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Small Business News

Small Business News

News | Jan. 5, 2024

DoD Mentor-Protégé Program Participation Can Help Advance Your Goals

By Suzanne Zurn DoD Office of Small Business Programs

Arlington, VA  –  

As we usher in 2024, it's the perfect time for small business owners to set ambitious goals and resolutions, especially when it comes to government contracting. If your New Year's resolution involves conquering the challenges of navigating the intricate world of government contracts, while increasing your growth in contract awards, then look no further than the Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protégé Program.

The Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) pairs small businesses with larger companies to help enhance their capabilities to perform as subcontractors and viable suppliers under DoD contracts, other federal government, and commercial contracts. In the past five years, DoD’s MPP has successfully helped more than 190 small businesses fill unique niches and become part of the military’s supply chain.

MPP is the oldest continuously operating federal mentor-protégé program in existence. Originally established in the midst of the First Gulf War, the program helps eligible small businesses expand their footprint in the defense industrial base.

 

The Power of Partnership

Embarking on a journey in government contracting can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, success becomes an achievable reality. MPP serves as a beacon of support for small business owners, providing a structured framework for mentorship that fosters growth and development. While contract awards are the most sought-after prize for protégé’s, there are other key benefits of the program, too. For example, the mentor-protégé agreements include support with technical and/or management assistance, financial assistance, trade education, business development, certifications, and general administrative assistance.

Why Every Entrepreneur Needs a Mentor

Entrepreneurs universally acknowledge the value of having a mentor. The insight, guidance, and experience a mentor brings can make a significant difference in growth, overcoming hurdles and seizing opportunities. In the realm of government contracting, the complexities can be overwhelming, making mentorship an invaluable asset.

 

Navigating the Landscape: Resolving Challenges with Mentorship

Starting or managing a business comes with its unique set of challenges, and the government contracting arena is no exception. MPP pairs seasoned industry leaders with emerging small businesses, creating a symbiotic relationship where knowledge and opportunities flows freely. From understanding procurement processes, mastering compliance requirements, and having introductions and exposure to the right customers, mentors offer a wealth of expertise that can save time, resources, and effort.

How Can the Mentor-Protégé Program Help You?

  • Strategic Guidance: Receive personalized advice and strategic insights tailored to your business goals and challenges.
  • Navigating Procurement Processes: Gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of government contracting, from proposal development to contract execution.
  • Building Capacity: Enhance your operational capabilities, project management skills, cybersecurity, and overall readiness to successfully fulfill government contracts.
  • Subcontracting and Networking Opportunities: Forge valuable connections with industry leaders, potential partners, and other large and small businesses, fostering collaboration and growth.

 

Embark on a Journey of Growth

As we embark on a new year, consider making the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program an integral part of your success strategy. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned small business owner, the guidance and support offered by a mentor can be a game-changer. Resolve to elevate your federal business opportunities in 2024 by leveraging the wealth of knowledge and experience available through the Mentor-Protégé Program.

Learn More: https://business.defense.gov/Programs/Mentor-Protege-Program

 

DoD Small Business News

OSBP and NIST Partner for Small Businesses

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense on small business matters, and  U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP) signed a memorandum of agreement on May 02, 2021 to collaborate on strengthening the national security of the small business industrial base.

The new partnership links two DOD organizations with a common mission to assist small businesses and  to achieve shared objectives:

  • Provide training and technical support to small-and-medium U.S. manufacturers engaged or planning to engage with the defense sector.
  • Promote and co-sponsor joint training events beneficial to national security, with an emphasis on cybersecurity for defense manufacturing.
  • Establish direct and consistent relationships at multiple organizational levels within both Parties to document and share complementary assistance best practices.  
  • Develop clear objectives, benchmarks and goals to measure success, added value, and synergy of collaborations between NIST MEP and OUSD(A&S) OSBP.

The OSBP and NIST partnership enables more DOD collaboration and support of small and medium manufacturers (SMMs). They will Collaborate to support the ongoing development and security of the Defense and Industrial Base.

This partnership will combine OSBP’s expertise in leveraging small businesses to close capability gaps for our armed forces with the MEP National Network.  The MEP operational base provides an opportunity for OUSD(A&S) OSBP to serve as a resource for the MEP Program of MEP Centers engages defense sector and defense-relevant manufacturing clients to promote and provide technologies, prototypes and products for National Security missions.