Sustainment Helps Power the Arkansas Manufacturing Network

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June 3, 2024

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 6, 2024) – Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) has launched the Arkansas Manufacturing Network, a digital marketplace created by manufacturers for manufacturers. This new tool is designed to help Arkansas manufacturers navigate supply chains and increase their connections in a hyperconnected industry.

This new digital platform is powered by Sustainment, a dual-use supplier relationship management and procurement software platform that is also a nationwide market network, within which buyers and suppliers may securely connect, communicate and work together.

Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions is a department within the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Existing Business Division. AMS offers solutions and delivers results for in-state manufacturing companies, providing hands-on business and technical assistance to make Arkansas’ industries more competitive.

Through the Arkansas Manufacturing Network, statewide manufacturers will be exposed to a wider buying audience and may take advantage of new opportunity sources within and outside the state.  Any manufacturer may register and take advantage of the tools in Sustainment at no cost; only those companies that utilize the procurement tool beyond a certain level of activity transition to a paid subscription.  The platform accommodates any form of manufacturing, industry, capabilities, and/or certifications.

Arkansas Manufacturing Network tools prioritize seamless connection of demand, supply, and capacity for self-directed and efficient sourcing, the innovative online platform uses ‘projects’ to communicate, collaborate, and get work done. With projects, platform users get access to real-time communication and file sharing capabilities, enabling manufacturers to exchange project scopes, documents, and technical data securely. Additionally, it facilitates the collection and evaluation of confidential quotes, and ensures a seamless end-to-end process from Request for Quote (RFQ) to completing a Purchase Order (PO). Network tools also employ data storage and transmission security meeting the Department of Defense (DoD) standards, within a FEDRamp, ITAR, and SOC-2 compliant framework. This level of security aligns with the stringent requirements demanded by numerous OEMs and government procurement teams from their supply chain partners.

“AMS is excited to partner with Sustainment in launching the Arkansas Manufacturing Network,” said Keith Gammill, director of Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions. “The visibility and linkage capabilities provided by this new relationship and marketplace platform will provide invaluable and exponential benefits to our state’s manufacturers whether they are a buyer or a supplier.”

“We are thrilled to work with the team at AMS to deliver valuable solutions to the Arkansas manufacturing community,” said Steve Carroll, growth leader at Sustainment. “Manufacturing Extension Partnerships are ideal for us, not only because they represent manufacturing expertise within a specific state, but because they share our company’s mission to better serve and connect American manufacturers.”

To join the Arkansas Manufacturing Network today, visit our landing page.

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About Arkansas Economic Development Commission

At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. For more information, visit ArkansasEDC.com.

About Sustainment

As a Public Benefit Corporation, Sustainment is dedicated to reimagining American manufacturing by fostering a secure, resilient, and hyperconnected ecosystem of domestic suppliers. We build innovative technologies that enhance connectivity and optimize production between suppliers and their commercial manufacturing and defense buyers. To learn more about how we empower U.S. manufacturers to achieve streamlined operations, cost-effectiveness, and profitability, please visit us at sustainment.com.

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