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Mentor-Protégé Program

What is IT?

The Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP):

  • Will enhance the ability of Small Diverse Businesses (SDBs) to compete for Commonwealth non-highway capital construction and supplies and services procurement opportunities. The program expands BDISBO’s efforts to identify and respond to the developmental needs of SDBs.
  • Will encourage prime contractors and/or suppliers to provide developmental assistance to DGS-verified SDBs to help them successfully solicit and perform on Commonwealth contracts. The MPP will help SDBs operating in Pennsylvania grow by improving the technical and business capabilities necessary to compete for the Commonwealth’s prime contract and subcontract awards.
  • Is voluntary. BDISBO will assist Protégés who cannot find a Mentor. To the extent possible, the MPP will either match Mentor and Protégé businesses of the same field, discipline, and geographic region or will allow the Mentor to pair with a Protégé of their own choosing. A pairing – whether established independently or with BDISBO’s assistance - will not create a contract between the Mentor and Protégé.

Once a Mentor and Protégé are matched and agree to enter into the MPP, they will enter into a “Mentor Protégé Program Agreement” (MPP Agreement) which will define the relationship between the Mentor and Protégé firms and any developmental goals identified by the participants.

In addition, the Mentor and Protégé must be able to meet the obligations outlined in the MPP Agreement.

The MPP Agreement term will be for up to 2-years with renewal options as agreed to by both parties.

Why become involved

Mentors who are current/active and in compliance with all MPP terms and obligations may receive the following benefits for participating in the MPP:

  1. Receipt of a recognition award based upon a Mentor’s level of participation; and
  2. Invitation to an awards ceremony where annual awards will be presented to the Mentor-Protégé team that has demonstrated exceptional teamwork and to the Mentor that provides the most effective developmental support to a Protégé. BDISBO, in consultation, with DGS’s senior management, will solicit nominations from participating Mentors and Protégés to determine the award winners.

Protégé's may receive the following benefits for participating in the MPP:

  1. Receipt of a recognition award based on a Protégé’s level of participation;
  2. Invitation to an awards ceremony where annual awards will be presented to the Mentor-Protégé team that has demonstrated exceptional teamwork and to the Mentor that provides the most effective developmental support to a Protégé. BDISBO, in consultation, with DGS’s senior management, will solicit nominations from participating Mentors and Protégés to determine the award winners; and
  3. Invaluable guidance and business development assistance which includes personalized support and direction in navigating the Commonwealth’s procurement process from a successful, experienced Commonwealth supplier – the Mentor.

What are the eligibility requirements?

How do I apply?

Resources