TTU Mentor - Protégé Policy
Policy
It is the policy of Texas Tech University ( T T U ) to promote full and equal opportunity for all
businesses supplying the goods and services needed to support the mission, administrative, and
logistical operations of Texas Tech University. TTU commits to a good faith effort to increase
purchases from and contract awards to Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) firms
consistent with the State's goals for HUB participation and overall economic development.
Introduction
The T T U Mentor-Protégé Program was implemented in accordance with Texas Government
Code Section 2161.065 and Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Section 20.28. TTU is committed
to facilitating business and economic growth in all areas of the state and to foster diverse
relationships that add value to all business communities.
Definitions
“Mentor” - The Mentor firm is a well-established, successful company that is willing to
voluntarily commit time, resources, and expertise to teach, develop, and grow a small
business that is ready to take the next step toward success. The Mentor is usually a
vendor who has extensive work experience with TTU and generally has an established
contract of some sort with TTU.
“Protégé” - The Protégé is usually a smaller firm that voluntarily applies for acceptance
into the TTU Mentor-Protégé program. The Protégé must have been in business for at
least one year.
Purpose
Administered by TTU’s Procurement Services’ Department, the purpose of the TTU MentorProtégé Program is: 1) to advance the growth and development of businesses owned by
minorities, women and service disable veterans in Texas, 2) improve business practices, 3)
p romote business growth in the State of Texas, a n d 4) increase the ability of small and
disadvantaged businesses to contract with the State.
Objectives
The overall objective of the TTU Mentor- Protégé Program is to provide professional
guidance and support to the Protégé to facilitate their growth and development. In terms of
measurable objectives, the TTU Mentor-Protégé program seeks to help the Protégé:
 Attain long-term stability in the marketplace;
 Improve financial strength and bonding capability;
 Meet the objectives outlined in the Protégé’s business plan;
 Successfully complete the Mentor-Protégé Program; and
 Enable successful transition from Protégé to Mentor.
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It is important to note that by v o l u n t a r i l y participating in this Mentor-Protégé
program, neither the Mentor nor the Protégé are guaranteed work with TTU or any
State of Texas agency.
Program Structure (Expectations)
The TTU Mentor-Protégé Program is comprised of three key components: the Mentor, the
Protégé and TTU. Each component plays a major role in the program and each bears
responsibility for the success of the program. Each Mentor-Protégé relationship, not to exceed a
four- year period, will be unique based on needs, type of business and business climate during
the mentor-protégé process. Emphasis should be on the Protégé’s business development and not
on monetary gains by either the Mentor or Protégé.

TTU - The major function of TTU is to facilitate interaction between the mentor and
protégé. TTU responsibilities also include advertising and promoting the program
through the organization of business events such as vendor fairs, workshops and
seminars which focus on the function and structure of the Mentor-Protégé Program. TTU
will recruit Mentor and Protégé businesses that support the procurement needs of TTU.

Mentor - The Mentor serves as an advisor to the Protégé and receives no monetary
compensation from TTU for participating in a Mentor-Protégé arrangement. Mentors are
required to complete an application and an agreement that is also signed by the Protégé.

Protégé - The Protégé m u s t have a vision for growth and long-term s t a b i l i t y a n d
s u s t a i n a b i l i t y i n t h e i r i n d u s t r y and generally need guidance in best practices and modern
technologies. Protégés are required to complete an application and an agreement that is also signed
by the Mentor.
TTU will require the Mentor and Protégé to attend an annual meeting between all parties to
review the success of the program and potential for future growth.
Roles and Responsibilities
Mentor
After the agreement is signed and the application is approved by the Texas Comptroller’s office
the mentor will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Attend annual meetings with TTU and Protégé;
Review Protégé’s materials (business plans, organizational chart, etc.);
Review Protégé’s key indicators (cash flow, bonding, bids, projects, etc.);
Recommend areas for improvement; and,
Follow up on mutual agreements for action.
Protégé
After the agreement is signed and the application is approved by the Texas Comptroller’s office
the protégé will:
1. Attend annual meetings with Mentor and TTU;
2. Provide complete up-to-date information to the Mentor (business plans, cash flow, bonding,
bids, work in progress, etc.);
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3. Implement changes mutually agreed upon with Mentor; and
4. Maintain current Texas HUB certification, which will be reviewed quarterly by TTU.
TTU
After the agreement is signed the sponsor will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Provide oversight;
Facilitate support services;
Receive quarterly assessment reports; and
Host an annual on-site contract review meeting with the Mentor and Protégé.
It is also important to note that by voluntarily participating in this program, neither
the Mentor nor the Protégé is guaranteed work with TTU, TTU campuses/institutions or
any State of Texas agency.
Candidate Participation Requirements
Mentor
 Completion of TTU Mentor Application.
 Signature on the Mentor-Protégé Agreement.
 “Good Standing” with the State of Texas.
 Ability to provide developmental guidance in areas identified by the Protégé.
 Preferred ecommerce experience.
Protégé
 Eligibility and willingness to obtain HUB certification under State of Texas HUB
Program. (Protégé must be certified as a HUB prior to the execution of the Mentor Protégé
Agreement.)
 Completion of TTU Protégé Application.
 Signature on the Mentor-Protégé Agreement.
 Evidence that the business has been in operation for at least one year.
 Established business location required and in compliance with regulations to conduct
commercial business.
 “Good Standing” with the State of Texas.
 Required licenses to conduct the type of business requested by TTU and the Mentor.
Next Steps
To ensure the success of the Mentor-Protégé team partnered through TTU Procurement
Services, the Protégé candidate must pass a screening process prior to acceptance into the
program.
Once an agreement is signed, the agreement will be sent to the Comptroller of Public Accounts of
the State of Texas within 21 days after it is signed.
When an identification of a possible Mentor-Protégé relationship is made, TTU will contact each
partner to schedule a joint meeting or conference call to discuss the final contract arrangements
and the expectations of TTU.
If an ecommerce platform will be used, the parties will coordinate with TTU to implement the
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ecommerce solutions. It is the intent of TTU to maximize all automated processes.
The Mentor Protégé agreement may be terminated by either partner with 30 days advance notice
to the other partner with notice provided to TTU. A notice of the termination of the agreement
will be sent by TTU to the Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas within 21 days
after TTU is notified of the termination of the agreement.
Upon termination of the participation agreement either by expiration or by letter, both the
Mentor and Protégé are asked to submit a written evaluation of the program. Topics to be
included in the evaluation: 1) adherence to the program goals and objectives; 2) roles and
responsibilities clearly defined; 3) adherence to participation requirements; and 4) overall opinion
of the program.
Summary
Direct any questions regarding the Mentor-Protégé Program to:
Cathy Clifford
TTU Procurement Services
806-742-3844 (w)
cathy.limon@ttu.edu
or Cynthia Davis
Procurement Services
806-742-3844 (w)
cynthia.davis@ttu.edu
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