# USFCR Explains SBA Mentor-Protégé Program

A USFCR guide dated January 23, 2025, describes how small businesses can use the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program to build capacity and pursue federal work through mentor relationships and joint ventures. It also discusses a potential expansion of the Rule of Two to task and delivery orders under multiple-award contracts; the guide advises firms to verify regulatory developments with the SBA and FAR Council and maintain size-eligibility compliance for joint ventures.

- Small businesses may use mentor relationships to strengthen their capabilities and pursue federal contracting opportunities.
- The possible Rule of Two expansion is presented as a development to verify, not as an established change. Firms should consult the SBA and FAR Council for current regulatory status before relying on it in pursuit planning.
- Businesses forming joint ventures should maintain applicable size eligibility; the guide identifies this as important to participation in the program.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** October 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council (FAR Council)

### Vendors
- US Federal Contractor Registration (USFCR) (Guide publisher)

### Sources
- [How to find mentor in the mentor-protege program?](https://www.reddit.com/r/GovernmentContracting/comments/1x2f8je/how_to_find_mentor_in_the_mentorprotege_program) - reddit-governmentcontracting