SUBNet (Subcontracting Network) on SBA.gov lets prime contractors publish subcontracting opportunities. Small businesses search by NAICS, location, and certification. It helps subs discover work — not help primes document FAR 52.219-9 plan execution, rank matches per PIID, or prepare ISR/SSR sourcing data.
SamMatch vs SUBNet for federal prime contractors
SUBNet is where primes post subcontracting opportunities for small businesses to find. SamMatch is where primes search for certified small businesses to meet subcontracting plan goals on contracts they already hold. Most compliance teams need both workflows — but they solve different problems.
What SUBNet does
SUBNet is an opportunity board — primes post, subs browse.
What SamMatch does
SamMatch ranks subs against your plan requirements and logs outreach.
SamMatch ranks ACTIVE, SAM.gov-verified small businesses by NAICS and socio-economic category for each contract requirement (PIID). Primes use it to fill HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, and 8(a) gaps, log outreach for good-faith effort, and organize data before SAM.gov Subcontracting Plan Reporting. See subcontracting plan compliance.
Side-by-side comparison
SUBNet finds opportunities; SamMatch executes plan goals on active contracts.
| Capability | SUBNet (SBA) | SamMatch |
|---|---|---|
| Primary job | Post and browse subcontracting opportunities | Source subs for approved subcontracting plan goals |
| Who drives search | Small businesses find prime-posted opportunities | Primes search for certified subs by PIID + NAICS |
| Plan compliance tracking | Not built for FAR 52.219-9 execution | Dashboard by PIID and socio-economic category |
| Outreach audit trail | No compliance mailbox | In-app outreach log for good-faith effort |
| Cost | Free (government) | Prime $249/mo · Subcontractors free |
When to use both
Post on SUBNet for visibility; use SamMatch to close plan gaps with records.
- Post on SUBNet when you want certified small businesses to discover an open subcontracting opportunity.
- Use SamMatch when you need ranked candidates for a specific PIID, NAICS, and category gap — with outreach you can export for good-faith effort.
- Pair SamMatch with SBA Small Business Search data — SamMatch syncs SBS certifications and adds requirement context SBS lacks.
Frequently asked questions
Is SUBNet the same as a federal subcontractor database?
No. SUBNet is an opportunity board where primes post subcontracting openings. A federal subcontractor database for plan compliance ranks certified small businesses against your contract requirements and logs outreach — see our federal subcontractor database guide.
Can SamMatch replace SUBNet?
No. SamMatch complements SUBNet. Use SUBNet to advertise opportunities; use SamMatch to proactively source and document outreach toward subcontracting plan goals.
Does posting on SUBNet count as a good-faith effort?
Posting alone is rarely enough. Contracting officers look for evidence you actively sought qualified small businesses — who you contacted, when, and what came back. Pair the SUBNet posting with direct outreach records tied to each requirement.
Related resources
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