What is the Subcontracting Program?
It is the intent of Congress that a fair proportion of the government’s procurements be awarded to Small Businesses. To promote this effort, Congress enacted Public Law 95-507 which requires all contractors, other than small businesses, receiving federal awards in excess of $650,000 ($1,500,000 for construction) to submit acceptable subcontracting plans prior to contract award.
Subcontracting plans must specify goals and demonstrate contractors' best efforts to subcontract to small, small disadvantaged, (8a), HUBZone, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and women-owned small businesses. The subcontracting program creates many opportunities for such small firms.
To be eligible as a subcontractor under the program, a concern must represent itself as a small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, or women-owned small business concern. For more information about the Subcontracting Program, go to FAR Subpart 19.7.
Where do I find Subcontracting Opportunities?
Subcontracting Opportunities with DoD Major Prime Contractors - This directory provides, by state, the names and addresses of DOD prime contractors, the name and telephone numbers of their Small Business Liaison Officers (SBLOs), and the products and services supplied to the DOD: http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/sb/dod.shtml
The SBA's SUB-Net is a valuable resource for obtaining information on subcontracting opportunities. Solicitations or notices are posted by prime contractors as well as other government, commercial, and educational entities. http://web.sba.gov/subnet
