The ‘All Small Mentor-Protégé’ program offers participants huge advantages when it comes to having the ability to do some serious federal contracting. Because of this, 39% of the program’s participants are SDVOSB, while 36% are 8(a) certified. Under the All Small Program firms with these certifications (or other Federal SBA Certifications) can partner with larger businesses. This gives the large business partner firm the benefit of being able to contract as a small business SDVOSB, 8(a) or other, while utilizing all the past experience and certifications that both firms bring to the table.

Purpose in Joining the ‘All Small’ Program as an SDVOSB or 8(a) Firm

Your small business can gain capabilities and federal experience by working with a large experienced government contractor. This is done through the ‘All Small Mentor-Protégé’ program.

Mentors and protégés in the ‘All Small’ program can form joint venture partnerships. These partnerships then gain the large benefit of being able to qualify for all set-aside contracts in which the small business is eligible. This includes contracts set-aside for Veteran-Owned, SDVOSB, 8(a) or others.

Benefits to Protégés in the ‘All Small Mentor-Protégé’ Program for Firms:

1. Guidance on Business Management – such as bolstering the firms accounting function, marketing and or federal marketing expertise, improvements in manufacturing process, as well as learning how to develop strategic plans.

2. Financial Assistance – this can take the form of equipment investment loans or additional bonding.

3. Federal Contract Navigation – such as learning better techniques in contract bidding, acquisition, and federal performance review process.

4. Market Research – this can take the form of education about international trade, strategic planning, and finding federal markets.

5. Business Development – this can include strategy and identifying contracting and partnership opportunities

6. General and Administrative Assistance - human resource sharing or gaining security clearances can be utilized as part of the agreement.

‘All Small’ Program Qualifications (small business/protégé):

1. Protégé must be a small business that has experience in the industry in which the joint venture is formed to seek contracts.

2. The protégé firm must have a proposed mentor for the joint venture.

3. The protégé should be organized as a for-profit business or as an agricultural cooperative.

4. The protégé is not permitted to have more than two mentors in the business’ lifetime.

‘All Small’ Program Qualifications (large business/mentor):

1. The mentor must be organized as a for profit or as an agricultural cooperative.

2. Have no more than three protégés at any point in time.

Requirements for Approval by the SBA of the Mentor-Protégé Agreement:

* The SBA must make a determination that the mentor will provide meaningful assistance to the development of the protégé. Therefore, the partnership cannot simply act as a contracting vehicle for the large business to partake in small business set-aside contracts.

* The SBA must find that there are not any control or affiliation issues that exist between the mentor and the protégé.

The SBA ‘All Small’ program is becoming increasingly popular with 345 SDVOSB and 321 8(a) firms participating since the beginning of FY2016. With sales well into the billions, it can be an amazing catalyst for growth for your small business.

If you would like to go over the qualifications needed for an SDVOSB and/or 8(a) Certification, I recommend contacting the industry experts at ez8a. They do not charge for an initial phone consultation and can be reached at (859)442-3300.