Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) was recently named the Mentor of the Year by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). This accolade, part of the Annual Small Business Awards Program, recognizes SRNS’ mentorship and support to small businesses, exceeding the expectations outlined in the DOE Mentor-Protégé agreements.
Through a combination of innovative approaches and dedicated mentorship, SRNS teams have empowered their protégés to successfully compete for federal contracts. By strategically aligning the skills of small businesses with current Site demands, particularly in sectors dominated by larger corporations, SRNS is reshaping the competitive landscape.
J. Alex Agyemang, SRNS Senior Supply Chain Management (SCM) Deputy Director, reflected on the program’s remarkable growth from $400,000 to $39 million in total commitments.
“This journey has not only allowed us to share our knowledge and expertise but also to learn from the innovative and fresh perspectives that our protégés bring,” said Agyemang. “The true impact of this program lies in its ability to drive growth, create opportunities, and build a collaborative industry ecosystem. It’s an honor to see the transformative influence of these partnerships and to be recognized for our commitment to nurturing future leaders in our field.”
Historically, mentor-protégé partnerships have been leveraged to meet critical Site needs and supplement capacity when existing contractors are fully utilized. This approach allows urgent requirements to be fulfilled without undergoing lengthy procurement and bidding processes. The initiative helps bridge contractor support gaps in essential mission areas, including construction, staff augmentation, and information technology.
Lead SCM Program Specialists Lori Gee and Jana Chavous, emphasized the foundational elements of effective mentorship. “A protégé’s success is shaped by the foundation of mutual commitment, open communication, and strategic alignment,” said Gee. “When experienced mentors invest in the development of protégés through knowledge transfer, compliance support, and real-world opportunities, it cultivates a pipeline of capable, innovative, and contract-ready small businesses. This strengthens the DOE supply chain and promotes regional economic growth.”
Chavous added, “Winning this award is a tremendous honor. Our team’s success stems from a shared dedication to trust, transparency, and consistent involvement; these principles have guided our efforts and enabled meaningful progress for both SRNS and our protégés.”
