A mentor-protégé agreement between L-3 MPRI and Navigator Development Group Inc. has been approved by the U.S. Department of State of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.

The program offers small and large business opportunities to build partnerships and accelerate development of small businesses to help strengthen the economy.

L-3 MPRI entered the mentor-protégé relationship with Navigator as a way to strengthen ties between the companies, capture additional business and perform at a superior level after award. The long-term strategic vision is aimed to enhance business independence, competitiveness and development for Navigator.

“We are excited about the partnership with L-3 MPRI and look forward to the mutual and beneficial opportunities this will create for both our companies,” said Navigator Chief Executive Officer Keith Gay.

Navigator is a service-disabled veteran-owned business whose experience covers such areas as consulting, research and analysis, staff augmentation, training, programmatics, joint combat development and global management services for defense, commercial and international markets. The company was founded in 1997 and has grown from a two-man operation to some 160 employees.

L-3 MPRI is a training, simulation and government services company comprised of highly skilled military, law enforcement, diplomatic and private sector leaders who provide solutions for defense and national security challenges. With more than 3,000 employees worldwide, L-3 MPRI serves the national security needs of the U.S. government, selected foreign governments, international organizations and the private sector.

The term of participation in the program is re-evaluated annually.