Question 1

What is a federal mentor-protégé program?

Accepted Answer

A mentor-protégé program pairs a large, experienced business (mentor) with a smaller, less-experienced firm (protégé) to help the protégé grow and develop capabilities. The federal government operates several mentor-protégé programs, including SBA's All Small Mentor-Protégé Program and DoD's Mentor-Protégé Program. Benefits include technical assistance, business development support, and the ability to form joint ventures that compete for set-aside contracts without affiliation.

Question 2

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 3

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.

Question 4

What are the requirements for an SDVOSB protégé?

Accepted Answer

An SDVOSB protégé must: hold a current SBA certification (VetCert for SDVOSB/VOSB), qualify as small under the primary NAICS code of the mentor-protégé agreement, demonstrate a need for the technical or business development assistance the mentor will provide, and be in good standing. An SDVOSB can have only one approved mentor at a time under SBA's All Small program.

What is a federal mentor-protégé program?

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