Sens. Joni Ernst and Martin Heinrich unveiled a bill to allow the continuation of the Department of Defense’s Mentor-Protege Program. The Defense Small Business Advancement Act will assist small businesses that serve as suppliers to private companies, civilian agencies and DoD customers through mentorship efforts from seasoned contractors, the office of Sen. Heinrich said Tuesday.
Scope of mentor services will include managerial, technical and business development assistance to protege companies. The legislation will also enable mentors to seek assistance through universities, institutions, procurement technical assistance centers and small business development centers.Â
“This bill gives small businesses an opportunity to partner with larger defense companies who have the resources and experience to navigate the procurement process and compete for contracts, which will create good paying jobs in our communities and provide better products for the Department of Defense,” said Sen. Heinrich.