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    The Pennsylvania Department of General Services launched its inaugural Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) in May 2024.   It has shown itself to be successful at helping small businesses (SBs), small diverse businesses (SDBs), and veteran business enterprises (VBEs) compete more effectively for Commonwealth contracts.

    Under this initiative, each Protégé is paired with a seasoned prime contractor mentor who provides one-on-one support in business management, contract bidding, and procurement navigation.

    In the first cohort, 15 business participants participated in programming focused on IT services, business development, procurement readiness, leadership, and strategic planning — culminating in their graduation in May 2025.

    Effective August 26, 2025, the Shapiro-Davis Administration has launched the second cohort of the Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP). MPP cohorts  invite businesses to partner as  protégés with experienced contractors to build skills and enhance competitiveness in Commonwealth contracting under the ITQ (Invitation to Qualify) framework.  Individual cohorts have approximately 1-year durations. In the coming months, this new cohort will receive targeted mentoring on navigating procurement, meeting contract requirements, and pursuing growth opportunities

    Eligibility and Application

    • Mentors must be active Commonwealth prime contractors in good standing with at least one contract award of $300,000 or more in the past three years.
    • Protégés must be verified as a Small Diverse Business (SDB) or Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) by DGS and listed on Consulting Services ITQ #4400007410 (Commodity Code 84110000-ITQ-33).

    Other Requirements

    • Registered in PRISM Compliance Management (Prism Portal) platform as a DGS-verified SDB/VBE Vendor
    • In good standing - not on suspension or on State Debarment/CRP (Commonwealth’s Contractor Responsibility Program (CRP) database) list
    • Minimum Revenue of $150,000 in prior business year
    • Business must be a for-profit business concern
    • Attend one solicitation event (i.e., supplier forum, pre-proposal conference or pre-bid conference) 
    • Complete all PRISM Business Training Modules

    Interested vendors who are not currently registered Consulting Services ITQ vendors can begin the ITQ registration process by following this guide. For additional program questions or MPP eligibility please contact Charlie White, MPP Manager, at charliwhit@pa.gov for more information.

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