Application

1. Application

2. Objective The objective of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Mentor-Protégé Program is to increase the number of Port Authority-certified Minority and Woman-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) capable of bidding successfully on larger construction contracts with the Port Authority and other public and private organizations. The Program seeks to improve the Protégés’ management, organization and construction skills by teaching them new strategic tools to speed the growth of their businesses. Launched in 2002, this unique and innovative Program represents a significant commitment that major construction companies have made to act as Mentors to Protégé firms, sharing their business and construction expertise, and providing crucial industry exposure. The first class of Protégé firms graduated in April 2005, successfully completing the inaugural three- year Program, with many reporting increases in their businesses as a result of their participation. This Program is one major example of how the Port Authority, working with the public and private partners, helps strengthen the regional economy, creates new business opportunities and broadens workforce participation.

3. Core Curriculum The Mentor-Protégé training prepares the Protégés for proficiency in the following eight categories: Construction Contract Law, Construction Estimating, Financial Management (Financial Strategies), Managing Projects Between $500,000 and $3 Million (Project Management), OSHA and Your Responsibilities-Understanding Safety, Planning and Scheduling To Reduce Project Costs, Project Controls, and Professional Development. The training takes place in a formal classroom environment and is reinforced by the Mentors via one-on-one consultation.

4. How the Program Works Mentors provide “on-call” availability of a professional representative whose commitment to Protégés involves a range of advice from project planning to estimating, bidding, and project close out, along with sharing a broad range of other important general and trade contracting information. Through this exceptional exposure, Protégés are expected to incorporate this new knowledge into their business practices, making tactical and tangible changes in their approach and operations. During the three-year Program period, Protégés participate in seminars, information exchange sessions and mandatory curriculum classes. Additionally, Protégé firms are exposed to networking events where they interact directly with well-known players in the industry, make formal presentations and secure the business connections and know-how necessary to further develop their businesses. They can also form partnerships with other Protégé firms to expand their respective capabilities.

5. Protégé Eligibility Requirements • Must be certified as an MBE or WBE with the Port Authority • Must be qualified by the Port Authority in Range B ($500,001 - $1.5 million) or higher as either GC-Bldg., GC-Heavy, Mechanical, or Electrical • Must have a good work history with the Port Authority and/or other NY or NJ public agencies, demonstrating ability to perform as a prime contractor • Must be able to pass a Vendex check • Must be willing to make a three-year commitment to the Program – attending monthly Full or Half-Day training sessions, networking events, and proactively involved with Mentoring firm • Must be willing and committed to participating on teams as part of training courses and the Program’s annual project competition

6. The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Mentor-Protégé Application

7. The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Mentor-Protégé Application