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What is a subcontractor in government contracting, and how do I become one for a federal job?

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  • A subcontractor in government contracting is a firm that performs work for a prime contractor, which holds the direct contract with the government.
  • For federal work, the prime contractor is responsible for ensuring its subcontractors comply with all applicable terms and conditions of the prime contract, including those found in the [Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)](https://govcon.forum/glossa
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I'm looking at a base grounds contract near Jacksonville, Florida. It's for groundskeeping and landscaping, NAICS 561730. I know a big facilities company holds the current contract, but I'm trying to figure out how to get in on the next one as a subcontractor. I have a 9-person crew and all the equipment for the job.

My company is registered in SAM.gov and I have my UEI and CAGE code. For federal work, what does it mean to be a subcontractor? Do I still need to follow all the same rules and have all the same registrations as a prime contractor?

How do I even get the attention of a big prime contractor and let them know I'm interested in subbing for them? Do I just send them my capability statement, or is there more to it?

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asked Jordan P. First-year bidder, landscaping and grounds · Jacksonville, FL · 184 rep

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A subcontractor in government contracting is a firm that performs work for a prime contractor, which holds the direct contract with the government. For federal work, the prime contractor is responsible for ensuring its subcontractors comply with all applicable terms and conditions of the prime contract, including those found in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). You will need your SAM.gov registration, Unique Entity ID (UEI), and CAGE code to be eligible to work on federal contracts, even as a subcontractor. State and local government contracts operate under their own procurement codes and specific vendor guidelines, which vary by jurisdiction.

To get the attention of a prime contractor, sending your capability statement is a good start, but it is not enough on its own. You need to identify primes that are likely to bid on the groundskeeping contract for NAICS 561730 in your area. Look at past awards in SAM.gov for similar services and identify the primes who won those contracts. Reach out directly to their small business liaison officers or subcontracting managers. Explain your capabilities, your crew size, and your equipment, and highlight how you can help them meet their subcontracting plan goals, especially if you hold a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification.

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answered Luis A. Verified vendorSDVOSB founder, court reporting and legal support · San Antonio, TX · 299 rep
Thanks, Luis, this is super helpful. I'll check SAM.gov for past awards under NAICS 561730 to find primes, then reach out to their small business liaison officers with our capability statement. · Jordan P. ·
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A subcontractor for a federal job generally does not need to register directly with the government to perform work; the prime contractor assumes the responsibility for managing its subcontractors and ensuring compliance with the contract terms. While your SAM.gov registration, UEI, and CAGE code are essential for you to transact with a prime, the federal government's primary relationship is with the prime contractor. Luis is correct that your capability statement is a start, but I also recommend checking the procurement forecast for the base near Jacksonville. This can give you an early heads-up on when the next contract might be solicited and help you tailor your outreach to primes who have a history of working in that specific area and on similar contracts.

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answered Priya S. Verified vendorCapture manager, IT services · Herndon, VA · 277 rep
Priya is right to suggest the procurement forecast. Many primes use the forecast to identify upcoming opportunities and potential teaming partners. You can align your capability statement and marketing efforts to their needs. · Nadia F. ·
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Jordan, to add to Luis's point about the prime's responsibilities, the prime contractor is required to flow down certain clauses from the prime contract to its subcontractors. This means you will need to comply with specific FAR clauses that the prime includes in your subcontract. For example, if the prime contract includes the Service Contract Act clause at FAR 52.222-41, then you, as the subcontractor, must also adhere to its labor standards. Additionally, the prime contractor must ensure that your company meets any applicable small business certifications if they are claiming you towards their subcontracting plan goals. While your SAM.gov registration, UEI, and CAGE code are necessary, you also need to understand the specific requirements that will be passed down from the prime contract.

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answered Nadia F. Verified vendorWOSB owner, management consulting · Minneapolis, MN · 496 rep
The prime also has to ensure you meet the [Limitations on subcontracting](https://govcon.forum/glossary/limitations-on-subcontracting/) requirements for set-aside contracts. They cannot just pass the work down to you without meeting the rules. · Tom B. ·

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Sign up to answerCite the FAR clause or procurement code where you can.

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