KIHOMAC and Exquadrum Announce SBA Mentor-Protégé Agreement to Accelerate Aerospace and Defense Innovation
VICTORVILLE, CA – April 20, 2022 – KIHOMAC, Inc., a Veteran-Owned Small Business, has entered into a formal SBA Mentor-Protégé agreement with Exquadrum, Inc., an SBA-certified 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB). KIHOMAC brings over 18 years of experience in sustainment, modernization, engineering, manufacturing, and logistics for the U.S. military.
This strategic partnership allows KIHOMAC to mentor Exquadrum in several key areas. These include quality management, advanced precision manufacturing, and federal contracting under the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program. The agreement aims to strengthen Exquadrum’s position as a leader in aerospace and defense technical services. It also aligns with the Department of Defense’s goal to grow a stronger and more capable small business industrial base.
Supporting Exquadrum’s Growth and Mission
Founded in 2002, Exquadrum has established a strong reputation for developing novel technologies and solving complex defense and aerospace challenges. Exquadrum operates two corporate divisions. The company has contributed to revolutionary rocketry innovations. It has also delivered world-class technical services to major defense agencies. These include DARPA, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and the U.S. Air Force (USAF).
Exquadrum’s name, derived from the Latin meaning “outside the box,” reflects the company’s mission to pursue creative research and development with agility and vision. Through the SBA Mentor-Protégé agreement with KIHOMAC, Exquadrum will expand its technical offerings and gain operational support in navigating the 8(a) program’s highly competitive contracting landscape.
Eric Schmidt, Exquadrum President and co-founder, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership:
“Schmidt is a first-generation U.S. citizen and a former federal employee. He brings nearly 30 years of experience in R&D procurement. He emphasized Exquadrum’s strong commitment to delivering innovation to customers throughout the federal government.”
KIHOMAC’s Role as Mentor
As a graduated 8(a) company and previous recipient of the Nunn-Perry Award, KIHOMAC brings valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing 8(a) firms. The company has pledged to assist Exquadrum in strengthening its AS9100 quality management system, advancing business operations, and expanding fabrication capabilities to meet aerospace and defense demands.
Ki Ho Kang, KIHOMAC’s CEO and CFO, expressed his support for the initiative:
“With our background in fabrication, sustainment, and full-spectrum manufacturing, we’re proud to mentor Exquadrum as they continue growing in the defense sector. Our goal is to help them strengthen their infrastructure and win more competitive contracts under the 8(a) program.”
KIHOMAC operates across multiple locations, including 200,000 square feet of space at all three Air Force Air Logistics Complexes and Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River. The company also manages a state-of-the-art, 142,000-square-foot Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Layton, Utah.
Learn more about our manufacturing and aerospace engineering capabilities.
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
The Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program helps socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses access federal contracting opportunities.
To qualify, firms must be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Certification allows companies to receive sole-source awards and compete for set-aside contracts for a nine-year term.
Exquadrum will participate in the program through its graduation in 2030, with support from KIHOMAC to ensure continuous improvement in technical, managerial, and operational performance.
The All Small Mentor-Protégé Agreement will remain active for three years, with an option to extend for another three.
This collaboration marks a significant step toward building a robust, agile supply chain that supports U.S. defense priorities.