CATALYST Grant

Program Requirements

Catalyst Grant Engagement with DOD Manufacturing Companies:

Step 1 – Industry 4.0 Assessment

SCMEP will perform consultative assessments of manufacturing unit operations to identify opportunities to deploy AMTs. The assessment will identify constraints/challenges to the adoption of AMTs in the areas of:

• Leadership
• Strategy/Business Planning
• Culture
• Operations
• Workforce

Step 2 – Select & Pilot Projects

If the assessment recommends that the client consider an AMT solution, SCMEP will work to develop a proposal for an AMT.  The proposal will seek approval to use grant funds to cover a portion of the cost to perform Pilot Projects in the areas of:

• Interactive (augmented reality “AR” or virtual reality “VR”) training.
• Enhanced ergonomic tools/devices.
• Digital work instructions.
• Digital Learning Management Systems (LMS) to support upskilling employees.
• Automation/robotics/cobotics to better utilize workforce talent by eliminating dirty, dull, monotonous/repetitive and/or ergonomically challenging tasks.
• Visual/Digital Performance Indicators.
• Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning.

Companies that want to implement recommendations that do not focus on AMT solutions may be candidates to receive funding from other established programs such as SCMEP/Commerce funding or DEW Incumbent Worker Training (IWT).

Step 3

The CATALYST grant may also provide funding in the event that the Advanced Manufacturing Technology assessment outlined above identifies that the client will most benefit from the adoption and implementation of:

• A Quality Management System (QMS) such as ISO9001 or AS9100 and/or  
• Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques

The goal in these instances is to provide resources and funding to help small and medium-sized manufacturers eliminate waste and reduce rework, thus becoming more effective and efficient DIB suppliers.

Companies that want to implement recommendations that do not focus on AMT solutions may also be candidates to receive funding from other established programs such as SCMEP/Commerce funding or DEW Incumbent Worker Training (IWT).
 

Catalyst Grant Timeline

For more information, please contact Hank Sieling at 803-351-6780 or by email at [email protected].

CATALYST Application

The purpose of this grant is to increase the capabilities, efficiency, and overall competitiveness of small and medium sized manufacturers through the adoption of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), the implementation of Quality Management Systems (QMSs), and Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques.