In the GovCon IT and consulting market, some companies react to opportunities. Others shape the board well before the game begins. Mentor-protégé agreements fall squarely into the latter category.
These partnerships are not administrative check-the-box exercises. They require sustained commitment, alignment at the leadership level, and a clear view of where the market is heading. Companies that enter into them are making intentional, forward-looking investments designed to expand capability, increase flexibility, and improve their position when high-value opportunities emerge.
From a competitive perspective, these agreements are signals. They show which firms are thinking several moves ahead, identifying complementary strengths, and building relationships that can influence teaming strategies long before solicitations are released. In many cases, they indicate which companies are preparing to compete differently, and more effectively, the next time they go head-to-head with peers.
The GovCon landscape is constantly shifting as primes, mid-tier firms, and emerging small businesses reassess how best to align for future work. The Small Business Administration’s Mentor-Protégé Program provides one of the clearest windows into those strategic decisions, formalizing partnerships that often become central to growth plans and pursuit strategies.
The companies highlighted below are part of a select group whose mentor-protégé agreements were approved by the SBA over the past month. Whether viewed individually or collectively, these relationships underscore a common theme. These are organizations taking the competitive environment seriously, investing early, and positioning themselves with intent.
| Protégé | Mentor |
| Koman Information Management Services, LLC | PN Automation, Inc. |
| KMB Defense Technology, LLC | Aermor, LLC |
| The Birchmere Group, LLC | BCT, LLC |
| Riveter Defense, LLC | Unmanned Systems Incorporated |
| Agovx, LLC | 22nd Century Technologies, Inc. |
| C2Engineer, Inc. | Fidelity Partners Services, LLC |
| Nighthawk Cyber, LLC | Design Interactive, LLC |
| Makwa Global Logistics, LLC | RMGS, Inc. |
| Kupu KA EU, LLC | BlueForce, Inc. |
| GI4, LLC | Brillient Corporation |
| Bellatrix HRM, Inc. | ITSC Secure Solutions, LLC |
| EMD Strategies, LLC | Sciolex Corporation |
| McCallie Associates, Inc. | HX5, LLC |
| Telesis Research, LLC | Aurex Holdings, Inc. |
| Cayuse Native Hawaiian Veterans, LLC | Peraton, Inc. |
| Accord Federal Services, LLC | CMI Management, LLC |
| Numunu Staffing, LLC | Vesa Health & Technology, Inc. |
| MEC Services, LLC | MEC Energy Services, LLC |
| IoStudio, LLC | Inktel Government BPO Services, LLC |
We applaud these mentor companies for stepping up to offer their resources and support to smaller firms who can greatly benefit from the advice and guidance of a firm and these leaders who have walked in their shoes.
Have questions/feedback? Did we miss your new SBA MPP agreement? Comment below or contact us here to be heard.
