Mentor - Protégé Program

UII provides mentorship to Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs) through the Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP). Under the MPP, UII assists protégé firms to identify needs, provide business and technical expertise, and achieve cost efficiencies.

The Mentor-Protege Program began as a pilot in 1990 to provide incentives for major DoD prime contractors (mentors) to help SDBs (protégé) enhance their capability to compete successfully for contract awards. In October 2000, the MPP was extended to all federal departments and agencies.

Presently, over 120 firms representing a wide range of industries participate in the program, including those in environmental remediation, manufacturing, telecommunications, and healthcare. In addition to advantages the protégé derives from the mentor-protégé relationship, benefits exist for both companies such as expanded exposure to potential customers and teaming partners.