NASA is set to relaunch its Mentor-Protégé Program for contractors on Nov. 1 to boost the growth of commercial markets supporting the future of space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research.
The agency said Tuesday the program aims to encourage NASA prime contractors to partner with small businesses on various contracts and subcontract awards to enhance the protégés’ performance through technical and developmental assistance from the mentors. The program also intends to help the mentors and protégés develop long-term business relationships and build more networking and contract opportunities while reducing gaps in the supply chain.
The relaunched program will be open to all small businesses, underserved communities and minority-serving institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Ability One entities. The program will also focus on North American Industry Classifications System codes and specific industry sectors like research and development and aerospace manufacturing.
NASA will manage each mentor-protégé partnership while the agency’s Office of Small Business Programs will oversee the program. Performance reviews will be held semi-annually to monitor the progress of each agreement.
Dwight Deneal, assistant administrator of the OSBP, stated, “The NASA Mentor-Protégé Program is a critical enabling tool that allows experienced companies to provide business developmental assistance to emerging firms. The 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.”
An online lunch and learn event will be held on Nov. 7 at 1:00 p.m. EST to provide more information about the program.