Federal SBIR and Mentor-Protege Program Expert

Position Title: Federal SBIR and Mentor-Protege Program Expert

Division: Redhawk Administrative Services

Location: Remote

Position Summary

The Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Mentor-Protege Program Expert role will play a key role in identifying, analyzing, and responding to DoD SBIR opportunities that align with our company's strategic objectives. As well as support the successful execution of our active Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protege agreement. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge, extensive experience in proposal development, and the ability to build relationships with DoD stakeholders. Specifically:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Opportunity Identification:

• Research and track Federal and DoD SBIR solicitations, topics, and priorities relevant to the company's capabilities and goals.

• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of Federal and DoD agencies' innovation needs and technological focus areas.

• Proactively identify and engage small businesses that align with the DoD Mentor-Protege Program criteria and our strategic objectives.

• Conduct outreach, networking, and relationship-building to attract qualified proteges.

• Facilitate the onboarding process for our first protege, including drafting agreements, aligning objectives, and ensuring compliance with program guidelines.

Proposal Development:

• Lead the development of competitive SBIR proposals, including technical writing, budget creation, and compliance checks.

• Provide support for financial, business, administrative, and project management for the SBIR program

• Collaborate with internal technical teams to craft compelling solutions that meet the solicitation requirements.

• Develop timelines, checklists, and deliverables to ensure timely and high-quality submissions.

• Assist with monitoring project performance and assists in the review of contract deliverables to ensure technical, programmatic, and financial goals and objectives are met.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Establish and maintain relationships with key Federal and DoD stakeholders, program managers, and contracting officers.

• Represent the company in SBIR-related discussions, conferences, and meetings.

• Promote the Mentor-Protege Program through industry events, webinars, and targeted outreach campaigns to attract potential proteges.

• Develop marketing materials and presentations to showcase the program's value and our commitment to fostering small business success.

• Serve as the primary liaison between mentor and protege, fostering a collaborative and productive partnership.

• Develop and manage a structured plan to deliver mentorship, training, and resources to the protege.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with DoD officials, potential proteges, and other stakeholders.

• Address and resolve any challenges that arise in the partnership or program implementation.

Program Strategy:

• Provide strategic advice on positioning the company to secure Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III SBIR awards.

• Develop and execute a roadmap to transition SBIR-funded innovations into larger Federal and DoD acquisitions or commercialization efforts.

• Track milestones and ensure alignment with the goals outlined in the Mentor-Protege Agreement.

• Develop strategies to enhance the protege's capabilities, enabling them to compete for and win government contracts.

• Provide tailored support to the protege, including business development, operational guidance, and technical expertise.

• Identify opportunities to expand the impact of the program and strengthen the relationship with DoD.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure proposals and projects comply with all applicable Federal and DoD SBIR regulations and guidelines.

• Track and report on proposal status, awarded contracts, and project milestones.

• Ensure all program activities adhere to DoD Mentor-Protege Program requirements and federal regulations.

• Prepare and submit required reports, including performance metrics, progress updates, and financial documentation.

• Maintain organized records of agreements, activities, and program deliverables.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Business Administration, Technology, Science, Public Administration or other relevant); advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in federal contracting, small business development or program management

• Strong understanding of Federal and DoD acquisition processes and SBIR program regulations.

• Proven ability to develop successful SBIR proposals, including technical, cost, and commercialization plans.

• Strong understanding of the DoD Mentor-Protege Program and its objectives.

• Familiarity with emerging technologies and innovation trends relevant to DoD needs.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong project management and organizational abilities.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Existing relationships with DoD program managers or SBIR offices.

• Experience identifying and working with small businesses in the federal contracting space.

• Familiarity with DoD acquisition policies and practices.

• Experience in transitioning SBIR technologies to Phase III commercialization.

• Certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or DAWIA (Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act).

• Familiarity with other federal innovation programs (e.g., STTR, DARPA).

Redhawk Administrative Services, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and advancement opportunities to all employees, employment decisions at Potawatomi Federal Solutions will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. Potawatomi Federal Solutions does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.