SBA Mentor Protege Program Attorneys 13 CFR 125.9

Washington DC SBA Mentor Protege Program & Joint Venture 13 CFR 125.9Helping Mentors and Proteges Nationwide to Navigate the SBA Mentor Protege Program While Avoiding costly Legal Mistakes and Criminal Exposure 

At Watson & Associates, LLC, our seasoned government contract lawyers are well-versed in the intricacies of the SBA mentor protege program. This 13 CFR 125.9 initiative empowers small businesses (proteges) through strategic alliances with more experienced firms (mentors). Our mentor-protégé lawyers play a pivotal role in guiding clients through the program’s requirements and leveraging opportunities for the joint venture growth.

Our Attorneys Help Small Businesses and Mentors Solve Complex Problems

When companies are investigated or criminally charged for violation of SBA mentor protege agreement rules, government contractor fraud or some other allegation during a government investigation, our SBA attorneys defend against allegations of procurement fraud. When companies dispute the other’s obligations under the mentor protege agreement, our government attorneys step and try to resolve the dispute quickly.

SBA Mentor Qualifications

To qualify as a mentor under the SBA Mentor Protege Program, your business must:

  • Be organized for profit or as an agricultural cooperative
  • Be able to carry out its responsibilities to assist the protégé
  • Possess good character
  • Not appear on the federal list of debarred or suspended contractors
  • Be able to impart value to a protégé firm due to lessons learned and practical experience gained or through its knowledge of general business operations and government contracting.

 Protégés Qualifications in the SBA Mentor Protégé Program 13 CFR 125.9

The small business protege be able to show the minimum requirements when applying to the SBA mentor protege program.

(1) Qualification as a small business under SBA standards. See 13 CFR 121.101.

(2) Possession of industry experience and a viable business model; and

(3) the ability to benefit from mentorship relationships in business development, government contracting, and technical expertise.

Our government contract SBA Mentor Program lawyers are adept at ensuring both mentors and protégés understand their roles, responsibilities, and the program’s guidelines, facilitating fruitful partnerships under the SBA mentor-protégé program.

Many companies choose to develop their own mentor protege agreements. However, meeting the requirements of 13 CFR 125.9 can be tricky to say the least. Having an experienced government contracts mentor protege lawyer on your team can minimize the chance of being investigated for government contract procurement and fraud, and other unpleasant experiences.  The same is true for establishing a joint venture, which is also part of forming the mentor protege relationship.

You Must Have a Joint Venture Agreement in Addition to Your Mentor Protege Agreement – See Information About Joint Venture Agreements

Mentor-Protégé Duration

As a government contractor, your Mentor-Protégé Agreement can last up to six years from the date of SBA approval. If your initial mentor-protégé agreement is for less than six years, it may be extended by mutual agreement and notification to SBA prior to the expiration date.

If you are a protégé, you are allowed to have two mentors at the same time—as long as those relationships do not conflict or compete with each other. However, a protégé can have no more than two mentors over the business’s life.

Expanding Opportunities: DOD and Small Business Mentor-Protégé Programs

Our expertise also shines in the small business mentor-protégé program. Designed to foster growth and development for small businesses in defense contracting, this program requires mentors to offer substantial assistance to their protégés. Our mentor-protégé lawyers assist clients in navigating these partnerships and ensuring compliance with DOD-specific requirements.

The DOD mentor-protégé program further extends these opportunities, allowing small businesses to gain valuable insights and support from established contractors. Our team ensures that participation in this program is optimized, guiding both mentors and protégés through the process.

Avoid SBA Fraud and Mentor Protege False Claims Act Exposure

When companies enter into an MPA agreement, sometimes the relationships go sour, either the mentor or protege are seriously violating the rules. This can cause law enforcement agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Offices of Inspector General (OIG) to open Procurement Fraud and False Claims Act investigations. Our Government contracting Mentor Protege lawyers understand the MPA requirements. The law firm can assist with Civil Investigative Demands (CID), criminal subpoenas  and procurement fraud defense.

Key Aspects of DOD and Small Business Mentor-Protégé Programs

  • Eligibility criteria specific to defense contracting
  • Emphasis on providing developmental assistance
  • Focus on enhancing the capabilities of small businesses in government contracting

Mitigating Risks: Avoiding Government Contractor Procurement Fraud Resulting from the SBA Mentor Protege Program Relationship

An essential part of our service as government contract mentor protege lawyers is advising clients on avoiding procurement fraud. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and SBA OIG are aggressively looking into mentor protege joint venture relationships for indications of government fraud. As a result, they may issue civil investigative demands (CIDs) or subpoenas in criminal cases. Our law firm can help respond to either of those items. If you are subject to an investigation stemming from the SBA Mentor Protege Program relationship, contact our mentor protege fraud defense attorneys at 1.866.601.5518 immediately.

Common mistakes leading to such investigations and criminal allegations include:

  • Misrepresentation of business size or status
  • Violation of subcontracting limitations
  • Inaccuracies in bid proposals or contract performance reporting

Our SBA mentor-protégé lawyers play a critical role in educating clients on legal compliance and safeguarding against actions that could lead to procurement fraud allegations.

Why Choose Watson & Associates, LLC Mentor Protege Joint Venture Laws?

Expert Guidance (30 Years in the Federal Marketplace): Our government contract lawyers and SBA mentor-protégé lawyers are experienced in mentorship in federal contracting laws, offering tailored advice and strategies.

Comprehensive Services: We provide a full spectrum of services, from navigating the SBA and DOD mentor-protégé program, contractor SBA legal assistance, to defending against procurement fraud allegations.

Commitment to Clients: As Mentor Protege joint venture lawyers, we are dedicated to your success as a government contractor, whether you are a small business or a large DOD contractor.

Contact Us

For immediate legal assistance in government contracting and DOD or SBA Mentor-Protege Program under 13 CFR 125.9, contact Watson & Associates, LLC online today or call toll-free at 1-866-601-5518. Speak to Theodore Watson. Let us help you navigate the complexities of government contracting with confidence.