TEAMING / SUBCONTRACTING

Teaming and subcontracting are strategic approaches that help vendors and contractors—particularly small businesses—compete more effectively for government contracts. These collaborative arrangements allow companies to combine strengths, share resources, and meet the qualifications and performance requirements that may be challenging to fulfill alone.

 

Benefits of Teaming and Subcontracting

  • Increased Competitiveness: Teaming allows businesses to leverage complementary capabilities, such as technical expertise, local presence, or niche services, to create a more competitive offer.

  • Access to Larger Contracts: Small or emerging vendors can participate in larger or more complex solicitations that would otherwise be out of reach.

  • Risk Sharing: Partners can distribute project risks and responsibilities, leading to better contract performance.

  • Knowledge Transfer: Teaming arrangements provide valuable opportunities to learn best practices from more experienced firms or specialized partners.

How to Find Teaming and Subcontracting Opportunities

  • Vendor Directories: Use public sector vendor registries or certified business directories to find potential teaming partners (e.g., minority-owned, woman-owned, or veteran-owned firms).

  • Pre-Bid and Networking Events: Attend agency-hosted procurement events, outreach sessions, or industry days to meet potential partners.

  • Bid Opportunities: Monitor solicitation postings on procurement portals—prime contractors often seek subcontractors for specific scopes of work.

  • Partnering Platforms: Utilize online tools such as SAM.gov’s Dynamic Small Business Search, or private platforms like GovWin, to identify teaming prospects.

  • Procurement Community Forums: Use online procurement community forums (such as our Florida Procurement Hub Forum) to connect and collaborate with other vendors and suppliers on government contracting opportunities.

Tips for Successful Teaming and Subcontracting

  • Choose Complementary Partners: Seek firms that bring capabilities you lack or who can strengthen your proposal.

  • Establish Clear Roles and Expectations: Define scopes of work, timelines, and deliverables in a teaming agreement or subcontract.

  • Communicate and Collaborate: Maintain strong communication and accountability throughout the bidding and performance phases.

  • Understand Legal and Ethical Obligations: Comply with all applicable procurement laws, non-collusion clauses, and conflict-of-interest policies.

Reporting and Requirements

  • Disclosure Requirements: Prime contractors must often disclose subcontractors during the proposal phase or after award, including scope and percentage of work.

  • Subcontracting Plans: For larger contracts, especially federal ones, prime contractors may be required to submit and adhere to a subcontracting plan, particularly when small business participation goals are mandated.

  • Contract Compliance: Both prime and subcontractors are responsible for complying with contract terms, including payment schedules, labor standards, and reporting requirements.

  • Certifications and Registration: Ensure all team members are properly registered and certified in the relevant procurement systems.

Best Practices in Public Procurement

Public agencies value transparency, fairness, and competition. Teaming and subcontracting—when done in alignment with these principles—can enhance vendor diversity, promote innovation, and support small business participation in the procurement process. Agencies may also offer resources or assistance to help businesses form successful partnerships.