Mentor-Protégé Program(MPP)
A program pairing large experienced contractors with small businesses to help them build capabilities through joint ventures, subcontracting, and technical assistance.
Overview
The Mentor-Protégé Program pairs established government contractors (mentors) with small businesses (protégés) to help the smaller firms develop their technical and business capabilities. Mentors provide training, equipment, financial support, and joint venture opportunities. In return, mentors receive subcontracting credit and the ability to form JVs that compete for small business set-asides.
Why It Matters in GovCon
For small businesses, a mentor-protégé relationship can be transformative — providing access to resources, past performance, and contract opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. For large firms, the program offers a way to develop reliable small business partners and meet subcontracting goals.
Key Details
- SBA Program: The SBA's All Small Mentor-Protégé Program is open to all small businesses (not just 8(a) firms). The DoD runs a separate program.
- Joint Ventures: Mentor-protégé pairs can form joint ventures that qualify as small for set-aside contracts, even if the mentor is a large business.
- Agreement Duration: Typically three years, renewable for additional periods.
- Mentor Benefits: Subcontracting plan credit, past performance credit from JV work, and strengthened supplier relationships.
- Protégé Benefits: Training, access to facilities and equipment, financial assistance, and the ability to compete for larger contracts through JVs.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data's AI coaching can help you evaluate whether a mentor-protégé relationship is right for your business and identify contract opportunities where a JV approach would strengthen your competitive position.
Related Terms
- Joint Venture (JV)
- 8(a) Business Development Program
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Subcontracting Plan
More Programs Terms
An SBA program that helps small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete for federal contracts.
A subcategory of WOSB for women-owned small businesses where the owners are also economically disadvantaged, eligible for additional sole-source contracts.
An SBA program that gives preferential access to federal contracts for small businesses located in economically distressed areas.
A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans with a service-connected disability, eligible for federal set-aside contracts.
A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women, eligible for federal set-aside contracts in underrepresented industries.
A government-to-government program where the U.S. sells defense articles and services to allied nations.
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