Subcontracting: Another Huge Opportunity

OK, so maybe you tried several times to get a government contract and are not satisfied with the results. Or perhaps you don't feel quite ready to be a prime contractor and wish there were a way to ease into the government contracting business and learn gradually. Or maybe you are the type of person who finds dealing directly with government structure a bit daunting, but would still like to participate in the multi-billion dollar government market.

If you fit into any of these categories, then you are in luck because there is an excellent option: You can become a subcontractor to a prime that has a government contract. As a subcontractor, you would enter into an agreement with the prime to provide supplies and/or services that the prime needs to fulfill the requirements of its government contract. As such, your contractual agreement would be with the prime, not the government, and would provide an opportunity for you learn the ropes from someone who is familiar with all the rules, regulations, and what is required in dealing with the government.

In this discussion, we'll give you a feel for the opportunity that exists for subcontractors to government primes. We'll also tell you what you need to know to succeed in your bid to be a sub, including how to lay the proper groundwork and the secrets that you need to know to tip the scales in your favor.

• What Are the Sub-Opportunities? Find out about the magnitude of the market available to you as a subcontractor, get our top picks for the prime contractors that offer the best opportunity for subs, and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of being a sub. Did you know that prime government contractors must make a strong effort to hire small business subcontractors in order to win a government contract of their own? We'll explain why.
• Lay the Groundwork: Here you will learn what actions you should take to improve your chances of getting a subcontract with a government prime. Learn how to find the primes and the right people to talk to, and why getting to know all about the prime, your competition, and your capabilities is key to your success. We also tell you what you need to do to get on the Approved/Preferred Vendor Lists of primes you would like to work with as well as give you useful tips on preparing and delivering a winning presentation.
• Final Steps To Seal the Deal: Even when you are bidding against scores of other subcontractors, there are things you can do to tip the scales in your favor. We tell you how to improve your chances and what is really important to a prime in choosing a sub (and it's not always price). We also give you the bottom line for when you should bid and when you shouldn't. Finally, we give you a final review tip sheet for putting your best foot forward.