The Department of General Services (DGS) is excited to announce a pilot Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) launching in FY24. This new pilot program supplements the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) Program by providing an additional capacity building opportunity by fostering richer technical and back of house training through mentoring relationships with more established construction firms.
Background
Over the past few years, DGS has been collaborating with subject matter experts in the District to develop an innovative approach to expand economic opportunity for small businesses through District contracting. This program not only leverages the spirit of the CBE Program, but it provides an additional opportunity to build capacity, further contributing to an already vibrant and robust small business ecosystem.
District-funded projects managed by DGS represent substantial business opportunities for CBEs, specifically small business enterprises (SBEs) and equity impact enterprises (EIEs). The variety of projects managed by DGS provides small businesses with both prime contracting and subcontracting opportunities. This program will allow for small or inexperienced CBE protégés to be mentored by more experienced vendors, thus improving the CBE protégés’ skillsets.
Mentor-Protégé Program Purpose
The purpose of the Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) is to:
- Encourage seasoned mentors to provide developmental assistance to less experienced CBE protégés;
- Enhance the core capabilities of CBE protégé s working on DGS projects at the prime and subcontractor level for the short- and long-term;
- Build a pipeline for CBE protégés to learn what is necessary to successfully deliver projects as prime contractors;
- Increase and enhance the capacity of CBE protégés to successfully deliver larger District projects as prime contractors; and
- Foster long-term business relationships.
Requirements:
A. Mentor Eligibility:
- Must have “clean hands” and be in “good standing” with the District;
- Must be eligible for award of government contracts;
- Must be able to provide developmental assistance that will enhance the ability of protégés to perform as prime contractors or subcontractors;
- Must have a history of prompt payment to subcontractors as defined by DC Code
- §27-134;
- Must not be under a debarment or suspension action pursuant to DC Code § 2– 359.07; and
- Must provide their 3 largest contracts over the past 3 years.
B. Protégé Eligibility:
- Must be a CBE certified by Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) with an SBE designation;
- Must have “clean hands” and be in “good standing” with the District;
- Must be eligible for contract awards;
- Preferable that protégé has performed on a contract award within the past three years, but is not required;
- Must not be under a debarment or suspension action as described in DC Code § 2– 359.07;
- Must be selected by the mentor; and
- Must be able to provide three (3) years of business tax returns.
Featured MPP Projects (additional projects may be added based on availability and interest):
Burroughs Elementary School – Solicitation date = November 2023
Whittier Education Campus – Solicitation date = November 2023
Park View Recreation Center – Solicitation date = February 2024
How to Participate:
- Complete the MPP Agreement, including signatures from both the mentor and protégé, and provide any requested supporting documentation. This should be submitted with the response to any featured MPP project solicitation.
- Respond to the featured MPP Program solicitation as with any construction solicitation.
- Once notified of contract award, the mentor and protégé must fully participate in the pilot program as stipulated in the MPP Agreement AND complete all aspects of construction as stipulated in the executed contract.
Additional Information
Any questions related to the Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) may be directed to Claudia Barahona, CBE Inclusion Officer, at (202) 576-5557 or [email protected]. For more information on this exciting new program, please see the additional information below: