Accenture Federal Services has secured approval from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to mentor information technology consultant Vius LLC through the department’s Mentor/Protégé program.

The companies have been working together for several months to establish strategic relationships and identify solutions for government customers, Accenture said Wednesday, as it looks to help the service-disabled, veteran-owned firm improve its marketing, execute programs and mange prime contracts.

“Veterans bring a unique perspective to the work of protecting our country’s citizens, both here and abroad,” said Rocky Thurston, leader of Accenture’s work at DHS.

“We look forward to learning from Vius while sharing our experience and understanding of the federal marketplace,” he added.

DHS operates the multi-year program “to identify and respond to the developmental needs of veteran-owned businesses” and promote private sector partnerships, Accenture said.

Accenture will support Vius through a joint venture arrangement and could provide additional management and technical assistance, loans, equity investments and otherwise support subcontracting and prime contracting activities.