GovCon Acronym Decoder
Government contracting runs on shorthand. Search any acronym and get a plain-English definition, when you will run into it, whether you need one, and where it comes from.
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8 of 172 terms matching "Subcontract"
Subcontract
A contract between a prime contractor and another company to perform part of the government work.
When you see it
The most common entry point into federal work for a new contractor.
Do you need it
Subcontract past performance still counts. Get it documented.
Where it comes from
Commercial contract, governed by flow-down clauses.
Related terms
Subcontract
A contract between a prime contractor and another company to perform part of the government work.
When you see it
The most common entry point into federal work for a new contractor.
Do you need it
Subcontract past performance still counts. Get it documented.
Where it comes from
Commercial contract, governed by flow-down clauses.
Related terms
Small Business Subcontracting Plan
A plan large primes must submit on certain contracts committing to specific percentages of subcontracting to small business categories.
When you see it
On large contracts, and in the goals your prime is trying to hit with you.
Do you need it
Small businesses do not submit one, but you benefit from primes needing to meet their goals.
Where it comes from
FAR Subpart 19.7.
Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System
The system where primes report their small business subcontracting achievements.
When you see it
If you hold a contract with a subcontracting plan.
Do you need it
Only if you are a prime with a plan.
Where it comes from
GSA, part of the integrated award environment.
Related terms
Limitations on Subcontracting
The rule that on set-aside awards, the small business prime must perform a required percentage of the work itself rather than pass it all through.
When you see it
On every set-aside contract, in FAR 52.219-14.
Do you need it
Yes. Violating it is a compliance and eligibility problem, not just a contract issue.
Where it comes from
FAR 52.219-14 and 13 CFR 125.6.
Related terms
Summary Subcontract Report
The periodic summary of subcontracting dollars filed in eSRS.
When you see it
In annual reporting cycles for primes with plans.
Do you need it
Only as a prime with a subcontracting plan.
Where it comes from
eSRS.
Related terms
Flow-Down Clause
A FAR or agency clause the prime is required to pass through to subcontractors, making it binding on you too.
When you see it
In the terms attached to any subcontract you sign.
Do you need it
Read them. You inherit real obligations, including cybersecurity and labor requirements.
Where it comes from
FAR and agency supplements.
Related terms
Small Business Liaison Officer
The person at a large prime contractor responsible for their small business subcontracting program.
When you see it
When you approach primes for teaming and subcontracting work.
Do you need it
Your entry point into a prime's supplier base.
Where it comes from
Prime contractor, required by their subcontracting plan.
Related terms
Contractor Teaming Agreement
A written agreement between a prime and a planned subcontractor to pursue a specific opportunity together and define the work split if they win.
When you see it
Before proposal submission on any teamed pursuit.
Do you need it
Always paper the deal before you exchange proposal content.
Where it comes from
FAR Subpart 9.6.
Related terms
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