DoD Mentor-Protégé Program: Fostering Growth in the Defense Industrial Base

Last updated 3 days ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

Navigating the complex world of Department of Defense (DoD) contracting presents significant challenges for small businesses. The DoD Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) offers a structured pathway for growth, pairing emerging small businesses (protégés) with established larger companies (mentors).

This partnership enhances protégé capabilities, making them more competitive suppliers and subcontractors within the defense industrial base (DIB) and beyond. As the oldest continuously operating federal mentor-protégé program, the DoD MPP provides unique opportunities for small firms seeking to expand their footprint in government and commercial markets.

Program Overview: Definition, Purpose, and History

Official Definition and Purpose

The DoD Mentor-Protégé Program is formally defined as a program authorized under Title 10, United States Code, Section 4902. Its stated purpose, outlined in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Subpart 219.71, is to provide incentives for DoD contractors (mentors) to assist eligible small business concerns (protégés) in enhancing their capabilities.

The ultimate aim is to increase the participation of these protégé firms as subcontractors and suppliers under DoD contracts, other federal government contracts, and commercial contracts. The program facilitates this by fostering partnerships where mentors provide developmental assistance tailored to the protégé’s specific needs.

History and Legislative Basis

The DoD MPP originated as a pilot program established under Section 831 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 1991 (Public Law 101-510). Launched during the First Gulf War, it was championed by former Senator Sam Nunn and implemented by former Defense Secretary William Perry.

For over three decades, the program operated as a pilot, requiring periodic congressional reauthorization. A significant milestone occurred with the passage of the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2023 (Section 856), which permanently authorized the DoD MPP.

This eliminated the uncertainty associated with temporary authorizations and solidified the program’s role in strengthening the DIB. The permanent authorization followed assessments, including a 2022 Defense Business Board study, which highlighted the program’s positive impact despite a decline in the overall number of small businesses contracting with the DoD.

The final rule amending the DFARS to reflect this permanent status and incorporate program modifications was issued on March 26, 2024. The governing regulations are primarily found in DFARS Subpart 219.71 and DFARS Appendix I.

It’s important to distinguish the DoD MPP from the Small Business Administration‘s (SBA) Mentor-Protégé Program. While both aim to assist small businesses, the SBA’s program is government-wide and has different rules and objectives, such as allowing joint ventures eligible for small business set-asides. The DoD MPP is agency-specific, focusing on developing suppliers for the unique needs of the Department of Defense.

Primary Goals

The DoD MPP is designed with specific goals benefiting the DoD, mentor companies, and protégé firms:

For the Department of Defense:

• Enhance the Defense Industrial Base (DIB): Foster the growth and capabilities of small businesses to create a more diverse, resilient, innovative, and competitive supplier base to meet national security needs.
• Increase Small Business Participation: Boost the overall number and value of contracts and subcontracts awarded to participating small businesses within DoD, other federal agencies, and the commercial sector.
• Develop Specific Capabilities: Help protégés develop technical and manufacturing capabilities crucial for supporting DoD missions and filling unique niches in the military supply chain.

For Mentor Companies:

• Develop Reliable Suppliers: Cultivate capable and reliable subcontractors and suppliers tailored to their specific needs and DoD requirements.
• Meet Subcontracting Goals: Receive credit towards Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) or other socioeconomic subcontracting goals negotiated under their prime contracts.
• Access Innovation: Partner with small businesses to gain exposure to new technologies and innovative approaches.

For Protégé Firms:

• Enhance Capabilities: Receive targeted developmental assistance to improve technical, managerial, financial, and business development capabilities.
• Increase Contract Awards: Become more competitive and win more contracts and subcontracts, both with the DoD and in other markets.
• Gain Experience and Exposure: Acquire invaluable experience in navigating government contracting processes, understanding compliance requirements, and gaining exposure to key customers and networking opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

Participation in the DoD MPP requires both mentor and protégé firms to meet specific criteria defined by regulation. These requirements ensure that mentors can provide meaningful assistance and that protégés are positioned to benefit from the developmental support.

