FedPROPEL FAQs

Program Overview

What is the FedPROPEL Institute?

The FedPROPEL Institute is a small business accelerator program for firms seeking to excel in the federal marketplace selling goods and services to government agencies and their prime suppliers.

How does FedPROPEL differ from other programs?

FedPROPEL is a results-driven cost deferred program which combines expertly designed instructor led group with individualized company specific advisory services. By limiting upfront fees to a program deposit, we provide access to a wider spectrum of entrepreneurs.

Eligibility

Who is The FedPROPEL Institute’s target demographic?

FedPROPEL’s target demographic is minority-led firms that desire to build sustainable businesses with a strong presence in the Federal supply chain. The program is focused on supporting entrepreneurs from underserved communities, so they can be a catalyst for legacy development in their neighborhoods.

Is The FedPROPEL Institute only for minority entrepreneurs or minority-led firms?

No; FedPROPEL is open to existing small business owners with a product or service that the Federal government currently or would purchase. However, firms must be eligible for the following SBA small business program set asides to participate; small-disadvantaged business, woman-owned small business, and/or veteran-owned small business.

Can existing federal contractors participate in The FedPROPEL Institute?

Absolutely. FedPROPEL has two programs: “FedPROPEL Elite” for new market entrants and “FedPROPEL Express” for existing federal contractors. The Express program is for firms with existing Federal contracts or developed platforms and need to be propelled to the next level.

I am a sole proprietor; can I join the FedPROPEL program?

While government contracting is open to sole proprietors, participation in The FedPROPEL Institute is limited to these legal structures: LLC, S-Corp, & C-Corps. However, the program is seeking to partner with local and national organizations to provide introductory training for new market entrants.

What is the minimum revenue requirement for participation?

The program does not have a set minimum revenue requirement. However, participants must demonstrate the ability to succeed with an existing product or service or one in development that has demonstrated promise for adoption by the federal government.

Program Details

How long is the program?

There are 10 mandatory training modules spread across 15 to 18 weeks. Each covers a different aspect of the journey to becoming an elite federal contractor.

How is the program structured?

Each module includes live instructor-led group training as well as company specific advisory (or coaching) session. All training and services are created and provided by subject matter experts. After completing the training sessions, participants meet with a “coach” to complete that modules assignment.

How long are the training sessions, and when are firms able to have individual advisory sessions?

The instructor-led group training is approximately two hours followed by that module’s coaching session. Firms can schedule the advisory session after completing the associated training. The schedule is flexible, but entrepreneurs are encouraged to complete the “coaching” supported work while the training is still top of mind.

Do I have to travel to DC to participate in the training or coaching sessions?

No. During the initial cohort cycles, the training and coaching is done 100% virtual. Our future goals include having regional hubs that allow for in-person training as well as local advisory services for firms interested in that type of engagement.

How does the program track progress?

The FedPROPEL’s user engagement will integrate an individual dashboard for each participant with the Institute’s learning management system (“LMS”). Through their dashboard, participants will be able to access the training schedule, programming, and their deliverables.

Does FedPROPEL have access to professional organizations?

Yes. We have partnered with the National Contracting Management Association (“NCMA”), the premier professional association for members of the contracting community. Our partnership provides discounted memberships to our participants opening opportunities to connect with both agency and industry decision makers.

Are there other networking opportunities?

The Institute will sponsor meet & greets and industry days for participants to build their networks. There will also be an on-line community hosted via the dashboard to engage with other cohort members and share opportunities to collaborate.

Are there additional services available to participants?

Participants will be included in the FedPROPEL database that will be accessible by government program offices and primes looking for top-tier small businesses. There will also be alumni events in association with NCMA chapters and conference for networking. Additionally, alums will have access to on-going learning opportunities via their dashboards.

Does the FedPROPEL Institute cover state and local government contracting?

The Institute’s current focus is on federal contracting. However, the principles can be applied to state and local contracting. This is important as many states have well documented need for qualified minority contractors.

Does FedPROPEL offer a la carte training and/or advisory services?

The FedPROPEL program does not offer a la carte services to non-participants.

Is there a list of consultants working with the program?

Program participants receive access to the partner database once their deposit is paid. However, participants cannot engage with a partner outside the course of the program until after they graduate. The list is not made available for non-participants.

Program Costs & Fees

What is the cost of participating in the program?

The estimated range of the services provided is between $35k (Express) and $100k (Elite); however, participants will only be responsible for a fraction of that until after they win a government contract.

How much of the program costs will a participant have to pay?

Firms admitted into the program will be required to pay a deposit. After that the additional cost of participation will be covered by the program via a recoverable grant. After the participant wins a new government contract, the grant converts into a term loan.

Our Commitment

Does FedPROPEL guarantee contracts after program completion?

They say there are no guarantees in life but death and taxes. The program provides a plan and platform for success which is the firm’s leadership ability and willingness to execute. However, our deferred payment model ensures we are invested in our participant’s winning new contracts.

What if a firm does not secure a new federal contract?

Firms that can document they were actively seeking and unable to secure a new federal contract will not have to repay the grant. Our motto: We. Succeed. Together.

How To Apply

How do I apply?

Applications for the first cohort will be sent out to members of our mailing list on February 1st and open to the general public on February 15th.

You can join our mailing list here.

When is the next cohort opening?

The next cohort is tentatively scheduled to start March 30th, 2022.

How do I find out more about the program?

Joining our mailing list. Follow The FedPROPEL Institute and our leadership team on LinkedIn.

You can join our mailing list here.