Question 1

Can an SDVOSB participate in SBA's Mentor-Protégé Program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under SBA's All Small Mentor-Protégé Program, any SBA-certified small business — including SDVOSBs — can participate as a protégé. The SDVOSB protégé can form an approved joint venture with its mentor and compete for any federal small business set-aside, including SDVOSB set-asides, without being considered affiliated with the mentor for size purposes. This is one of the most powerful tools for growing SDVOSB firms.

Question 2

What is an approved mentor-protégé joint venture?

Accepted Answer

An approved mentor-protégé joint venture (MP JV) is a formally structured JV between an SBA-approved mentor (usually a large business) and its protégé (an SDVOSB). MP JVs receive special regulatory benefits: the JV is not subject to size affiliation with the mentor, and the JV's past performance counts for the protégé. The JV must be approved by SBA before submitting offers on set-aside contracts.

Question 3

What are the key benefits of an SDVOSB mentor-protégé relationship?

Accepted Answer

Key benefits include: size affiliation exemption (the large mentor's size doesn't count against the protégé), ability to form a joint venture that can bid on SDVOSB set-asides at any dollar value, access to the mentor's past performance for proposals, technical assistance and training, access to capital and bonding capacity, use of mentor's facilities and equipment, and business development mentorship. The JV can pursue contracts beyond the protégé's current capabilities.

Question 4

What are the requirements for a mentor in SBA's program?

Accepted Answer

A mentor must: be a for-profit business in good standing with the federal government, demonstrate the ability to assist the protégé in technical, managerial, financial, or business development areas, and not be currently debarred or suspended. Mentors are typically large businesses, but a graduated small business or another SDVOSB with greater experience can also serve as a mentor. One mentor may have up to three active protégés.

Can an SDVOSB participate in SBA's Mentor-Protégé Program?

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