Strengthening the Defense Supply Chain through the Mentor – Protégé Program

LIFT, the National Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Institute, is accelerating U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through cutting-edge technology and key strategic initiatives, such as the Department of Defense Mentor – Protégé Program (MPP), which is designed to strengthen the defense industrial base and fill critical gaps in the military supply chain.

As the lead institute for the DoD Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (MIIs) on the MPP, LIFT plays a pivotal role in educating stakeholders about the program while also serving as an authorized subcontractor. The DoD MPP – the oldest continuously operating federal mentor-protégé program – connects small businesses with large, established defense contractors (mentors) who help them grow their capacity and capabilities to compete in the defense sector.

Through collaboration between the experienced mentor and small business protégé, mentors can provide critical support that helps the protégé successfully compete for defense and federal contractors they may not have qualified for independently.

Mentor-Protégé Agreements can be complex and require trusting business relationships as organizations choose their counterparts. This is an important step in the agreement and the success of the program as the projects rely on communication, compatibility, and commitment between the mentor and protégé.

“With Raytheon as our mentor, the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program offered us a rare opportunity to accelerate our growth alongside one of the most advanced defense contractors in the world,” said Aubrey Greene, President & Owner of Tampa Brass and Aluminum, in a Special Edition of LIFT’s LIFT Off Webinar focused on the MPP Program. Raytheon served as a mentor for protégé firm Tampa Brass & Aluminum, who, Greene said, “together, we wanted our partnership to accelerate how we serve national defense.”

MPP is more than just a business partnership – it’s a force multiplier for national security, ensuring the U.S. maintains a resilient and innovative defense supply chain. Successful MPP agreements are built on mutual trust, long-term commitment, and a shared goal of strengthening the defense industrial base.

By leading the MPP MII Pilot Initiative, LIFT is enabling more small businesses to enter and succeed in the defense sector, delivering innovation to the warfighter and enhancing U.S. economic and national security.

To learn how you can get involved with the Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Program, reach out to our team: lift.technology/mpp