Purpose:
This application is designed to assess the capabilities, capacity, and strategic fit of an organization seeking to serve as a Mentor in the Mentor–Protégé Program. It is intended for established federal contractors, commercial organizations, or NPAs interested in partnering with a Nonprofit Agency (NPA) to support its growth, compliance readiness, and expansion into new or existing lines of business. Information collected through this application will inform NIB's evaluation, Protégé matching efforts, and development of the Mentor–Protégé Project Plan and Agreement, which will become legally binding upon approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The goal of the Mentor-Protégé Program is to help nonprofit agencies (NPAs) build capacity, strengthen capabilities, and improve readiness for growth through structured guidance and support from more experienced organizations.
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Ideally, established federal contractors, but any commercial organization or NPA can be a mentor.
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High-demand areas may include IT services such as help desk support, application development, supply chain services, as well as contact or call centers.
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Yes. You may still be able to pursue the opportunity as long as the specifications are different from the item already on the Procurement List.
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No, there is no fee to participate.
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In general, each NPA (protégé) can only work with one mentor per NAICS, and each mentor can only work with one NPA per NAICS. Provided that an additional relationship will not adversely affect any other mentor-protégé relationship, NIB may grant an exception to this limit for either a mentor or an NPA in order to advance employment and career development opportunities for individuals who are blind.
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For an NPA to be qualified to participate, they must be in good standing per the attached Assignment Policy: 6.1.4.2.1. Good Standing: In order to receive an NIB assignment, an NIB-associated NPA must currently be authorized by the Commission as an authorized NPA or seeking authorization as a new participant in the AbilityOne Program.