CMD Mentor Protégé Program
Each Action Plan covers a range of professional growth goal topics, these topics are categorized as follows:
- Organizational/Structural Needs
- Leadership Development Needs
- Financial/Business Infrastructure Needs
- Insurance/Bonding Needs
- Networking/Business Community Engagement Needs
Who is a Mentor?
A Mentor is a successful Prime Consultant, or Contractor, with the capability to mentor in the general areas outlined above, with an emphasis on fit based on those needs of growth for the Protégé. Mentors are accessible to their Protégé for meetings, phone calls, and emails, supporting the professional needs as identified in the pairing's Action Plan.
Who is a Protégé?
A Protégé is a CMD Certified Micro-LBE business. The Micro-LBE can hold one or more CMD certifications. Protégés typically are in business for a period of three or more years in their area, or areas, of certification, and have successfully subcontracted, or participated as a subconsultant, on previous projects and are interested in becoming a successful Prime Contractor.
The Pairing Cycle
Mentors and Protégés commit to the mission of cultivating a relationship focused on the professional growth of the Protege for a period of two years. Participants who have been selected to participate in the program are collectively referred to as The Cohort. The Cohort consists of approximately 10 pairings. Each pairing is matched by the MPP Program Managers based on a number of factors which include, but are not limited to, the area of industry, areas identified for professional growth, and areas of expertise.
The two-year commitment requires each pair to complete and sign the MPP MOU. The MOU requires they meet a minimum of one time per month to focus on the goals and milestones developed at the onset of the program. Pairs are encouraged to maintain regular contact regarding goals and milestones, the MOU does not limit the pairing from meeting or discussing the pairs objectives as outlined in their MOU. Often, successful pairs connect more frequently and develop a pattern of identifying areas of improvement, providing samples of success, and tracking the improvements over the duration of the cohort.
Each pair submits a quarterly report providing insight and findings with regard to the progress of the MOU goals and milestones. Each report is reviewed and evaluated by a select team of individuals from partnering departments, called the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee provides oversight with regard to reports and program direction.
At the conclusion of the two year period, each pair is assessed for graduation from the program, with the expectation that the Micro-LBE who graduates is in a position to bid as a Prime Contractor or Consultant on CCSF contracts.
Participating Departments