Are you a small business that needs some practical guidance in the government contracting space, from a company that’s experienced in the Federal market? If so, and you know a large Prime contractor that could be a good partner, then the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé (MPP) program might be perfect for you!
First of all, why would a small business want to join the MPP program as a Protégé?
- Protégés receive help with navigating federal solicitations, and guidance with the bidding and acquisition process from their Mentor
- Guidance on business strategy and development, as well as support with overall business management systems including strategic planning, marketing, accounting, and manufacturing
- Key administrative support like human resources or security clearances from the Mentor
- An MPP agreement can last up to 6 years
- Protégés can have 2 different mentors at one time, provided they’re not competing with each other.
Mentors and Proteges can also decide to joint venture as a small business on a Federal solicitation (if the protégé qualifies as a small business). The joint venture can also go after set aside contracts including WOSB, SDVOSB, etc (again if the protégé qualifies).
This is a huge opportunity to truly understand bidding, fulfilling, and following up with the Federal contracting process, WITH the support of a Prime company to navigate the process.
To qualify as the Protégé in an MPP, your business must:
- Be considered a small business with industry experience.
- Be organized for profit or as an agricultural cooperative
- Already have a proposed mentor prior to applying for the program
To qualify as a mentor, your business must:
- Be organized for profit or as an agricultural cooperative
- Be able to carry out its responsibilities to assist the protégé
- Possess good character
- Not appear on the federal list of debarred or suspended contractors
- Be able to impart value to a protégé firm due to lessons learned and practical experience gained or through its knowledge of general business operations and government contracting.
For a full description on next steps and the application process (which includes a formal application and watching the MPP tutorial to name a few items), click here, or connect with your APEX counselor for more information!