Mentor Eligibility

To qualify as a mentor firm, a company must demonstrate its stability, experience in DoD contracting, and commitment to small business development. Key requirements include:

• Active DoD Contractor Status: The firm must be currently eligible for the award of federal contracts.
• Approved Subcontracting Plan: The company must be currently performing under at least one active, approved subcontracting plan negotiated with the DoD or another federal agency pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 19.7. This demonstrates experience managing subcontracting relationships and commitment to small business utilization.
• Capability to Assist: The mentor must demonstrate it is qualified to provide developmental assistance that aligns with the program’s purpose.
• Financial Health and Character: The company must be of good financial health and possess good business character.
• Contracting Threshold: Recent changes implemented by the NDAA for FY 2023 and the subsequent DFARS update significantly lowered the previous threshold. Now, a mentor must demonstrate capability, which may be evidenced by having received DoD contracts and subcontracts equal to or greater than $25 million during the previous fiscal year. This lower threshold broadens the pool of potential mentor firms, allowing more mid-tier companies to participate.
• Formal Approval: Prospective mentors must submit an application to the DoD Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) and receive formal approval before submitting a Mentor-Protégé Agreement. This application requires demonstrating eligibility and outlining the company’s history with small business programs.

Protégé Eligibility

Protégé firms must be small businesses operating within specific socioeconomic categories or meeting other defined criteria. The core requirements are:

• Small Business Status: The firm must qualify as a small business according to the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard for its primary North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. A previous requirement stipulating that the protégé be “less than half” the size standard was removed, broadening eligibility.
• Federal Contract Eligibility: The firm must be eligible for the award of federal contracts.
• Ownership/Management Independence: The protégé cannot be owned or managed by individuals or entities that hold stock options or convertible securities in the mentor firm.
• Specific Business Categories: The firm must fall into one of the following categories:
  • A Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) concern owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (certified by SBA).
  • A business entity owned and controlled by an Indian tribe.
  • A business entity owned and controlled by a Native Hawaiian Organization.
  • A qualified organization employing severely disabled individuals.
  • A Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) concern.
  • A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concern.
  • A qualified Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) small business concern.
  • A small business concern that is a nontraditional defense contractor.
  • A small business concern currently providing goods or services in the private sector deemed critical to enhancing the defense supplier base and fulfilling key DoD needs.
• Single Active DoD Agreement: A protégé firm can only participate in one active DoD Mentor-Protégé Agreement at a time. However, a protégé can have subsequent agreements with different mentors within a total participation window. The total time a firm can participate as a protégé across all DoD MPP agreements is generally limited.

This structure ensures that the program targets specific types of small businesses deemed most in need of developmental assistance to succeed in the defense marketplace, while also opening doors for nontraditional contractors and those with critical private sector capabilities.

Incentives and Assistance

The DoD MPP is structured to provide tangible benefits and incentives for both participating mentor and protégé firms, creating a mutually advantageous relationship focused on capability development and DIB strengthening.

Mentor Benefits and Incentives

Mentors are incentivized to invest time and resources in developing their protégés through two primary mechanisms: direct reimbursement or subcontracting credit.

Direct Reimbursement:

• Mentors can receive reimbursement for the allowable costs incurred in providing developmental assistance to their protégés.
• Reimbursement is typically handled through a dedicated cost-reimbursable contract line item number (CLIN) on an existing DoD contract or, in unusual circumstances approved by the relevant DoD component OSBP Director, through a separate contract.
• The reimbursement amount is generally capped at $1 million per fiscal year per agreement, unless a waiver is obtained from the component OSBP Director.
• Mentors may also receive reimbursement for certain incidental costs (e.g., travel) associated with the developmental assistance, typically limited to a percentage (e.g., 10%) of the total reimbursed cost, subject to prior approval. Costs must be reasonable, allocable, and allowable per federal cost principles.

