The Partnerships feature helps you find the right business partners, subcontractors, and teaming partners to strengthen your government contracting bids.
Watch the Video Tutorials
Learn about partnerships and subcontracting opportunities:Subcontracts Search Tutorial
Government Contracting Partners Tutorial
What are Partnerships?
Partnerships in government contracting refer to strategic relationships between businesses to pursue opportunities together. This includes:- Teaming Agreements: Formal partnerships to bid on contracts
- Subcontracting: Hiring other companies to perform specific work
- Joint Ventures: Combining resources and capabilities
- Mentor-Protégé Relationships: Learning from experienced contractors
Benefits of Partnerships
- Expand Capabilities: Access skills and experience you don’t have
- Meet Requirements: Satisfy small business or diversity requirements
- Increase Win Rate: Stronger bids through combined expertise
- Risk Sharing: Distribute project risks across multiple companies
- Market Access: Enter new markets or contract types
Finding Potential Partners
Company Search
Use the partnerships search to find companies that match your needs:- Basic Search: Enter company names, keywords, or specific criteria
- Advanced Filters: Use detailed filters to narrow your search
- Results Review: Examine company profiles and capabilities
- Contact Information: Get contact details for potential partners
Search Filters
Refine your search using multiple criteria:Business Certifications
- WOSB: Women-Owned Small Business
- EDWOSB: Economically Disadvantaged WOSB
- 8(a): Business Development Program
- SDVOSB: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
- VOSB: Veteran-Owned Small Business
- HUBZone: Historically Underutilized Business Zone
Business Size
- Small Business: Under SBA size standards
- Large Business: Above SBA size standards
- Size Flexibility: Based on industry and location
Experience & Capabilities
- NAICS Codes: Industry-specific experience
- Contract History: Past performance and awards
- Geographic Location: Service areas and offices
- Technical Expertise: Specialized skills and certifications
Financial & Operational
- Credit Card Acceptance: Payment flexibility
- Visibility Score: Company profile completeness
- Congressional District: Political representation
- SBA District: Small Business Administration region
Company Profiles
Profile Information
Each company profile includes:- Basic Information: Company name, address, contact details
- Business Details: Size, certifications, years in business
- Capabilities: NAICS codes, technical expertise, services
- Performance History: Past contracts, awards, ratings
- Contact Information: Phone, email, website, social media
Company Analysis
Use profile information to assess potential partners:- Capability Match: Do their skills complement yours?
- Experience Level: Have they performed similar work?
- Geographic Coverage: Can they serve the required locations?
- Financial Stability: Are they financially sound?
- Cultural Fit: Will your teams work well together?
Partnership Strategies
Teaming Agreements
Formal partnerships to pursue specific opportunities:- Identify Opportunity: Find a contract that requires teaming
- Assess Needs: Determine what capabilities you need
- Find Partners: Use partnerships search to identify candidates
- Evaluate Fit: Review capabilities, experience, and compatibility
- Negotiate Terms: Define roles, responsibilities, and profit sharing
- Document Agreement: Create formal teaming agreement
Subcontracting
Hire other companies to perform specific work:- Scope Definition: Clearly define what work will be subcontracted
- Partner Selection: Find companies with the right capabilities
- Proposal Integration: Include subcontractor information in your bid
- Contract Management: Manage subcontractor performance
- Payment Processing: Handle subcontractor invoicing and payments
Joint Ventures
Combine resources for larger opportunities:- Opportunity Assessment: Evaluate if joint venture is appropriate
- Partner Selection: Find companies with complementary strengths
- Structure Design: Define legal and operational structure
- Agreement Development: Create comprehensive joint venture agreement
- Operations Management: Coordinate joint venture activities
Best Practices
Partner Selection
- Define Requirements: Clearly identify what you need in a partner
- Research Thoroughly: Use all available information to evaluate candidates
- Check References: Talk to companies that have worked with potential partners
- Assess Compatibility: Ensure cultural and operational fit
- Plan for Growth: Consider long-term partnership potential
Relationship Management
- Clear Communication: Establish regular communication channels
- Defined Roles: Clearly define responsibilities and expectations
- Performance Monitoring: Track partner performance and deliverables
- Issue Resolution: Address problems quickly and constructively
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and improve partnerships
Legal Considerations
- Teaming Agreements: Use proper legal documentation
- Non-Disclosure Agreements: Protect proprietary information
- Intellectual Property: Define ownership of jointly developed IP
- Liability Protection: Understand and manage legal risks
- Dispute Resolution: Plan for handling disagreements
Partnership Workflow
Step 1: Opportunity Analysis
- Review contract requirements
- Identify capability gaps
- Determine partnership needs
Step 2: Partner Search
- Use partnerships search
- Apply relevant filters
- Review company profiles
Step 3: Partner Evaluation
- Assess capabilities and experience
- Check references and performance
- Evaluate compatibility and fit
Step 4: Partnership Formation
- Contact potential partners
- Discuss opportunity and roles
- Negotiate terms and conditions
Step 5: Agreement Documentation
- Create teaming agreement
- Define responsibilities and expectations
- Establish communication protocols
Step 6: Bid Preparation
- Integrate partner information
- Coordinate proposal development
- Submit joint bid
Step 7: Contract Management
- Manage partner relationships
- Monitor performance and deliverables
- Handle issues and changes
Getting Help
Partnership Support
If you need help with partnerships:- Check the Help Button: Use the help icon for guided tours
- Review Documentation: Refer to this guide for detailed information
- Contact Support: Reach out to our support team
- Watch Tutorials: Access video guides and demonstrations