How to bid on the Army's Mentor-Protégé Program (BAA ARMY-MPP-I-25-xx)

What the Army is buying and why it matters

The Department of the Army is seeking large, experienced contractors to act as 'Mentor Firms' in its Mentor-Protégé Program. The goal is to help small businesses, known as 'Protégé Firms', enhance their capabilities and increase their participation as subcontractors and suppliers for Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. This program is vital for strengthening the small business industrial base that supports the Army's mission.

Mentor Firms will enter into Mentor Protégé Agreements (MPAs) with eligible Protégé Firms, providing technical and developmental assistance. This initiative aims to foster long-term business relationships and ensure small businesses can provide valuable support to the Army.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) was published on January 23, 2026, and remains open for an entire fiscal year, with a deadline of January 30, 2027, at 12:00 PM ET. This is a continuous opportunity where interested Mentor Firms can submit 'white papers' at any time during this period.

White papers will be evaluated on an ongoing basis. If a white paper aligns with the program's intent and funds are available, the Mentor Firm may then be invited to submit formal technical and cost proposals. Do not submit formal proposals against this BAA initially; only white papers are accepted at this stage.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically for large, established contractors (Mentor Firms) who are either already approved by the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program or are eligible and willing to become approved. It suits firms with the capacity and expertise to provide significant developmental assistance to small businesses.

The program is designed for professional services, focusing on enhancing the capabilities of small businesses to perform as subcontractors and suppliers in the defense sector. Mentor Firms should be prepared to assist Protégé Firms in areas that will help them provide value-added support to the Army.

How to respond

To access the full details and begin your response, you need to view the original source on the portal. Click the 'View original source' link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.

You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though for some bids, this is not required. Once you have reviewed the full description, prepare and submit your white paper in accordance with the directives listed in Section III of the BAA.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Clearly articulate how your proposed mentorship will directly enhance a Protégé Firm's capabilities to support the Army's mission. Focus on specific, measurable outcomes for the Protégé Firm.

Ensure your white paper demonstrates a thorough understanding of the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program requirements, including Mentor Firm eligibility and allowable developmental assistance as detailed in DFARS Appendix I. Highlight any prior experience you have in mentoring or developing small businesses.

Even though formal proposals are not requested initially, consider the potential technical and cost aspects of your proposed mentorship. While not submitted now, having a clear vision of these elements can strengthen your white paper and show readiness for the next step.