Finding Teaming Partners and Subcontracts
Subcontracting under a larger prime is a common first step into federal work. Large primes with subcontracting plans set goals for using veteran-owned small businesses, and each one has a small business liaison you can contact.
Start with free help
- SBA's directory of primes with subcontracting plans: Large prime contractors and their small business liaison contacts.
- SBA SubNet: Where primes post subcontracting opportunities. SBA has paused new postings, so check its status.
- SBA Small Business Search: Find other certified veteran-owned firms in your trade to team with.
- SBA Mentor-Protégé program: Pairs you with an experienced firm that can help you and joint venture with you on set-aside bids.
- Your local APEX Accelerator: Free matchmaking events and introductions.
When paid help makes sense
There's usually nothing to pay for here. Be wary of anyone selling guaranteed introductions to primes. A teaming agreement is a contract, so have it reviewed before you sign.
Questions to ask a prime before you team
- Which contract are we teaming for, and what share of the work would we do?
- Does the teaming agreement promise us a subcontract if you win, or only a chance at one?
- How and when do you pay subcontractors?
Red flags
- Charges you to register in SAM.gov or to apply for VetCert. Both are free.
- Looks like a government website, or emails you a "final notice" to renew.
- Asks for your SAM.gov login. SAM.gov's rules don't allow sharing it.
- Guarantees you'll win a contract.
We may add a short list of providers next to these free resources. Any paid spot would be labeled as an ad, and the free help would always come first. Join the waitlist and we'll email you if it opens. It's free, and nothing is listed yet.
These pages list free public resources. Veteran Rebids is not affiliated with any agency or program named here, and no one pays to appear on them.