USAF Fiscal Year 2025 Mentor Protege Program Open Call
Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA7014 AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON PKANDREWS AFB, MD, 20762-6604, USA
Timeline
  1. 1
    Posted Nov 27, 2024, 12:00 AM UTC
  2. 2
    Updated Feb 28, 2025, 12:00 AM UTC
  3. 3
    Due Mar 14, 2025, 7:00 PM UTC
Description

The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force, is issuing an Open Call for its Fiscal Year 2025 Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) aimed at enhancing the capabilities of small businesses to perform under DoD contracts. The program seeks to establish partnerships between Mentor Firms and Protégé Firms, focusing on providing technical and business support to foster small business participation in federal contracts, particularly for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). Interested parties must submit a Tentative Agreement Package, including a comprehensive needs assessment and developmental assistance approach, by January 31, 2025, with funding requests potentially reaching up to 25% of the Protégé's annual budget. For further inquiries, contact Moira X. McLaughlin at Moira.McLaughlin.1@us.af.mil or 703-304-8961.

Point(s) of Contact
Files
Title
Posted
The Department of the Air Force's Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) provides a template for potential mentors and protégés to establish developmental assistance agreements. The document outlines the necessary sections, starting with solicitation information, followed by the proposed agreement details, including the agreement type (reimbursable, credit, or hybrid), cost estimates, and period of performance—capped at 36 months. Further sections cover mentor and protégé eligibility requirements, their respective backgrounds, qualifications, past performance, and the detailed developmental assistance strategy. The mentor firm's eligibility focuses on previous approval from the Department of Defense (DoD), while the protégé firm must demonstrate its status as a disadvantaged small business under defined criteria. Additionally, the template requires a comprehensive needs assessment, documenting the protégé’s specific requirements for engineering and business development assistance. The outcome should align with DoD operational goals and enhance the protégé's capabilities. Finally, the document emphasizes the importance of collaboration and progress evaluation throughout the mentorship period, ensuring substantial contribution to small business development within defense contracting. Overall, this template serves as a structured approach for fostering growth among small businesses through mentorship in the defense sector.
The Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protégé Program's Pilot Protégé Initiative (PPI) aims to enhance protégé firms' capabilities in engineering, software development, and manufacturing customization to support DoD systems. Established under Pub. L. 117-63, it allows protégé firms to propose projects that can be financially supported, up to 25% of the mentor's annual budget from reimbursable agreements effective July 1, 2023. Eligible protégé firms must meet existing participation criteria, while mentor firms need an approved Mentor-Protégé Agreement (MPA). The initiative covers developmental activities directly related to DoD technologies and mandates tracking of eligible expenses by protégé firms. To apply, mentor-protégé teams must submit proposals demonstrating the project's relevance to DoD requirements and detailing associated costs. Following this, proposals undergo assessments by program managers and contracting officers, with the final approval from the DoD MPP Director. The funding process requires cost proposals and ensures that mentor firms aren't responsible for how funds are utilized by protégés. Mentors must provide periodic progress reports on developmental activities and expenses. Overall, the PPI aims to bolster the defense industrial base while adhering to federal regulations and ensuring accountability for expenditures.
The document outlines the submission requirements for the DAF MPP Proposed Agreement Package, providing a comprehensive checklist to ensure compliance with formatting and content specifications. The Tentative Agreement Package must be concise, capped at 55 pages, using 12-point font or larger. It excludes multimedia attachments and must not exceed 8 megabytes unless approved. Key submission components include an Executive Overview (1 page), detailed information on the proposed agreement (35 pages), a Comprehensive Needs Assessment (separate attachment), and various endorsements and approvals, all following designated templates. Specific requirements for each section are outlined, with flexibility for certain attachments to be excluded from page limits. Overall, the document serves to guide applicants in preparing a complete proposal complying with the Department of Defense's expectations for grants and RFPs, facilitating a structured evaluation process of submissions.
This document presents a comprehensive capabilities and needs assessment for a government-related organization. It evaluates various business functions such as financial management, human resources, contract management, proposal development, and engineering capabilities. The ratings indicate varying levels of proficiency, ranging from "red" (need significant improvement) to "green" (good), highlighting areas like purchasing processes, government customer support, and contract management as needing development. The assessment underscores the organization's existing knowledge in commercial markets while revealing limitations in dealing with federal requirements, biotech applications, and government technologies. It identifies the necessity for further training in working with federal systems, especially regarding cybersecurity and adhering to health regulations. Additionally, the document emphasizes the need for efficient management of budgets and cost controls as the organization increases its participation in government contracts. Overall, the assessment aims to pinpoint weaknesses and training needs to strategically position the organization for success in securing and executing government contracts and grants.
