{"id":12335,"date":"2024-10-29T12:07:43","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T16:07:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zobi.alcowep.com\/bourtagshdrevxnls658739\/nasa-relaunches-mentor-protege-program-to-fill-supply-chain-gaps\/"},"modified":"2024-10-29T12:07:43","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T16:07:43","slug":"nasa-relaunches-mentor-protege-program-to-fill-supply-chain-gaps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zobi.alcowep.com\/bourtagshdrevxnls658739\/nasa-relaunches-mentor-protege-program-to-fill-supply-chain-gaps\/","title":{"rendered":"NASA Relaunches Mentor-Prot\u00e9g\u00e9 Program to Fill Supply Chain Gaps"},"content":{"rendered":"

NASA Relaunches Mentor-Prot\u00e9g\u00e9 Program to Fill Supply Chain Gaps<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
A yellow and blue star logo stands next to text that reads \"Office of Small Business Mentor-Prot\u00e9g\u00e9 Program.\"<\/a><\/figure>
\n
Credit: NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

In an effort to grow new commercial markets that support the future of space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research, NASA is preparing to relaunch its Mentor-Prot\u00e9g\u00e9 Program for contractors on Friday, Nov. 1.<\/p>\n

The program originally was launched to encourage NASA prime contractors, or mentors, to enter into agreements with eligible small businesses, or prot\u00e9g\u00e9s. These agreements were created to enhance the prot\u00e9g\u00e9s\u2019 performance on NASA contracts and subcontracts, foster the establishment of long-term business relationships between small businesses and NASA prime contractors, and increase the overall number of small businesses that receive NASA contracts and subcontract awards.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe NASA Mentor-Prot\u00e9g\u00e9 Program is a critical enabling tool that allows experienced companies to provide business developmental assistance to emerging firms,\u201d said Dwight Deneal, assistant administrator for NASA\u2019s Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP).\u00a0\u201cThe program enables NASA to expand its industrial base of suppliers, as prime and subcontractors, to assist in executing the mission and programs throughout the agency.\u201d<\/p>\n

The program\u2019s relaunch follows an assessment of its policies and procedures by OSBP<\/a> to ensure it continues to support NASA\u2019s missions and addresses any supply chain gaps at an optimal level.<\/p>\n

To provide more information about the program and its relaunch, OSBP will host an online lunch and learn event<\/a> on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 1:00 p.m. EST. The event is open to all current and potential mentors and prot\u00e9g\u00e9s who want to learn more about changes in the program, qualifications to participate, and how to apply.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are excited about rolling out the enhanced NASA Mentor-Prot\u00e9g\u00e9 Program,\u201d said David Brock, lead small business specialist for OSBP. \u201cThe program\u2019s new focus will allow large businesses to mentor smaller firms in key areas that align with NASA\u2019s mission and opportunities within the agency\u2019s supply chain.\u201d<\/p>\n

One key change expands eligibility to all small businesses, in addition to minority-serving institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Ability One entities. This expansion enables the program to support an inclusive environment for more small businesses and underserved communities to interact with NASA and its contractors.<\/p>\n

The program also will focus on engaging businesses within a select number of North American Industry Classifications System (NAICS) codes and specific industry sectors, such as research and development and aerospace manufacturing. These adjustments will allow the program to better support NASA\u2019s long-term strategic goals and mission success.<\/p>\n

The program is designed to benefit both the mentor and the prot\u00e9g\u00e9 by fostering productive networking and contract opportunities. In a mentor-prot\u00e9g\u00e9 agreement, mentors build relationships with small businesses, developing a subcontracting base and accruing credit toward their small business subcontracting goals. In addition, prot\u00e9g\u00e9s receive technical and developmental assistance while also gaining sole-source contracts from mentors and additional contracting opportunities.<\/p>\n

NASA is responsible for the administration and management of each agreement. The OSBP oversees the program and conducts semi-annual performance reviews to monitor progress and accomplishments made as a result of the mentor-prot\u00e9g\u00e9 agreement.<\/p>\n

To apply to be a mentor, companies must be a current NASA prime contractor with an approved small business contracting plan. Companies also must be eligible for the receipt of government contracts and be categorized under certain NAICS codes. Potential prot\u00e9g\u00e9s must certify as a small business within NAICS size standards.<\/p>\n

Find more information about participating in NASA\u2019s Mentor-Prot\u00e9g\u00e9 Program at:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/osbp\/mentor-protege-program<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Share<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n