Subcontracting Goal Credit:

• Alternatively, mentors can opt to receive credit towards their negotiated SDB subcontracting goals (or potentially other socioeconomic goals depending on the agreement and protégé status) based on the costs of the developmental assistance provided.
• This credit is calculated using multipliers applied to the incurred costs, offering potentially significant leverage towards meeting subcontracting plan requirements:
  • 4x multiplier for assistance provided via Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Institutions (MIs), and APEX Accelerators (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers or PTACs).
  • 3x multiplier for assistance provided directly by the mentor’s employees.
  • 2x multiplier for other allowable direct costs (ODCs) associated with the assistance.
• Credit agreements are typically administered by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA).

Other Benefits:

• Developing Strategic Partners: Mentors gain the long-term benefit of cultivating a capable, reliable supplier or subcontractor that understands their specific needs and DoD requirements.
• Potential for Non-Competitive Subcontracts: Within the scope of an approved agreement, mentors may be permitted to award subcontracts to their protégés on a noncompetitive basis.

Protégé Developmental Assistance

Protégés receive tailored developmental assistance designed to address their specific needs and enhance their ability to compete for and perform on government and commercial contracts. The types of assistance are broad and can include:

• Technical and Engineering Assistance: Improving production, inventory control, quality assurance, technical expertise, and engineering capabilities. Recent updates explicitly include manufacturing, test, and evaluation support. Examples include achieving ISO certifications or improving additive manufacturing processes.
• Business Management: Assistance with general business functions like strategic planning, organizational management, human resources development (e.g., training, certifications), marketing (e.g., website design, branding), and accounting systems (e.g., implementing a DCAA-compliant system).
• Manufacturing Assistance: Support in improving manufacturing processes, efficiency, and capacity.
• Business Development and Strategy: Guidance on navigating federal procurement processes, proposal development, contract execution, identifying contracting opportunities, and market expansion. This includes valuable networking opportunities and introductions to potential customers and partners.
• Financial Assistance: Mentors may provide financial support through mechanisms like loans, equity investments, or assistance with bonding. Advance or progress payments on subcontracts may also be facilitated, potentially with DoD reimbursement to the mentor.
• Certifications and Compliance: Help obtaining critical certifications (e.g., ISO, Capability Maturity Model Integration – CMMI) and meeting compliance requirements, including cybersecurity readiness. A preliminary cybersecurity readiness assessment is provided by DoD OSBP as a benefit of program participation.
• General Administrative Assistance: Support with administrative functions, potentially including temporary personnel for training or rent-free use of facilities/equipment in some agency programs (though specifics vary).

This comprehensive support system is designed to address critical gaps often faced by small businesses, accelerating their growth and integration into the defense supply chain.

Establishing the Partnership

Creating a successful Mentor-Protégé relationship involves several key steps, from finding the right partner to developing and submitting a formal agreement for DoD approval.

Finding a Partner

A crucial first step is for potential mentors and protégés to find each other. Responsibility for initiating this connection rests solely with the companies themselves. DoD program offices are legislatively prohibited from directly pairing firms.

Companies are strongly encouraged to:

• Leverage Existing Relationships: Explore current business partnerships, prime-subcontractor relationships, or supplier connections as a foundation for a potential MPA. Successful relationships often build on prior positive interactions.
• Utilize Networking Opportunities: Events like the annual DoD MPP Summit provide platforms for connection. Industry days and other networking events are also valuable.
• Research Potential Partners: Protégés can review lists of approved mentors (available on the DoD OSBP website) and research companies operating in their fields of interest. The DoD Subcontracting Directory can also be a resource. Mentors should consider factors like the protégé’s capabilities, management stability, financial status, past performance, and alignment with the mentor’s strategic needs.

Types of Agreements

Once a potential partnership is identified, the firms must decide on the type of agreement structure, which dictates the primary incentive mechanism for the mentor:

• Direct Reimbursement Agreement: The mentor receives direct reimbursement from the DoD for the allowable costs of providing developmental assistance, typically through a contract modification or separate contract.
• Credit Agreement: The mentor does not receive direct reimbursement but instead earns credit (multiplied based on the type of cost) towards its SDB subcontracting goals for the costs incurred. These are often administered by DCMA.
• Hybrid Agreement: Some components may allow hybrid agreements that combine elements of both credit and reimbursement, potentially for different periods within the agreement term (e.g., one year credit, one year reimbursement).