This document outlines a Developmental Assistance Approach in the context of federal government programs, specifically focusing on Engineering and Technical Assistance, General Business Management Assistance, and Program Management Activities. It provides a structured framework to facilitate collaboration between Protégés and Mentors in executing various tasks outlined in multiple work breakdown structures (WBS). The document is organized into tasks across three main activity categories, detailing the performance expectation for each task alongside the assignment of personnel (Protégé, Mentor, Authorized Subcontractor). Each task includes descriptions intended to enhance training and on-the-job experiences, ensuring the effective integration of classroom knowledge with practical applications. The purpose of this developmental framework is to improve technology transfer, business management, and program management skills in alignment with federal grant objectives and RFP requirements. This initiative serves as a roadmap for organizations to engage in developmental assistance, promoting enhanced capabilities and fostering professional growth within government contracting scenarios. The repetitive structure across the base year and option years demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and sustainability in program delivery.
The "Key Personnel Addendum" outlines the personnel associated with a government initiative, detailing their roles within Mentor, Protégé, and Authorized Subcontractors. Each section lists individuals, their program responsibilities, positions, years of experience, educational backgrounds, and contact information. The document is structured into multiple attachments, each representing different stakeholder groups involved in the program. There are sections for Mentor personnel, Protégé personnel, and three categories of authorized subcontractors, as well as other contractor organizations. Each entry emphasizes the qualifications and experience of the listed personnel, which is pivotal for understanding the capabilities and resources available for fulfilling federal grants or RFP obligations. This information is essential for the government to evaluate the expertise and reliability of the parties involved in the proposal process, ensuring that the selected teams are equipped to meet program requirements.
The document outlines the proposal for Protégé technology as a potential supplier, focusing on engineering and technical assistance tasks alongside general business development efforts. It specifies the need to identify major tasks in a non-technical manner. A cost breakdown is provided for three years, detailing estimated costs and percentages for engineering, technical assistance, and authorized subcontractor utilization. The narrative emphasizes the developmental assistance objectives, aligning the agreement with Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Air Force (DAF) needs. The benefits to the Warfighter, Mentor, and Protégé are highlighted, including future opportunities resulting from this collaboration. Key information includes the names and locations of the Mentor and Protégé, along with authorized subcontractors involved. Overall, the proposal illustrates the strategic partnership intended to enhance capabilities and support military requirements through effective resource allocation and development.
The Department of Defense (DoD) Protégé Pilot Initiative aims to support Protégé firms involved in reimbursable agreements by funding projects that advance engineering, software development, or manufacturing customization for the War Fighter. Funding requests can be up to 25% of the Protégé's annual budget, with an additional 3% for mentorship costs. The Mentor bears no liability for the use of funds but must endorse the application. The Protégé must meet project milestones to continue receiving funding. The initiative is a part of the NDAA 2023, promoting collaboration between Mentor and Protégé firms focused on technology integration for DoD programs. The application includes detailed requirements such as project descriptions, milestone schedules, cost estimations, and firm information, seeking a qualitative and quantitative return on investment (ROI). The application process reinforces accountability through regular status reporting by the Protégé and emphasizes the importance of technology development within the defense supplier base while ensuring that any developed technology rights remain with the Protégé.
The Protégé Pilot Initiative (PPI) Cost Spreadsheet Instructions provide a framework for detailing and substantiating cost proposals submitted to the Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs. The document outlines necessary components for cost estimates, including quotes, descriptions of methods used, and documentation for subcontractor proposals. Key tabs in the accompanying Excel workbook include sections for program summary, facility and equipment costs, labor, subcontractor, material costs, and other direct costs (ODC). Each section requires specific information, such as company names, agreement details, expense descriptions, manufacturer data, cost breakdowns, purchase dates, and scheduling timelines for installation and testing. The goal of the spreadsheet is to ensure completeness and clarity in cost proposals, facilitating a comprehensive evaluation by defense authorities. The instructions emphasize accurate data entry to enable auto-population of totals, with detailed recording for each element tied to project funding. This initiative aims to support small business growth by providing a structured approach to contract pricing, ultimately enhancing program success across various technology areas.
