DoD Mentor-Protégé Program (DFARS 219.7100)
U.S. Department of Defense — Office of Small Business Programs
Varies by agreement
DoD-reimbursed mentoring for defense-industry small businesses
The DoD Mentor-Protégé Program provides reimbursable incentives — credits against DoD contracts or direct reimbursement — to large DoD prime contractors (Mentors) that provide business development assistance to qualified small businesses (Protégés). Protégés are typically 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, or disadvantaged small businesses. Assistance can include technical, financial, management, and manufacturing training. The Protégé does not apply directly; the Mentor applies on behalf of the relationship. This is a supply chain diversification and subcontractor development program, not a direct cash grant to SMBs.
- Funding type
- Program
- Level
- Federal
- Amount
- DoD reimburses Mentor prime contractors for costs incurred providing assistance to Protégés — reimbursement can total $1M–$5M+ over a multi-year Mentor-Protégé Agreement. Protégé companies receive the assistance (training, technical support, management development, capital access) as the benefit; they do not receive direct cash from DoD.
- Realistic amount
- Protégé small businesses receive business development assistance valued at $100K–$1M+ over the program period. Common de…
- Deadline
- Rolling — Mentor-Protégé Agreements are approved on a rolling basis by the DoD Office of Small Business Programs. Agreements are multi-year (typically 2–3 years). Apply when you have identified a willing Mentor prime contractor.
- Status
- active
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- subsidized services
Who qualifies
- Protégé must be a small business under SBA size standards for its primary NAICS code
- Protégé must hold at least ONE of the following certifications or qualifications: SBA 8(a) program participant, HUBZone-certified, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB), or be otherwise socially and economically disadvantaged
- Protégé must be registered in SAM.gov with an active UEI
- Mentor must be a large business (not a small business) that holds DoD prime contracts
- The Mentor-Protégé relationship must be formalized in a written Mentor-Protégé Agreement approved by the DoD OSBP before assistance begins
- Each Mentor may have no more than three Protégés at a time under most service-specific programs
- Protégé companies cannot be currently debarred or suspended from federal contracting
Hard requirements
- Must be incorporated
- Requires federal certification: 8a, hubzone, sdvosb, wosb, edwosb
- 51%+ US ownership required
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Technical, management, financial, quality, and manufacturing training and assistance provided by the Mentor
- Joint venture formation and support
- Loans or equity investments from the Mentor to the Protégé (allowed under the program)
- Assistance with federal certifications (ISO, CMMC, AS9100)
- Introduction to DoD contracting officers and procurement networks
- Assistance with accounting systems and financial management (required for DCAA audit readiness)
Ineligible expenses
- Direct cash payments from DoD to the Protégé (funds go to the Mentor for reimbursement of assistance costs)
- Assistance unrelated to the Protégé's development as a DoD subcontractor or prime
- Assistance to Protégés that don't hold a qualifying certification
How to apply
-
1
Obtain qualifying certification
Confirm you hold at least one required certification: SBA 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or WOSB/EDWOSB. If you don't, apply for certification through SBA before pursuing a Mentor-Protégé relationship. Certification can take 3–6 months.
~20 hrs
-
2
Identify a willing Mentor prime contractor
Find a large DoD prime contractor willing to serve as your Mentor. Mentors benefit from DoD reimbursement for their assistance costs, so there is incentive on their side. Network through DoD small business events, prime contractor supplier diversity offices, and defense industry trade associations. The DoD OSBP provides a Mentor directory on its website.
~40 hrs
-
3
Negotiate the Mentor-Protégé Agreement
Work with the Mentor to draft the Mentor-Protégé Agreement — a formal document describing the assistance to be provided, developmental objectives, milestones, and the period of performance. The agreement must cover specific, measurable business development goals for the Protégé.
~20 hrs
-
4
Submit agreement to DoD OSBP for approval
The Mentor submits the draft Mentor-Protégé Agreement to the DoD OSBP for approval. DoD reviews the proposed assistance for substance and eligibility. Approval typically takes 60–90 days. Once approved, assistance can begin and the Mentor can claim reimbursement.
~5 hrs
-
5
Execute the program and submit annual reports
Participate in the agreed assistance activities. Submit annual progress reports to DoD OSBP documenting assistance provided, Protégé progress, and outcomes. Annual report submission is required to maintain the agreement.
~8 hrs
Industry & certifications
NAICS codes: 336411, 541330, 541519, 332995, 541512
Certifications required: 8A HUBZONE SDVOSB WOSB EDWOSB
Finding a willing Mentor is the real gate — attend DoD small business days and prime contractor supplier diversity events before anything else.
Deadline & timing
There is no annual competition deadline. The Mentor prime contractor initiates the application process by submitting a proposed Mentor-Protégé Agreement to the DoD Office of Small Business Programs. Approval is rolling. The Protégé must be identified and willing before the application begins. Agreement duration is typically 24–36 months with options for extension.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.