The mentor-protege joint venture of Citrine and Olsson has benefited both firms and their federal clients as the partnership approaches its sixth and final year.

The two firms have collaborated on about 70 federal projects, 48 of which were completed under their joint venture. The agencies served include the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Air Force, the Army Corps of Engineers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Fish and Wildlife Service. The partnership also has been selected for several federal agency contract vehicles, which remain active.

“The joint venture provides beneficial and truly comprehensive service to our clients that is achieved by combining our strengths.”

“We appreciate working alongside our friends at Citrine and we hope to continue our collaboration in the years ahead,” said Todd Henry, senior project manager for Olsson’s Federal market.

In 2021, the firms signed a mentor-protege agreement (MPA) and formed a joint venture (JV) with the approval of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Under SBA regulations, the partnership may compete for federal contracts as a small business for up to six years.

As the protege, Citrine has benefited strategically from Olsson’s mentorship, diverse service lines, and business support services. The collaboration allows Citrine to strengthen its business practices and project management experience while working on projects with greater diversity and complexity.

Olsson, meanwhile, has strengthened its federal resume by competing for projects reserved for smaller firms, said Citrine CEO Elizabeth “Liz” Poe. Citrine is certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and a Woman-Owned Small Business. Citrine also qualifies as a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) firm.

“Citrine and Olsson have worked closely together to execute a wide variety of successful design and construction-related projects,” she added. “The joint venture provides beneficial and truly comprehensive service to our clients that is achieved by combining our strengths.”

Citrine employs about 40 staff members in multiple states, including the firm’s primary offices in Lakewood and Grand Junction, Colorado.  The firm specializes in engineering design, construction services, and commissioning and has been named a Fastest Growing Company by the American Business Awards, and Small Business Subcontractor of the Year by American States Utility Services.