FAR 52.219-9 requires most large primes on covered contracts to adopt a small business subcontracting plan with percentage goals for small business, small disadvantaged, HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB participation. FAR 19.704 defines what the plan must contain. When a goal cannot be met, agencies expect documented evidence of a good-faith effort to find and solicit qualified small businesses. Read FAR 52.219-9 recordkeeping for the evidence pattern.
Small business subcontracting plan compliance
A subcontracting plan is only as strong as the outreach behind it. SamMatch helps prime contractors find certified subcontractors faster, log solicitation in one place, and build the good-faith-effort record FAR 52.219-9 expects when ISR/SSR reporting comes due.
What FAR 52.219-9 requires
Plans set goal percentages by category — you must show outreach when goals are missed.
How SamMatch supports compliance
Upload RFPs, rank matches, log outreach, and prep ISR/SSR data.
- Upload solicitation text with Requirement Assist — extract PIID, NAICS, and goal percentages before sourcing subs.
- Source ACTIVE, SAM.gov-verified subs by NAICS and socio-economic category.
- Log outreach initiated through the platform for your good-faith-effort record.
- Compile a good-faith-effort report tied to each requirement.
- Organize category and subcontractor data ahead of ISR/SSR filing in SAM.gov.
Reporting after eSRS retirement
ISR and SSR now file in SAM.gov — eSRS retired February 2026.
Individual Subcontract Reports (ISR) and Summary Subcontract Reports (SSR) now file through SAM.gov Subcontracting Plan Reporting. See eSRS vs SAM.gov reporting for what changed and SAM.gov reporting guide for the workflow.
Sourcing tools compared
SBS, SUBNet, and SamMatch solve different parts of the workflow.
- SamMatch vs SBS (DSBS) — directory lookup vs requirement-driven matching.
- SamMatch vs SUBNet — plan execution vs opportunity posting.
- Federal subcontractor database — why federal plan work is not commercial GC bidding.
Compliance guides
Step-by-step guides for sourcing, good-faith effort, and ISR/SSR prep.
Frequently asked questions
What is a small business subcontracting plan?
Under FAR 52.219-9, most large prime contractors on covered contracts must adopt a plan with percentage goals for small business, small disadvantaged, HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB participation. SamMatch helps you source qualified small businesses and document outreach toward those goals.
How do I find subcontractors for my plan goals?
Start from the requirement, not a keyword search. Filter ACTIVE SAM.gov registrations to the NAICS codes and certifications your plan needs, rank them against that requirement, and log every outreach attempt as you go so the good-faith-effort record builds itself.
Is SamMatch a substitute for legal or contracting advice?
No. SamMatch provides sourcing and documentation tools to support your subcontracting plan. Always confirm plan requirements with your contracting officer or counsel.
What is a good-faith effort?
When a prime cannot meet a subcontracting goal, contracting officers look for evidence the prime actively sought qualified small businesses — solicitations, outreach records, and responses. SamMatch logs platform outreach so that evidence is organized.
Does SamMatch file ISR/SSR reports for me?
SamMatch helps you assemble category and subcontractor data before filing. Reports are submitted by the prime through SAM.gov Subcontracting Plan Reporting.
Can I preview SamMatch before subscribing?
Yes. Upload one solicitation at sammatch.com/preview/prime to see Requirement Assist analytics and ranked small-business matches — free, no card required.
Related resources
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