The choice depends on the mentor’s priorities (direct cost recovery vs. meeting subcontracting goals) and the specifics negotiated between the partners and the sponsoring DoD component.

Key Elements of the Agreement Proposal

Developing a comprehensive Mentor-Protégé Agreement (MPA) proposal is critical for approval. The proposal must detail the planned developmental assistance and how it will benefit the protégé. Key elements include:

• Protégé Needs Assessment: A thorough assessment identifying the protégé’s specific developmental needs and areas for improvement.
• Developmental Plan: A detailed plan outlining the specific assistance the mentor will provide, aligning with the protégé’s strategic vision and addressing the identified needs.
• Measurable Milestones: Clearly defined, quantifiable milestones to track progress throughout the agreement period.
• Metrics for Success: How the success of the assistance will be measured (e.g., certifications obtained, new capabilities developed, contract awards pursued/won).
• Cost Estimate (for Reimbursable Agreements): A detailed breakdown of the anticipated costs for providing the developmental assistance.
• Reporting Schedule: Agreement on the required semi-annual reporting cadence.
• Signatures: The formal agreement document signed by authorized representatives of both the mentor and protégé firms.

The agreement duration is typically up to three years, an increase from the previous two-year standard term. Extensions may be possible under unusual circumstances, but the total agreement period generally cannot exceed five years.

Submission, Review, and Approval Process

The submission and approval process varies slightly depending on the agreement type and the specific DoD component involved:

• Mentor Application: A firm must first be approved as a mentor by the DoD OSBP Director before submitting an MPA. Applications are submitted via the Mentor-Protégé Program Portal.
• Agreement Submission:
  • Direct Reimbursement Agreements: Applications are typically submitted to the OSBP of the cognizant Military Service or Defense Agency that will sponsor and potentially fund the agreement. Submission often requires endorsement letters from the relevant program manager and the component OSBP, indicating support and potential funding availability.
  • Credit Agreements: Applications may be submitted directly to the DoD OSBP or the relevant component OSBP.
  • The Mentor-Protégé Program Portal is the primary platform for submissions.
• Review: The submitted agreement package is reviewed by the relevant OSBP (component level for reimbursement, potentially DoD-level or component-level for credit) to ensure it meets program requirements, outlines meaningful developmental assistance, and has a high likelihood of success.
• Approval:
  • The Director of the OSBP within the sponsoring Military Department or Defense Agency typically has the authority to approve MPAs.
  • Approved agreements requiring reimbursement are then forwarded to the relevant contracting officer to modify contracts or issue a new one, contingent on funding availability.
• Agreement Start: Credit agreements generally start on the date of approval. Directly reimbursed agreements typically start when funds are formally obligated to the contract vehicle. Mentors should not incur costs before the agreement is approved and, for reimbursable agreements, funded.
• Reporting and Oversight: Once active, agreements require semi-annual progress reports from both mentor and protégé. Protégés also submit annual reports and provide follow-up data for two years post-agreement completion. DCMA conducts annual performance reviews, particularly crucial for determining ongoing reimbursement eligibility in multi-year reimbursable agreements.

This structured process, involving both central DoD OSBP oversight and component-level management, ensures agreements align with program goals and receive appropriate sponsorship within the DoD.

Program Oversight and Management

The DoD Mentor-Protégé Program is managed through a coordinated effort involving the central DoD Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) and counterpart offices within the various military services and defense agencies (DoD Components). The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) also plays a key role, particularly in overseeing credit agreements. This distributed management structure allows for both centralized policy guidance and component-specific implementation.

