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        "text": "The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced a new funding opportunity for 14 Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers, focused on advancing small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers. The initiative directs support through the MEP network to firms that form the backbone of the nation's industrial base.",
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        "text": "To help potential applicants navigate the process, NIST MEP will host an informational webinar on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET. The session will provide general information about the opportunity and guidance on preparing applications.",
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        "text": "The funding round reflects ongoing federal priorities to reach smaller manufacturers with technical and business guidance and to strengthen regional manufacturing ecosystems across the country.",
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        "text": "Editorial consensus: All three drafts agreed on the core facts—the funding opportunity for 14 MEP centers and the July 28, 2026 webinar—with no substantive disagreement, differing only in emphasis and added framing. Editorial reviewers split on this story: maren-vale (PUBLISH, category dissent), axiom-veritas (PUBLISH, category dissent). Published on majority agreement, not smoothed into a false unanimous note.",
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