Success Story: NRL & Associates Builds Technical and Regulatory Strength Through the Maryland MEP Manufacturing Jobs Program
Company Profile:
NRL & Associates, Inc. (“NRL”) is a precision manufacturing company based in Stevensville, Maryland, specializing in machining complex components for the defense industry. With a strong reputation for quality, accuracy, and responsiveness, NRL plays a critical role in supporting defense systems that require tight tolerances, traceability, and compliance with federal regulations. As a small, growing manufacturer in a high-demand sector, NRL is committed to investing in its people and processes to maintain the highest standards of performance, capability, and compliance.
The Situation:
As NRL expanded its role in defense manufacturing, the company identified a need to strengthen both its technical inspection capabilities and its understanding of federal contracting regulations. Key employees required training on the operation and programming of Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to improve quality control and inspection processes. Additionally, with the increasing complexity of Department of Defense contracts, NRL needed its team to be well-versed in DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) requirements to protect contract eligibility and manage risk.
To stay competitive, meet contract obligations, and reduce reliance on outside resources, NRL sought training solutions that would build internal technical capacity, improve operational precision, and reinforce compliance readiness—while supporting the development of a skilled workforce for Maryland’s advanced manufacturing economy.
The Solution:
Through the Maryland MEP Manufacturing Jobs Program, Maryland MEP partnered with NRL to deliver a comprehensive training package aligned with the company’s advanced manufacturing and regulatory needs.
NRL employees participated in CMM 101 training delivered by Hexagon, which introduced the fundamentals of Coordinate Measuring Machine operations. This included training on proper setup, measurement techniques, and data interpretation—key skills for ensuring parts met specification and inspection documentation could support DoD quality standards.
Building on that foundation, employees completed PC-DMIS Level 2 training, which enhanced their programming, troubleshooting, and analysis skills using advanced features of the PC-DMIS software. This enabled the team to support more complex inspection routines and apply measurement techniques to a broader range of customer requirements.
Finally, NRL staff attended a DFARS training workshop through Federal Publications Seminars. This instruction covered essential federal contracting concepts such as DFARS clauses, acquisition processes, and regulatory changes, giving NRL’s team the knowledge to navigate compliance requirements and proactively manage contract risk.
These trainings not only enhanced operational capabilities but also contributed directly to the development and retention of advanced manufacturing jobs at NRL—supporting the growth of a high-skill, high-demand workforce in Maryland’s defense manufacturing sector.
“Partnering with Maryland MEP gave our team access to high-quality training that has elevated both our technical performance and our confidence in navigating federal contract requirements. The training has been instrumental in helping us meet the high expectations of our defense customers and continue to grow with confidence.”
— Summer Hendrie, HR & Finance Manager, NRL & Associates, Inc.
The Results:
The training initiative directly supported workforce development in technical inspection, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. NRL strengthened its internal capability to inspect and validate high-precision parts, ensuring greater consistency, reduced error rates, and faster response times on customer programs. The team’s improved understanding of DFARS requirements helped enhance internal controls and safeguard access to critical defense contracts.
As a result of the training, NRL reported estimated outcomes of:
- $500,000 in retained and/or increased sales related to improved inspection capabilities and quality assurance capacity.
- $150,000 in cost savings due to reduced errors, rework, and reliance on third-party inspection support.
- $20,000 in investment in workforce training and measurement technology to support long-term growth.
- 3 jobs retained in high-skill roles critical to the company’s advanced manufacturing operations.
The combined impact of the technical and compliance-focused training has strengthened NRL’s ability to support mission-critical programs, sustain advanced manufacturing jobs, and maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving defense sector.
