Client Wins Prestigious Department of Defense
Nunn-Perry Award

Carol Bowyer suggested that they seek a mentor-protégé relationship, and encouraged them to attend a Texas conference on the subject. At that conference, EM-Assist President, Lynn Meland, approached Tetra Tech, Inc. and they initiated a two-year agreement to work together.

In addition to ongoing support from The FTC to EM-Assist regarding numerous other contracting issues, Tetra Tech, Inc. contracted with The FTC to assist them in providing mentor training and contractual assistance specific to the M-P Program. As a DoD Mentor, Tetra Tech, Inc. received funds for the benefit of its protégé. By contracting with The FTC to provide training and

contract reviews, Tetra Tech was able to maximize the funds provided by the government, and put their primary focuses on its contractual efforts with EM-Assist, while the experts at The FTC focused on administrative contract support issues. Under that contract, The FTC:

• Reviewed and made recommendations regarding ongoing subcontracts both held and issued by
  EM-Assist, including two GSA Schedules
• Reviewed contract formats used by the company, including standard Terms and Conditions
• Developed training specifically tailored to EM-Assist regarding subcontracting
• Discussed contract management processes and procedures to improve documentation and   communication between the company’s California and Utah locations.
• Using the services of a former Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) auditor, now in private practice,   facilitated a presentation of (DCAA) requirements and a review of the company’s accounting   procedures, focusing on cost-type contracts.

Meland states, “The [FTC] support we have received, has directly resulted in new client contacts, improved understanding of DoD procurement procedures, and increased EM-Assist name recognition in the community. In today’s competitive environment, small businesses NEED the service provided by The FTC.” Since beginning to work with The FTC, EM-Assist has created 30 new jobs, and quadrupled its revenue, and they have been listed as one of the “Sacramento (California) Area’s Top 25 Fastest Growing Companies and Top 25 Environmental / Engineering Companies” for the past three years. Congratulations to EM-Assist and Tetra Tech for being recognized at the national level with this award. If you would like to learn more about the government’s Mentor-Protégé program, contact us at
916-334-9388.