Defense Contracting: Interim Report on Mentor-Protege Program for Small Disadvantaged Firms
NSIAD-92-135
Published: Mar 30, 1992. Publicly Released: Mar 30, 1992.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a legislative requirement, GAO provided an interim report on the Department of Defense's (DOD) Mentor-Protege Pilot Program, focusing on: (1) the regulatory implementation of the program; (2) the initial participation of eligible mentor and protege firms; and (3) deficiencies in the statutory and regulatory framework of the program that could impair success.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct OSADBU to develop and implement adequate internal controls in the application and approval process and in the oversight of protege development. |
Closed – Implemented
DOD awarded a contract in spring 1994 for assistance in managing the Mentor-Protege Program. This assistance includes tracking the progress made under each mentor-protege agreement.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct OSADBU to work with congressional representatives to develop evaluation criteria that, to the extent feasible, quantify desired program accomplishments. |
Closed – Not Implemented
DOD is in constant contact with congressional staff on what will be considered in determining the success of this program. DOD will follow criteria that Congress may legislate to measure the success of this program.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct OSADBU to compile and analyze available data on subcontract goals and the use of incentives and penalties to achieve those goals, and consider ways to enhance Mentor-Protege Pilot Program incentives for prime contractor participation. |
Closed – Not Implemented
This program has been subsequently reviewed and another report issued with broader recommendations. See NSIAD-98-92.
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Topics
Budget authority rescissionDepartment of Defense contractorsEvaluation criteriaInternal controlsPrime contractorsSmall business assistanceSmall business contractorsSubcontractorsSubcontractingSubcontracts