From April 7–9, the 2026 Mentor-Protégé Program Summit brought together small businesses, industry partners, and government leaders for three days of discussion focused on strengthening the defense industrial base. Throughout the summit, one theme remained consistent: collaboration is critical.
Leaders across the Department of War reinforced that small businesses play a critical role in supporting mission requirements. As priorities continue to evolve, the need for capable, innovative partners continues to grow. The Mentor-Protégé Program remains one of the primary ways the DoW builds those relationships, develops small business capability, and expands the industrial base in support of the warfighter.
In a keynote address, Mr. Dale Marks, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, focused on the importance of delivering capability on time. He challenged businesses to think beyond technical excellence and consider how their solutions support real operational needs. Speed and execution, he noted, are just as important as innovation.
That message carried into the Small Business Directors’ Town Hall, where leaders from the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Defense Logistics Agency shared expectations for industry. A key point from Ms. Pamela Callicutt, Acting Director of Army Small Business Programs, was the importance of clearly defining the problem being solved and aligning capabilities to actual mission needs. She encouraged businesses to engage early, stay informed, and use available tools such as RFIs, industry days, and acquisition forecasts to better understand where gaps exist.
This focus on execution and clarity was reinforced during the Mentor & Protégé 101 panel. Ms. Pamela Monroe, Program Manager at the Army Office of Small Business Programs, joined program managers from across the defense community to share practical guidance. In her presentation, she walked through how to do business with the Army and covered key parts of the Army Mentor-Protégé Program. She emphasized the importance of submitting only what is requested in the Broad Agency Announcement, noting that submissions are evaluated strictly against stated requirements. For small businesses, the takeaway is simple: strong submissions come down to how clearly you respond to what is being asked.
Cybersecurity was also a major topic of discussion. In a session on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, DoW leaders emphasized that many small businesses underestimate the risk of cyber threats. When they do, the consequences can be significant and costly. Cybersecurity must be treated as an organization-wide responsibility tied directly to long-term viability in the defense marketplace.
The summit also highlighted tools designed to improve access and visibility for small businesses. One example was LYNX, a platform that helps businesses present their capabilities and connect to opportunities across the defense industrial base. The tool pulls from existing systems such as SAM.gov to streamline information, reduce duplication, and provide better insight into industry capabilities.
The importance of strong partnerships was recognized during the Nunn-Perry Awards, the highest honor within the Mentor-Protégé Program. The awards recognize excellence in technical assistance, protégé development, and innovation. This year, Dr. Marvin Carroll of Tec-Masters received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his long-standing contributions to the program.
Across sessions, a clear pattern emerged. Businesses that succeed are the ones that stay engaged, ask questions, and take the time to understand how their capabilities align to mission needs. Relationships built through the Mentor-Protégé Program continue to create pathways for growth, strengthen supply chains, and bring new solutions into the defense space.
As the summit concluded, the takeaway was straightforward. Strengthening the industrial base requires sustained partnership between government and industry. The work does not end at the event. It continues through the connections made, the partnerships formed, and the follow-on actions that turn discussion into capability.
For small businesses, the path forward is clear. Stay engaged. Stay aligned. Continue to build the relationships that make mission success possible.
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