Selection Process

The success of the Mentor Protégé Program starts with a successful selection process consisting of a committed selection team. This process ensures that the best qualified small business can be identified and selected for the program to meet a required capability need. The plan provides a purpose, description, and pathway for the selection process.

The selection team is comprised of a representative cross-section of employees from divisions and operations at Y-12. The selection process is led by the SPO Program Manager, who acts as a non-voting facilitator and mediator. Organizations that have participated in the past include procurement/contracting, the Uranium Processing Facility, engineering, manufacturing, waste management, and programs.

Tasks performed by the team members include:

• Attending regular selection team meetings
• Participating in the identification of Y-12's most critical future needs that small business could perform either as a prime contractor or subcontractor
• Identifying specific programs or projects that could support the protégés
• Determining the number of new protégés Y-12 can support based on the above analysis
• Developing selection criteria
• Reviewing submitted applications and developing a short list of candidate companies
• Conducting due diligence on short-listed companies

An important responsibility of the SPO and the selection process team is to define the specific requirements of eligibility for the program. Y-12 follows the DOE mentor protégé criteria, for the most part, in defining its criteria. However, revisions have been made so that the Y-12 program fits the company's specific requirements and needs. Review current selection criteria used by the SPO in the selection process.

If you have questions about the selection process, please contact us.