AIKEN, S.C. – (July 23, 2025) – 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’s exceptional mentorship and innovative 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.”
The SRNS Mentor-Protégé Program, lasting two years with an option for three additional one-year extensions, currently supporting eight protégés. From FY24–FY25, SRNS expanded the program's network from five to 12 protégés and celebrated the graduation of four businesses: US&S Facility Services, CRC Technologies, Strativia LLC, and CTI and Associates, Inc.
CTI, having performed field work for Environmental Compliance and Area Completion Projects, evolved from a small business to a large enterprise in most registered North American Industry Classification System codes, graduating in April 2025. According to CTI President Morgan Subbarayan, CTI’s revenue grew from under $20 million in 2019 to nearly $100 million today, employing almost 300 staff and expanding across multiple DOE sites.
“We were honored when SRNS selected us as a protégé, aiming to enhance our knowledge in the DOE market sector and bolster our internal security and compliance processes,” said Subbarayan. “SRNS supported our goals by fostering a true partnership, assigning key leaders to mentor us closely. This expert, one-on-one guidance has been transformative, significantly enhancing our ability to collaborate with various DOE Management and Operations entities. This program is an unrivaled mentorship — a one-on-one masterclass with seasoned experts that sets a new standard for business development guidance within the federal program.”
The SRNS Mentor-Protégé Program will continue to support small businesses, reinforcing the DOE’s mission to build a strong and capable contractor base. By enhancing the capabilities of small businesses, SRNS ensures they are well-prepared to compete for contracts with the DOE and other federal agencies.
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a Fluor and HII partnership company, is responsible for the management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, located near Aiken, South Carolina.