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Made in America" Back to American Innovation J anuary 12, 2012 Dave Cranmer, NIST MEP Kirsten Rieth, RTI International Scott Dromms, Edison Nation Chris Clark, Edison Nation RTI International What is Made in America all about? Edison Nation, an idea-to-shelf product developer and innovation platform has partnered with NIST MEP to support and engage its MEP network for an initiative created to bolster U.S.-based manufacturing. Together, with such retailers as Bed Bath & Beyond, Pep Boys, Rawlings, and Shat-R-Shield, Edison Nation hosted Made in America themed searches for new product ideas. Inventors and innovators were invited to submit ideas to each themed search. Retailers selected their top ideas and are seeking U.S. based manufacturers to bid on making the products RTI International What are the program details? Goal: to find U.S.- based manufacturers to make the product ideas. First set of requests for quotes (RFQs) and bid packages for manufacturers to respond to sent to MEP system J an. 6, 2012. More RFQs and bid packages will appear in the coming weeks. Like a private labeling business model where the manufacturer makes the product but the retailer owns the product rights Please send the requests out to your company networks. RTI International Who is involved? Edison Nation http://www.edisonnation.com/ An idea-to-shelf product developer and innovation platform Brings inventors voices and ideas to major retailers and companies in need of innovation and inspiration Accepting quotes on behalf of their major retailer clients RTI International www.rti.org/innovation A Technology Acceleration partner supporting the NIST MEP system Designed and managing the program Fielding questions about the program or details about the products NIST MEP http://www.nist.gov/mep/ Distributing opportunities to NIST MEP network Assisting their SME manufacturers to respond to opportunities RTI International What are the benefits? To the MEP Center Provides a good reason to re- connect with SME clients Provides an opportunity to reach out to new potential SME clients Demonstrates the reach and network of the MEP system, and confirms MEP Centers value proposition to its clients Potential for great national press and high visibility if successful To the U.S.-based manufacturer Opportunity to bid on making products with a guaranteed large distribution channel Opportunity to create a relationship with major retailer buyers that could be the basis for follow-on product work Opportunity to diversify markets and establish a history as a retail supplier, forming a basis for doing business with other retailers RTI International Which retailers have product ideas available for bid? 6 new product ideas currently available for quote submission by MEP SMEs Bed Bath & Beyond Upcoming RFQs late J anuary Pep Boys Upcoming RFQs late J anuary Rawlings Upcoming RFQs late J anuary Shat-R-Shield RTI International 6 new product ideas for BBB & RFQs Bed, Bath, and Beyond (BBB) is looking for U.S.-based manufacturers that are capable of making production quantities for six new product ideas. These products will be sold at Bed, Bath, and Beyond retail outlets as well as be offered through their web store Cake Cutter Individual Server Tray - RFQ Cuplettes - RFQ Duzall Bottle Recycling Device - RFQ Sweater Slider Clothing Organizer - RFQ Wall Garden Planter - RFQ XPel Bag - RFQ RTI International Guides and Logistics For assistance to you and your clients on "Made in America" Opportunities consult Guide to Doing Business with Large Retailers For questions about the program or details about the products contact by COB January 16, 2012. Caroline Ranghel Ashley (ranghel@rti.org or 919-541-6822) Please have companies submit quotes by COB January 30, 2012. Scott Dromms (scott.dromms@edisonnation.com or 704-369-7309) Companies chosen to manufacturer new product ideas will be contacted by the end of March 2012. RTI International Questions RTI International Contacts Scott Dromms Edison Nation 704.369.7309 scott.dromms@edisonnation.com David Cranmer NIST MEP 301.975.5753 david.cranmer@nist.gov Caroline Ranghel Ashley RTI International 919.541.6822 ranghel@rti.org