MPP Eligibility Requirements

Mentor Eligibility Requirements

Mentors will represent well-established vendors with the knowledge and experience to assist BEP-certified vendors with refining and implementing sound operating business plans. Mentors will be those who can impart value to a protégé vendor due to lessons learned and practical experience gained through its general knowledge of government contracting.

• Understands and advocates for diverse and emerging businesses to have equitable access to economic resources and procurement opportunities, including those owned by individuals from historically underrepresented or disadvantaged communities.
• Holds favorable financial health, including evidence of profitability for at least the last two years.
• Possesses good character and is in good standing to contract with the State of Illinois.
• Does not appear on any local, state, or federal list of debarred or suspended contractors.

Protégé Eligibility Criteria

Protégés are vendors demonstrating a need to participate in the MPP. Protégés must be BEP-certified and in good standing.

• Have an established track record in their National Institute of Government Purchasing commodity codes (NIGP codes) and express an interest in increasing contract opportunities.
• Complete a needs assessment that demonstrates a need for participation in the MPP, submit documentation of work performed in the NIGP code within the last three years and growth aspirations.
• Not appear on any local, state, or federal lists of debarred or suspended contractors.

Where Mentors and Protégés Grow Stronger-Together