U.S. Department of Defense Mentor Protégé Program
Tap Into Growth Opportunities
We assist small businesses in successfully competing for prime contract and subcontract awards by partnering with large companies.
In the past five years, DoD’s MPP has helped more than 190 small businesses secure contract awards to fill critical defense industrial base needs. Are you ready to secure yours?
The Mentor-Protege Program* was established to address technical capability gaps in Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs), hindering prime contractors from meeting SOB subcontracting goals. The program prioritizes education and collaboration to enhance small businesses’ competitiveness in the defense marketplace as subcontractors and suppliers.
KEY OBJECTIVES
Mentor Protégé Program
Increase participation of Small Disadvantaged Women Owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, and HUBZone businesses; organizations employing severely disabled individuals; and non-traditional entities with goods and services critical to the defense supplier base.
Increase the capabilities of small businesses to perform on DoD contracts.
Facilitate and enhance long-term business relationships.
Increase and strengthen the defense industrial base.
MPP MENTORS
Give. Guide. Grow.
Mentors shape careers, fortify the defense industry, and foster connections.
Mentors partner with small businesses to help enhance their capabilities to perform as subcontractors and viable suppliers under DoD contracts as well as other federal government and commercial contracts.
Develop a high-quality
subcontracting pool
Receive cost reimbursement and a credit toward small business contracting goals
Pursue new market opportunities as part of a team
Who can participate?
Basic Mentor requirements include:
Current Subcontracting Plan
You are currently performing under at least one active, approved subcontracting plan negotiated with DoD or another Federal agency pursuant to FAR 19.702.
Contracts Totaling $25M
You have DoD contracts totaling at least $25M in the previous fiscal year. (NDAA 23 lowers $100M to $25M, pending DFARS update.)
Prime Contractor or 8(a) Graduate
You are an other than small business concern or have graduated from the 8(a) Business Development Program with documentation of ability to serve as a mentor.
Federal Contract Eligible
You are eligible for award of a Federal contract and are not on a Federal list of debarred or suspended contractors.
The full list of eligibility requirements can be found here: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement Appendix I-102
MPP Protégés
Tap Into Growth Opportunities
Protégés receive guidance from top Prime Contractors.
Protégés connect with experts from top Prime Contractor companies, receiving assistance with things like:
Technical and/or management assistance
General administrative assistance
Training and education
Business development
+ MUCH MORE
Who can participate?
Basic Protégé requirements include:
Small Disadvantaged Business
Small Disadvantaged, Women-Owned, HUBZone, or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses
Qualified HUBZone Small Business
Located in a Historically Underutilized
Business Zone (HUBZone)
The full list of eligibility requirements can be found here: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement Appendix I-102
How to participate in the Mentor-Protégé Program
1
Establish a Counterpart:
Establish a Counterpart: Mentors and Protégés are responsible for finding each other.
2
Determine Agreement Type:
3
Develop the Agreement:
4
Submit Agreement Proposal:
5
Start the Agreement:
6
Follow Reporting and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Review and Reporting Requirements:
7
Ask Questions:
A more in-depth guide to MPP participation can be found here: How to Participate
Are you ready to learn more about the Mentor Protégé Program ?
If you have any questions about the MPP process, protocol, requirements or benefits, please click below to fill out an inquiry.