Mentor-Protégé Program: Complete Guide to Government Contracting Partnerships
Learn how the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program helps small businesses win government contracts through partnerships with experienced contractors. Understand eligibility, benefits, and application process.
Quick Overview: Mentor-Protégé Programs
The Mentor-Protégé Program pairs experienced government contractors (mentors) with small businesses (protégés) to help them compete for and perform on government contracts. Through joint ventures, protégés can bid on larger contracts while gaining experience and building capacity.
What is the Mentor-Protégé Program?
The Mentor-Protégé Program is an SBA initiative that encourages large and established businesses to provide developmental assistance to small businesses. The goal is to help protégés develop the capability to compete more effectively for government contracts.
What Mentors Provide
- ✓Technical Assistance
Training, advice on operations and management
- ✓Business Development
Help identifying opportunities and bidding
- ✓Financial Assistance
Loans, equity investments, or bonding support
- ✓Subcontracting
Subcontract opportunities on mentor's contracts
What Protégés Gain
- →Past Performance
Build track record through joint ventures
- →Larger Contracts
Bid on contracts beyond current capability
- →Capacity Building
Develop systems, processes, and personnel
- →Industry Knowledge
Learn from experienced contractors
Types of Mentor-Protégé Programs
Several agencies offer mentor-protégé programs. The SBA All Small Mentor-Protégé Program is the most widely used, but agency-specific programs may offer additional benefits.
| Program | Administrator | Eligibility | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Small Mentor-Protégé | SBA | Any small business | JV bidding on any set-aside |
| DoD Mentor-Protégé | Department of Defense | Small disadvantaged, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB | Mentor reimbursement credits |
| DOE Mentor-Protégé | Department of Energy | Small disadvantaged businesses | Energy-sector focus |
| NASA Mentor-Protégé | NASA | Small disadvantaged businesses | Aerospace opportunities |
| VA Mentor-Protégé | Veterans Affairs | SDVOSB, VOSB | VA contract focus |
Benefits of Mentor-Protégé Programs
For Protégés
- •Joint Venture Eligibility: JVs with mentors can bid on set-asides using protégé's status
- •Size Affiliation Exemption: Mentor's size doesn't count against protégé
- •Past Performance Credit: JV work builds protégé's track record
- •Capacity Development: Learn systems, processes, and best practices
- •Access to Resources: Equipment, facilities, bonding assistance
For Mentors
- •Set-Aside Access: JVs can bid on small business set-asides
- •Subcontracting Credit: Count assistance toward subcontracting goals
- •DoD Credits: Reimbursement for development costs (DoD program)
- •Teaming Partner: Develop reliable small business partner
- •Corporate Citizenship: Demonstrate commitment to small business
Eligibility Requirements
Protégé Requirements (SBA Program)
- ✓Qualify as small under NAICS code
- ✓Other small business status (8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB) OR no certification
- ✓Active in good standing in SAM.gov
- ✓Demonstrated need for developmental assistance
- ✓No more than two mentor-protégé relationships at once
Mentor Requirements
- ✓Demonstrated capability to assist protégé
- ✓Good financial health and character
- ✓Favorable past performance record
- ✓No pending debarment or suspension
- ✓Commitment to provide meaningful assistance
Important Limitation
A protégé can only have two mentors at once and can be in the mentor-protégé program for a maximum of six years total. Choose your mentor relationships carefully—they're limited.
Finding the Right Mentor
The mentor-protégé relationship should be mutually beneficial. Here's how to find and approach potential mentors:
Where to Find Mentors
Industry Conferences & Events
Network at government contracting conferences, matchmaking events, and industry days
Prime Contractor Outreach
Many large primes actively seek protégés—check their small business liaison pages
SBA District Offices
Local SBA offices can provide referrals and facilitate introductions
Subcontracting Relationships
Companies you've subcontracted with may be interested in formalizing the relationship
What Makes a Good Match
Complementary Capabilities
Mentor has expertise in areas where protégé needs growth
Shared Contract Targets
Both parties interested in pursuing similar contract opportunities
Compatible Values
Similar business ethics, quality standards, and work culture
Geographic Alignment
Ability to work together on target contracts and clients
Application Process
The SBA All Small Mentor-Protégé Program application is submitted through SBA's online portal. Here's what's involved:
Application Steps
Negotiate Mentor-Protégé Agreement
Draft an agreement outlining developmental assistance to be provided, estimated costs, and expected outcomes. SBA provides a template.
Submit Application
File through certify.sba.gov with signed agreement, business documentation, and narrative describing the developmental relationship.
SBA Review
SBA evaluates the application for eligibility and merit. May request additional information or clarification.
Approval & Start
Once approved, the relationship officially begins and joint venture opportunities become available.
Joint Venture Opportunities
The primary benefit of mentor-protégé relationships is the ability to form joint ventures that can compete for set-aside contracts.
How Mentor-Protégé JVs Work
Set-Aside Eligibility
The JV takes on the protégé's small business status (8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone) for bidding purposes—even though the mentor may be a large business.
Work Distribution Requirements
The protégé must perform a minimum percentage of the work (typically 40% for construction, varying for other contracts). This ensures genuine development.
Past Performance
The JV can use both the mentor's and protégé's past performance for proposals, providing access to larger, more complex opportunities.
Protégé Development
Work performed under JV contracts builds the protégé's individual past performance, preparing them to eventually compete independently.
JV Limitation
A mentor-protégé joint venture can receive an unlimited number of contract awards while the mentor-protégé relationship is active. However, work must align with the developmental goals outlined in the mentor-protégé agreement.
Best Practices for Success
1. Set Clear Development Goals
Define specific, measurable objectives for the relationship. What capabilities will the protégé develop? What contracts will you target together?
2. Communicate Regularly
Schedule regular check-ins to review progress, address challenges, and adjust plans. The best relationships involve ongoing dialogue, not just contract pursuits.
3. Document Everything
Keep records of all developmental assistance provided. SBA reviews these relationships and documentation proves compliance.
4. Focus on Real Development
Don't treat mentor-protégé as just a contracting vehicle. Invest in genuine capability building—it's what SBA looks for and what creates lasting value.
5. Plan for Graduation
The goal is for the protégé to eventually compete independently. Build toward that outcome from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a mentor-protégé agreement last?
Initial agreements are for three years, with the option to extend for an additional three years (six years total). SBA reviews the relationship at each renewal.
Can a protégé have multiple mentors?
Yes, a protégé can have up to two approved mentor-protégé relationships at the same time, but must be for different NAICS codes or different types of developmental assistance.
Does my mentor need government contracting experience?
Yes. The mentor should have demonstrated success in government contracting and the capability to provide meaningful developmental assistance.
What if my mentor-protégé relationship isn't working?
Either party can request to terminate the agreement through SBA. You can then seek a new mentor, but remember the six-year lifetime limit still applies.
Can small businesses be mentors?
Yes. Any business—including other small businesses—can be a mentor if they have the capability and commitment to provide developmental assistance.
Find Contract Opportunities for Your Partnership
Whether you're seeking a mentor or already in a mentor-protégé relationship, BidFinds helps you find the right contract opportunities to pursue together.
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