Subcontracting

What Is The Subcontracting Program?

Subcontracting can be a great way for small businesses to get started in federal contracting.  To promote small business participation in larger contracts, Congress enacted Public Law 95-507 requiring all contractors, other than small businesses, receiving federal contract awards over $700,000 ($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,  HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, and women-owned small businesses. The subcontracting program creates real opportunities for small firms.

To be eligible as a subcontractor, 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.

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Where do I find Subcontracting Opportunities?

Explore this DoD directory that provides point of contact information for DoD prime contractors and their Small Business Liaison Officers (SBLOs). Also listed are the products and services supplied to DoD. 

The SBA's SUB-Net is a valuable resource for information on subcontracting opportunities. Solicitations or notices are posted by prime contractors as well as other government, commercial, and educational entities.

For additional information on subcontracting and teaming, check out the DoD Guidebook for Small Business Teaming Arrangements