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Government contract teaming vs. subcontracting

Teaming and subcontracting are related but distinct. Choosing the right structure affects your proposal, your risk, and your compliance obligations.

Teaming: before award

A teaming arrangement forms during capture to submit a stronger proposal. Partners agree how they will pursue and, if won, perform the work. It shapes the bid itself.

Subcontracting: after award

A subcontract is a post-award relationship where the prime holds the contract and flows work and terms down to the sub. This is what your subcontracting plan goals are measured against.

Set-aside considerations

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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