DoD Seeks Input on Mentor-Protégé Program Data Collection Extension

You might care about this because the Department of Defense (DoD) wants to extend its collection of information for the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program. This program helps small businesses grow by pairing them with larger, more experienced companies. The DoD is following the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 by asking for public comments on this extension. The information collected from these participating businesses is important. It helps the DoD make sure that companies in the program are meeting their commitments. It also helps direct support to the right small businesses. Ultimately, this data helps the program achieve its goal of strengthening the defense industry. The current approval for this information collection expires on November 30, 2026. The DoD wants to get approval for another three years. If you have thoughts on this, you can submit comments until October 16, 2026. This notice includes details on how to submit your comments, either online or by email. The OMB Control Number for this is 0704-0332. The DoD estimates that about 96 businesses respond, with each responding about twice a year. The total annual burden is estimated to be 420 hours. This notice is particularly interesting because it shows the ongoing importance and legal foundation of the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program. Congress first created this program to support small businesses. Recent laws, like the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, made the program permanent. The fact that the DoD is asking for comments on data collection highlights its commitment to proper oversight. They want to make sure the program is running well and that taxpayer money is being used effectively. The collected information helps the DoD decide whether to continue mentor-protégé agreements. It also helps program managers target assistance to small businesses that need it most. This process ensures the program works towards its goals, like supporting the defense industry. It is a good example of how government programs are legally required to collect data to show they are meeting their purpose. Several groups would find this legal document very relevant. Small businesses, especially those in the defense contracting sector, should pay close attention. If you are a small business currently in the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program, or if you plan to join, this impacts you directly. Larger companies that act as mentors to small businesses would also be interested. Your participation involves providing some of this information. Legal professionals who work with government contracts or small business regulations will find this important for advising clients. Business consultants specializing in federal procurement will also need to know about these requirements. Anyone interested in government transparency or how federal programs are evaluated could also learn from this notice. This includes researchers, academics, or even watchdog groups. It offers a look into how the DoD manages its programs and ensures compliance with federal law.