The document outlines examples of Engineering and Technical Assistance provided under the Department of the Air Force's Mentor Protégé Program. It details various categories of assistance, including Technical Program Management, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Quality Management, Operational Excellence, and more. Each category encompasses numerous subfields, such as software development methodologies, quality management systems, continuous improvement processes, artificial intelligence, and data management strategies. The document serves as a guideline for potential mentors and protégés to understand the breadth of assistance available while emphasizing that the specifics of support are at the discretion of the Mentor. Importantly, it does not endorse or imply approval for any particular service or methodology. The structured approach allows for an array of technical competencies to be leveraged, harmonizing with the federal government's objectives in enhancing industry capabilities through collaboration. The purpose aligns with government RFPs and federal grants by facilitating partnerships between larger, established entities and smaller, emerging businesses, promoting innovation, technology transfer, and workforce development.
The document outlines the General Business Development Assistance provided under the Department of the Air Force's Mentor Protégé Program. It delineates various categories of support available to assist businesses in development, including organizational management, planning, change management, business development strategies, sales, human resource and financial management, and legal compliance. Each category is further categorized into detailed activities such as strategic planning, market research, contract negotiation, and employee motivation. Key concepts include the importance of effective organizational management, various types of planning (strategic, tactical, operational, and contingency), and the role of marketing principles (7Ps) in business development. Additionally, the document underscores the need for understanding contract regulations specific to government dealings and ethical business practices. The purpose of the document is to offer guidance and examples of the available assistance to help businesses navigate the complexities of federal contracting and improve their operational capabilities, thus enhancing their competitiveness in response to government RFPs and grants. This initiative exemplifies the federal commitment to fostering small business growth through mentorship and resource sharing.
Feb 28, 2025, 8:05 PM UTC
The Department of the Air Force's Mentor Protégé Program (MPP) aims to assist disadvantaged small businesses (Protégé Firms) in securing prime and subcontract awards by partnering with eligible companies (Mentor Firms). The program fosters long-term business relationships to strengthen the small business Defense Industrial Base by offering developmental assistance in business management, engineering, and technical services. Eligible Mentor Firms must have considerable experience, proven financial health, and a history of federal contracts. Protégé Firms, categorized as disadvantaged, must be able to demonstrate eligibility for federal contracting and meet specific criteria, such as being a HUBZone or a women-owned business. The MPP also includes the Protégé Pilot Initiative, which allows Protégé Firms to receive reimbursement for certain costs, incentivizing investments in technology readiness for Department of Defense systems. Applications are invited until January 31, 2025, aiming to align with DoD mission needs. The program's ultimate goal is to enhance the capabilities and competitiveness of small businesses within the aerospace and defense sectors, facilitating compliance with government contracting requirements and creating opportunities for innovation.
The Department of the Air Force's Mentor Protégé Program (MPP) provides guidance on funding applications for mentorship in small businesses. Key topics include the distinction between administrative costs and business development assistance, eligibility requirements for mentors and protégés, and reimbursement details for developmental activities. The program allows up to $500,000 annually to assist protégés with costs related to engineering and technical support. Applications are submitted through a dedicated portal, and historically, all acceptable submissions have been funded due to available budgets. The MPP does not limit firms to authorized subcontractors if conditions of cost thresholds are met. Proprietary information can be included if properly marked. The guidelines specify that Letters of Support are optional, and a detailed needs assessment is necessary. Importantly, while the maximum funding is noted, it can exceed $500,000 with proper justification. Overall, this document serves as an FAQ resource for applicants, outlining processes, addressing common concerns, and facilitating participation in the program by clarifying requirements and evaluation criteria essential for navigating federal grants and RFPs. Responses emphasize transparency and support for small businesses while encouraging compliance and thorough documentation throughout the application process.
The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is issuing an Open Call for its Fiscal Year 2025 Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) aimed at enhancing small businesses' capabilities to perform under Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. The MPP employs a two-step process starting with a Tentative Agreement Package submission that includes a comprehensive needs assessment and developmental assistance approach. Successful candidates will enter into Mentor Protégé Agreements (MPAs) where Mentor Firms provide technical and business support to Protégé Firms. Eligible Mentor Firms can collaborate with Protégé Firms to boost small business participation in federal contracts and integrate technology readiness. The program emphasizes partnerships between small businesses and major DoD contractors, with particular support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). The initiative encourages submissions detailing the mentoring process and anticipated benefits, with a focus on developing strategic capabilities aligned with DoD goals. Tentative Agreement Packages are due by January 31, 2025, after which selected proposals will be invited for further technical and cost evaluation, leading to contract awards based on funding availability. This program underscores the DAF's commitment to fortifying the small business industrial base to support its mission.
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