Mentor-Protégé Program and the CNMI’s Role in DoD Projects
GRS and NIPOA, on behalf of the Air Force Office of Small Business Programs, hosted a Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) workshop on Saipan this week. The MPP is a unique program in the Department of Defense that pairs small businesses with experienced prime contractors, creating pathways to non-competitive subcontracts and hands-on development in engineering, technical support, contract management, and back-office operations. These pathways help companies compete for federal work, including Pacific Air Forces projects in our region. I was excited to continue the conversation at our Small Business Open House, where we talked about connecting CNMI businesses with potential mentors and resources. The MPP is one of several DoD programs that could help small businesses in the CNMI, but despite the growing importance of our region, too few of our businesses are finding opportunities from the ongoing activities. This needs to change, and outreach like the one held this week is a step in the right direction. I will continue to advocate with the Department of Defense to ensure our local firms can win contracts here at home.