DevTech Systems, Inc. (DevTech) and Duca Consulting International are pleased to announce that they have joined in a Mentor/Protégé relationship authorized by the Small Business Administration in August 2005. As a Mentor, DevTech will put its corporate experience and resources strongly behind Duca Consulting to help the company grow and realize its potential as a new and expanding firm. As a Protégé, Duca Consulting, an 8(a) and small disadvantaged business, will bring to the partnership in-depth specialization in trade and competitiveness and in the analysis of policy and regulatory environments for local business formation, international commerce, and foreign direct investment. Both firms enjoy sound reputations in the development of performance monitoring systems and in program evaluation across economic growth and education sectors.

A Mentor/Protégé relationship, as defined in 13CFR124.520, establishes a pre-authorized joint venture in which the two parties can bid as a single entity in 8(a) set-aside solicitations. USAID operating units with pressing needs can also issue sole-source contracts under 8(a) guidelines (up to $3 million) in which the two companies will operate either as a joint venture or in a teaming relationship. Such contracts can be completed in less than one week.

This Mentor/Protégé relationship is among the first dedicated to serving USAID. It is an example of the finest spirit of furthering the Administration’s policies on promoting small business in America. Please contact either of our firms for an immediate response to your questions or needs.