FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2019

State Seeks Businesses for Mentor-Protégé Program

Helps Small Diverse Businesses to Compete for State Contract Opportunities

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of General Services Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO) is accepting applications for businesses interested in participating in the statewide Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP). The application period runs through February 22, 2019.

The objective of the MPP is to pair prime contractors and/or suppliers with DGS-verified Small Diverse Businesses (SDBs) to provide developmental assistance and help them successfully solicit and perform on commonwealth supplies and services procurement contracts and non-highway capital construction projects. Small Diverse Businesses are those owned by minorities, women, LGBT, veterans and people with disabilities.

Businesses interested in serving as mentors and/or protégés are being sought. Firms interested in participating in the MPP must submit an MPP Application/Agreement. 

Applicants may submit in pairs or individually.  Non-paired MPP Agreements will be reviewed for matching by the BDISBO office based on availability.  Once paired, the mentor and protégé enter into an official agreement for a one-year period that defines the relationship and any developmental goals identified by the participants.

Program slots are limited, so businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For more information or to fill out the application visit the DISBO Mentor-Protégé Program Application page online.

BDISBO implements programs to increase contracting opportunities for small and small diverse businesses.

BDISBO also provides training, technical assistance, and support for small and small diverse business owners to help them compete for prime and sub-contracting opportunities with the goal of promoting the economic growth and success of these businesses. In addition, the bureau is also responsible for ensuring that contractual commitments are maintained, during the contract term, through compliance monitoring activities. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Troy Thompson, DGS, 717-787-3197