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Small Business News

Small Business News

News | April 12, 2024

Empowering Small Businesses: A Collaborative Journey at Sea-Air-Space Event

By Suzanne Zurn Office of Small Business Programs

Arlington, VA  –  

The Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) participated in the Sea-Air-Space event held in National Harbor, Md. this week. Our industry engagement team showcased the power of collaboration and partnership with industry leaders and the Department of the Navy Office of Small Business Programs.

During the event, we highlighted the significance of OSBP programs. These programs complement Navy initiatives and create a bridge between small businesses and defense agencies. Here’s how:

 

  • Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP): Our MPP enhances the capabilities of disadvantaged small businesses (Protégés) by partnering them with large companies (Mentors) under individual, project-based agreements. Through this collaboration, Protégés gain valuable insights, resources, and expertise, enabling them to successfully compete for prime contracts and subcontracts.
  • Aligning Navy MPP Graduates: We discussed how Navy MPP graduates can find meaningful opportunities beyond Navy programs. By connecting them with other defense agency partners, we ensure that their products and services reach a broader audience. Whether it’s cybersecurity solutions, logistics support, or cutting-edge technology, our graduates have much to offer.

Let’s continue fostering collaboration and innovation. If you’re passionate about supporting our warfighters and driving small business growth, connect with us on LinkedIn or subscribe to our newsletter. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient defense community.

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.