The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program was established by Public Law in 1988. Our founding legislation provides the statute for the Program’s purpose, objectives, eligibility to apply for funding, activities of MEP Centers funded under the Program, and the cost share, performance, and evaluation requirements.

There are three public laws that dictate and govern the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program and activities. Links to each can be found below.

• Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program: 15 USC 278k
• Competitive Awards Program: 15 USC 278k-1
• Expansion Awards Pilot Program: 15 USC 278k-2

Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program General Terms and Conditions

The General Terms and Conditions apply to all Recipients of Cooperative Agreements under the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program, 15 U.S.C. Section 278k, as amended, and the provisions of 15 C.F.R. Part 290 specified herein or in the applicable Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), unless otherwise noted in these General Terms and Conditions or in a Specific Award Condition. View the General Terms and Conditions (Revised 2024)

You can also view the MEP General Terms and Conditions (2017).