silicone Mat

Scouting #2026-038 Closes April 14

120" + Length Shafts

Scouting #2025-186 Closes June 5

Stainless Steel Tubing

Scouting #2025-373 Closes December 3

Staff Directory

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