DoD Office of Small Business Programs

Located within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)), the DoD OSBP serves as the central hub for the Mentor-Protégé Program. Its primary responsibilities include:

• Overall Program Management: Setting policy, developing procedures (as detailed in DFARS Appendix I), and providing overarching guidance for the MPP.
• Mentor Approval: The Director, DoD OSBP (or their designee, like the Mentor-Protégé Program Director) has the authority to approve companies seeking to participate as mentor firms.
• Policy Implementation: Ensuring the program aligns with legislative mandates (like 10 U.S.C. 4902) and DoD strategic goals for the defense industrial base.
• Oversight and Reporting: Monitoring overall program performance, collecting data, and reporting to Congress on program effectiveness and outcomes. This includes establishing performance goals and metrics.
• Central Resource: Maintaining the main program website (https://business.defense.gov/Programs/Mentor-Protege-Program) and providing central points of contact.
• Cybersecurity Assessment: Providing protégés with a preliminary assessment of their cybersecurity readiness as a program benefit.

The existence of a dedicated central office with program directors ensures consistent policy application and provides a focal point for potential mentors applying to the program.

DoD Component Offices

While DoD OSBP sets the overall policy, the day-to-day management and execution of specific Mentor-Protégé Agreements often fall to the OSBPs within the participating military services (Army, Navy, Air Force) and defense agencies (e.g., DLA, DIA, MDA, DTRA, DCMA). Their roles include:

• Agreement Approval: The Director of the OSBP within each participating component generally has the authority to approve specific Mentor-Protégé Agreements, particularly those involving direct reimbursement funded by that component.
• Funding Allocation: For reimbursable agreements, the component OSBP often works with program managers to identify and allocate funding.
• Agreement Management: Overseeing the progress of agreements sponsored by their component, reviewing reports, and working with mentors and protégés within their purview.
• Component-Specific Guidance: Providing guidance tailored to the specific needs and contracting environment of their service or agency.

This component-level involvement ensures that agreements align with the specific technological and industrial base needs of the sponsoring service or agency, providing a necessary layer of specific oversight and support.

Defense Contract Management Agency

DCMA plays a specific, vital role, particularly concerning agreements involving credit incentives:

• Credit Agreement Administration: DCMA typically administers credit agreements, tracking the developmental assistance costs incurred by the mentor and verifying the credit earned towards subcontracting goals.
• Performance Reviews: DCMA conducts annual performance reviews for active agreements (both credit and reimbursable). These reviews assess the progress made against the agreement milestones and are a major factor in determining continued eligibility for reimbursement in subsequent years of multi-year agreements.

The involvement of DCMA provides independent oversight and validation of mentor performance and the calculation of credits, adding rigor to the program’s incentive structure.

Types of Assistance and Support

The core of the DoD MPP lies in the developmental assistance mentors provide to protégés. This assistance is tailored to the protégé’s specific needs, aiming to enhance their capabilities and competitiveness across various business functions critical for success in the defense marketplace.

Categories of Developmental Assistance

Mentors can offer support across a wide spectrum, including, but not limited to:

• Technical and Engineering: This involves transferring technical knowledge and improving engineering processes. Examples include assistance with production techniques, quality control systems (like ISO 9001 certification), inventory management, and adopting new technologies like additive manufacturing. Support can also cover test and evaluation procedures.
• Management Assistance: This focuses on strengthening the protégé’s overall business operations. It can encompass strategic planning, organizational development, project management skills enhancement (perhaps through CMMI training and certification), human resources training, and marketing strategy development (including branding and website design).
• Business Development: Mentors provide guidance on navigating the complexities of government contracting, including understanding procurement processes, proposal writing, contract execution, and compliance requirements. This often includes facilitating networking opportunities and introductions to key DoD customers and potential partners.
• Manufacturing Support: Specific assistance aimed at improving manufacturing capabilities, processes, efficiency, and capacity, crucial for protégés involved in producing hardware for DoD systems.
• Financial Management: Assistance can range from implementing a DCAA-compliant accounting system to guidance on financial planning, and potentially direct financial assistance like loans or help securing bonding.
• Certifications and Compliance: Helping protégés obtain necessary industry and government certifications (e.g., ISO, CMMI) and meet critical compliance standards, particularly in areas like cybersecurity. The program includes a DoD OSBP-provided preliminary cybersecurity assessment.
• General Administrative Assistance: Support with various back-office functions to improve overall efficiency.

