SBA Mentor-Protege Program comes to WSU Old Town
The SBA's powerful new All Small Mentor-Protege program has shifted the landscape of federal government contracts. The program allows any small business to obtain critical developmental assistance from a mentor (large or small), with the blessing of the SBA. And best of all, SBA-approved mentor-protege teams get special exceptions from the SBA's ordinary affiliation rules -- including the ability to joint venture for se-aside and sole source contracts even when the mentor is a large business.
Of course, these important new benefits don't come without strings attached. Before entering into a mentor-protege relationship, it's critical for contractors to understand the rules--both to maintain compliance, and take advantage of a special status that lasts a maximum of six years. In this program, government contracts attorney Steven Koprince provides an in-depth look at the SBA's new mentor-protege program, including requirements to participate, the application process (what is the SBA looking for?) and tips for developing a strong and successful mentor-protege relationship. The program concludes with a discussion of the special affiliation exceptions and joint venturing possibilities the All Small Mentor-Protege program affords.
The program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency.