PARTNERS
Mentor-Protege Ecosystem
Through our Mentor-Protégé partnership, 1FORCE combines enterprise-scale technical capabilities with the agility, accountability, and customer focus of a small business, providing customers access to specialized expertise while supporting HUBZone and small-business participation goals.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
A Structured Path to Teaming
Our Mentor-Protégé model combines the strength of an established industry mentor with 1FORCE’s agility and accountability, creating a scalable solution that supports mission success, innovation, and long-term program growth.
01/
Initial Conversation
A mentor firm and 1FORCE discuss mutual goals, capabilities, and potential joint pursuits.
02/
SBA Agreement
A formal Mentor-Protégé agreement is developed and submitted for SBA approval.
03/
Joint Venture Formation
The mentor and protégé may form a joint venture eligible for small-business set-asides.
04/
Pursue Opportunities Together
The partnership pursues contracts, task orders, and teaming opportunities as a unified team.
BENEFITS OF THE ECOSYSTEM
A Partnership That Works Both Ways
The Mentor-Protégé relationship is built to create value for every side of the partnership — not just contract access.
Benefit to the Mentor Firm
Gain access to new federal opportunities, strengthen strategic market positioning, and enhance competitiveness by pairing enterprise capabilities with a qualified
HUBZone small-business partner.
Benefit to the Small-Business Protégé
Accelerate growth through mentorship, technical expertise, and business development support while expanding capabilities, past performance, and access to larger contract opportunities.
Benefit to the Contract Customer
Receive the agility and responsiveness of a small business combined with enterprise-scale resources and expertise, reducing delivery risk while supporting small-business participation goals.
OUR MENTOR ECOSYSTEM
Current & Past Mentor Relationships
Interested in exploring a Mentor-Protégé relationship?
Submit a partner inquiry and our team will follow up to discuss next steps.