A teaming arrangement forms during capture to submit a stronger proposal. Partners agree how they will pursue and, if they win, perform the work. It shapes the bid itself.
Government contract teaming vs. subcontracting
Teaming and subcontracting are related but different. The structure you choose affects your proposal, your risk, and your compliance duties.
Teaming: before award
Teaming happens during capture to build a stronger proposal.
Subcontracting: after award
Subcontracting is the post-award relationship the prime holds with the sub.
A subcontract is a post-award relationship where the prime holds the contract and passes work and terms down to the sub. This is what your subcontracting plan goals are measured against.
Set-aside considerations
Set-aside rules limit how much work can go to outside firms.
On set-aside awards, FAR 52.219-14 limitations on subcontracting and similarly-situated- entity rules affect how much work can go to whom. Structure the team with those limits in mind — see government teaming partners.
Frequently asked questions
Can a teaming partner also be a subcontractor?
Often yes. A teaming partner during the proposal frequently becomes a subcontractor after award. The teaming agreement usually anticipates that transition.
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