How Assistance Enhances Protégé Capabilities

The developmental assistance provided through the MPP directly translates into enhanced capabilities, enabling protégés to:

• Meet Stringent DoD Requirements: By improving quality systems (ISO), process maturity (CMMI), accounting practices (DCAA compliance), and cybersecurity posture, protégés become better equipped to meet the high standards required for DoD contracts.
• Improve Efficiency and Reduce Costs: Streamlined manufacturing processes, better inventory control, and improved project management can lead to greater operational efficiency.
• Expand Market Access: Enhanced technical capabilities, coupled with improved business development skills and networking, allow protégés to compete for a wider range of DoD contracts, other federal opportunities, and commercial work.
• Increase Technical Sophistication: Access to mentor expertise and potentially new technologies helps protégés move up the value chain and tackle more complex projects.
• Strengthen Business Foundations: Improved management practices, strategic planning, and financial systems create a more stable and sustainable business overall.

Ultimately, this targeted support helps protégés transition from potentially niche suppliers to more robust, capable, and competitive players within the broader defense industrial base.

Program Impact and Achievements

The DoD Mentor-Protégé Program has a long history of fostering small business growth and contributing to the health of the defense industrial base. Its impact is demonstrated through various measures, awards, and reported outcomes.

Nunn-Perry Awards

Named in honor of former Senator Sam Nunn and former Secretary of Defense William Perry, the Nunn-Perry Awards are presented annually to recognize outstanding Mentor-Protégé teams that have demonstrated exemplary performance and achieved significant success through the program. These awards highlight successful partnerships and showcase the tangible benefits realized by protégés.

Examples of recent Nunn-Perry Award-winning teams (from the 2024 Summit) illustrate the diverse range of participants and sponsoring components:

• U.S. Army: CACI (mentor) / Mayvin Inc. (protégé) / Morgan State University (partner)
• U.S. Army: All Points Logistics LLC (mentor) / Eikon Research Inc. (protégé) / The Catalyst Center (partner)
• U.S. Navy: Raytheon (RTX) (mentor) / Tampa-Brass & Aluminum (protégé) / Kentucky APEX Accelerator (partner)
• U.S. Air Force: Global Resource Solutions Inc. (mentor) / Trust Consulting Services (protégé) / Southern University (partner)
• U.S. Air Force: CACI (mentor) / Expansia Group (protégé) / Morgan State University (partner)
• U.S. Air Force: Raytheon (RTX) (mentor) / eMagin Corporation (protégé) / California State University & Kentucky APEX Accelerator (partners)

These awards not only honor specific teams but also serve as case studies demonstrating best practices and successful outcomes, such as technology transfer, capability enhancement, and increased contract opportunities for protégés. The involvement of partner organizations like universities, SBDCs, and APEX Accelerators is also frequently highlighted.

Statistical Data and Reported Impacts

While comprehensive, long-term statistical tracking can be complex, available data and reports point to positive program impacts:

• Number of Protégés Assisted: In the five years leading up to early 2024, the DoD MPP successfully assisted over 190 small businesses in enhancing their capabilities and becoming part of the military’s supply chain.
• Agreement Activity: Program activity fluctuates but remains significant. For example, in FY 2021, 50 new agreements were initiated, bringing the total active agreements to 104. In FY 2023, 19 new agreements were added, with 69 active agreements overall. DoD estimates projected continued growth in new agreements following program reauthorizations.
• Contract Value: The program facilitates significant contract activity. A Defense Business Board study noted that in FY 2021, the program represented $4.16 billion in contract value.
• Protégé Growth: Studies and program assessments indicate that participation often leads to increases in protégé revenue, contract awards (from DoD, other federal agencies, and commercial sources), and employment levels. DoD measures program success partly by the increase in contract and subcontract dollar values awarded to protégés, tracked for up to five years post-agreement.
• Strengthening the DIB: The program is recognized as a key tool for increasing the capacity, technical knowledge, and participation of innovative small businesses in the DIB, contributing to its diversity and resilience. It helps small firms overcome barriers to entry and meet DoD’s stringent requirements.

