NYSDOT

Mentor-Protégé Pilot Program (M3P)

NYSDOT’s new Mentor-Protégé Pilot Program (M3P) is designed to empower small, disadvantaged businesses to thrive in the heavy highway industry. Through mentoring and tailored support, M3P helps these businesses build the capabilities they need to compete and succeed.

The program pairs small firms with larger, experienced companies, fostering long-term, meaningful relationships. M3P helps small businesses expand their skills, discover niche opportunities, and navigate pathways to work with NYSDOT. At the same time, mentors enhance their supply chains and meet subcontracting goals, creating a mutually beneficial partnership.

Successful mentor-protégé relationships lead to stronger businesses, greater opportunities, and a more inclusive industry—benefiting the protégé, the mentor, and NYSDOT.

M3P Objectives

Enhance
the capacity of small, disadvantaged firms to handle the scale and complexity of heavy highway industry projects.

Support
qualified disadvantaged businesses in entering non-traditional areas of work.

Strengthen
the long-term stability of small firms by developing the skills and expertise required for heavy highway construction.

Increase
the number of small businesses awarded NYSDOT contracts and subcontracts.

Develop
mentor’s high-quality subcontracting pool and foster mutually beneficial relationships.

NYSDOT is committed to eliminating barriers to contracting opportunities and delivering initiatives that promote increased participation of small construction and professional service firms on federal aid projects. NYSDOT’s M3P is compliant with USDOT’s Mentor-Protégé Program.

Mentors fortify the heavy, highway industry and foster connections

Develop pool of qualified and available subcontractors

Fulfill subcontracting goals

Receive cost reimbursement

Train proteges on your processes and best practices

Find innovative and niche solutions with additional talent

Learn More About Mentoring

Participating as a mentor in the NYSDOT Mentor-Protégé Pilot Program (M3P) offers established firms a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and diversification of the heavy highway industry. By partnering with small, disadvantaged businesses, mentors can:

  • Develop a Qualified Subcontractor Pool: Cultivate relationships with capable subcontractors, enhancing project efficiency and success.
  • Fulfill Subcontracting Goals: Meet and exceed subcontracting objectives by engaging with certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs).
  • Receive Cost Reimbursement: Benefit from potential cost reimbursements associated with mentorship activities.
  • Share Best Practices: Provide training on internal processes and industry best practices, contributing to the protégé's development.
  • Discover Innovative Solutions: Leverage the fresh perspectives and niche expertise of protégés to address project challenges.

By investing in the success of emerging firms, mentors not only strengthen the industry's foundation but also foster a more inclusive and dynamic marketplace.

Eligibility

Firms currently working on or bidding for a NYSDOT project valued at $10 million or more with established DBE goals are encouraged to participate as mentors in the M3P.  

Eligible participating firms must also demonstrate a commitment to fostering growth and development.

Ready to Apply?

Click Here to Apply
or
‍Contact Us for More Information

Protégés receive guidance and technical assistance from Primes

Learn from experts on working with NYSDOT

Receive technical, administrative and management assistance

Expand your network

Find meaningful opportunities for participating in heavy, highway projects

Develop a strategic growth plan

Learn best practices

Learn More About Protégés

Becoming a protégé in the NYSDOT Mentor-Protégé Pilot Program (M3P) empowers small, disadvantaged businesses to enhance their capabilities within the heavy highway sector. Protégés in the program can expect to:

  • Gain Expert Insights: Learn from experienced mentors about navigating NYSDOT projects and requirements.
  • Receive Comprehensive Support: Access technical, administrative, and management assistance tailored to your firm's needs.
  • Expand Professional Networks: Build relationships with key industry stakeholders, opening doors to future opportunities.
  • Identify Project Opportunities: Discover meaningful roles in heavy highway projects that align with your firm's expertise.
  • Develop a Strategic Growth Plan: Work with your mentor to create a roadmap for sustainable business development.
  • Adopt Best Practices: Implement proven strategies and processes to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness.

Participation in M3P equips protégés with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to thrive in the competitive landscape of heavy highway construction.

Eligibility

Firms that are certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) in New York State and whom are also part of a current NYSDOT project’s utilization plan with an estimated value of $10 million or above. The Protégé must perform a commercially useful function (CUF) in the performance of any contract with the Mentor.  

Eligible participating firms must also demonstrate a commitment to fostering growth and development.

Ready to Apply?

Click Here to Apply
or
‍Contact Us for More Information

FAQ

What is the NYSDOT Mentor-Protégé Pilot Program?

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The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is committed to eliminating barriers to contracting opportunities and delivering initiatives that promote increased participation of small construction and professional service firms on federal aid projects.

NYSDOT’s Mentor-Protégé Pilot Program (M3P) is designed to encourage small, disadvantaged businesses to develop further and compete effectively in the marketplace through mentoring and assistance from experienced firms within the industry.

How do I apply?

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Eligible firms must contact NYSDOTM3P@r6catalyst.com to begin the application process. Contacting firms will receive a response within 24 hours.

What type of mentorship is provided?

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Mentors will provide a range of guidance and support to Protégés based on their needs and capabilities. This includes but is not limited to:

∙ business and financial planning
∙ procurement processes
∙ technical skills
∙ compliance requirements
∙ networking opportunities

How long does the program last?

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The Mentor-Protégé Pilot Program’s duration will be effective for the duration of the subcontract executed between the Mentor and Protégé.

Are there any costs associated with the program?

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No, participation in the program is free for eligible firms.

Can a firm participate as both a mentor and a protégé?

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DBE firms are eligible to participate as a Mentor if they meet eligibility requirements. Eligibility for participation as a Mentor and/or Protégé will be reviewed by NYSDOT on a case-by-case basis.

Who can I contact for more information?

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Interested firms may contact NYSDOTM3P@r6catalyst.com regarding any inquiries including eligibility and program requirements.

Reach out to learn more about the M3P

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Doing Business with NYSDOT
New York State DOT
Office of Diversity & Opportunity
50 Wolf Road
Albany, NY 12232
diversity@dot.ny.gov
nysdotm3p@r6catalyst.com
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