Events like the annual MPP Summit, which drew over 700 participants in 2024, further underscore the program’s active engagement with industry and its focus on building partnerships and strengthening resilience within the DIB. Initiatives like the “Pitch Perfect” competition at the summit aim to accelerate the formation of new agreements focused on critical technology areas.

Essential Resources

Navigating the DoD MPP requires access to accurate information, regulations, and points of contact. The DoD provides several official resources to guide potential and current participants. The availability of a dedicated program portal and specific contacts at both the DoD-wide and component levels creates a structured support system, though users may need to consult multiple official sources to get a complete picture.

Official Websites

• Main DoD OSBP Mentor-Protégé Program Page: This is the central hub for program information, announcements, links to resources, and access to the application portal.
  • URL: https://business.defense.gov/Programs/Mentor-Protege-Program
• DoD Component OSBP Websites: Individual military services and defense agencies maintain their own small business program pages, which often include specific information and contacts for their MPP activities. Examples include:
  • Army OSBP MPP
  • Navy OSBP MPP
  • Air Force OSBP (Navigate to MPP info)
  • DCMA Small Business (Navigate to MPP info)
  • DIA OSBP MPP
  • DLA Small Business (Navigate to MPP info)
  • DTRA MPP
  • MDA OSBP (Check site or contact POC)

Key Policy Documents

Understanding the governing rules is essential. The primary regulatory documents are:

• Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Subpart 219.71 – DoD Mentor Protégé Program: This subpart outlines the scope, policy, general procedures, and incentive structures.
  • URL: https://www.acquisition.gov/dfars/subpart-219.71-pilot-mentor-protege-program
• DFARS Appendix I – Policy and Procedures for the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program: This appendix provides detailed implementation guidance, including participant eligibility, agreement requirements, reporting, and cost principles.
  • URL: https://www.acquisition.gov/dfars/appendix-i-policy-and-procedures-dod-pilot-mentor-protege-program (Note: Link may update with DFARS revisions; always check acquisition.gov for the current version)
• 10 U.S.C. 4902: This section of the United States Code provides the statutory authority for the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program.
  • URL: Can be accessed via official government legislation websites like the U.S. House of Representatives Office of the Law Revision Counsel or Cornell’s Legal Information Institute.

Guides, Fact Sheets, and Lists

The DoD OSBP provides supplementary materials for quick reference and practical guidance:

• DoD Mentor-Protégé Program Approved Mentor List (PDF): A downloadable list of companies currently approved to serve as mentors.
  • Typically linked from: https://business.defense.gov/Programs/Mentor-Protege-Program/MPP-Resources/
• DoD Mentor-Protégé Program 1-pager (Fact Sheet): A concise overview of the program.
  • Typically linked from the main MPP page or resources section.
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Addresses common inquiries about eligibility, agreements, costs, and processes.
  • URL: https://business.defense.gov/Programs/Mentor-Protege-Program/FAQs/
• Mentor-Protégé Program Portal: The online system for mentor applications and potentially agreement submissions.
  • URL: Accessible via https://business.defense.gov/Programs/Mentor-Protege-Program/
• Component-Specific Guides: Some components, like the Department of the Navy, may publish their own detailed guidebooks. Check component OSBP websites.

Points of Contact

Direct contact information is available for inquiries:

• DoD OSBP MPP Office:
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 571-372-6191
  • Key Personnel (as of last update): Mrs. Kasey Diaz (Director), Mr. Marcus Williams (Associate Director)
• Component MPP POCs: Specific contacts within each participating service/agency handle component-level inquiries. A consolidated table provides a quick reference:

(Note: POC information can change; always verify via the official websites.)

Supporting Organizations

Several organizations often partner with or support the MPP, providing resources or acting as third-party assistance providers:

• APEX Accelerators (formerly PTACs): Offer government contracting assistance to businesses.
• Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): Provide counseling and training to small businesses.
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) / Minority Institutions (MIs): Can act as partners or provide specific expertise.
• Women’s Business Centers (WBCs): Support women entrepreneurs.
• Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (MIIs): Public-private partnerships focused on manufacturing technology, recently added as eligible assistance providers.

Awareness of these resources and contacts is crucial for effectively participating in and benefiting from the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program.

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