Subcontracting means your small business performs part of a government contract for a prime contractor, the company that holds the contract with the agency. It is one of the most practical ways to gain past performance, learn how government work runs and build relationships. Our Government Contracting Academy teaches you how to find primes, present your business and protect yourself in a teaming arrangement.
Why subcontracting is a smart start
- You gain real government past performance.
- The prime handles much of the agency relationship and paperwork.
- You can take on a piece of work that fits your size.
- Primes often look for small business partners to help meet their small business subcontracting goals.
How to find prime contractors
- Research past awards. Look up who won contracts in your industry and area.
- Find small business liaisons. Many large primes have staff whose job is to work with small suppliers.
- Attend outreach and matchmaking events. Bring your capability statement.
- Watch for upcoming solicitations. Contact primes early, before the proposal is due, when they are building their teams.
How to pitch a prime
Be specific. Explain which part of the work you can perform, where you have done it before, and why you lower risk for the prime. Have your registrations, certifications and capability statement ready. Read our guide to government proposal writing for how primes think about proposals.
Teaming agreements and subcontracts
A teaming agreement is often signed before the proposal is submitted. It describes each company's role and what happens if the prime wins. After award, a subcontract sets out the actual terms: scope, price, payment, reporting and deliverables. Read every term carefully, ask questions, and get professional advice when needed. Pay special attention to scope, payment timing and exclusivity.
Deliver well, then grow
Treat a subcontract like a prime contract. Meet every deadline, document your work and communicate early about problems. Strong performance leads to repeat work and references for your own prime bids later.
Class details
- Government Contracting Academy: 54 hours, 9 modules, and a finished career portfolio. Modules cover how government buys, procurement and ethics, registrations and certifications including SAM.gov, finding opportunities, bid/no-bid, reading solicitations, RFPs and grant notices, proposals and grant narratives, pricing inputs, and post-award contract administration.
- Academy day cohort: Monday to Thursday, 12 to 4 PM, November 23 to December 16, 2026 (no class November 26).
- Academy evening cohort: Tuesday and Thursday, 6 to 9 PM, January 12 to March 11, 2027.
- Academy tuition: $1,497 paid in full, or 3 payments of $499.
- Friday Contracting Workshops: 2 hours every Friday, 12 to 2 PM (no workshop November 27, December 25 or January 1). Topics rotate: finding bids, reading an RFP, bid/no-bid, compliance matrices, proposal and grant narratives, SAM.gov and certifications. $97 per workshop, or a 4-pass for $297.
- Format: every class is offered in person at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401, or live online from anywhere in the U.S.
- Why it fits this topic: the Academy covers finding opportunities, proposals and post-award administration, all of which apply when you work as a subcontractor.
- Funding note: Our application to California's Eligible Training Provider List is in progress. Once approved, eligible residents may have tuition paid by the county.
How to enroll
- Apply online. It takes about 2 minutes.
- Pay with the class pay link: Academy, $1,497 in full, Academy, 3 x $499, one Friday Workshop, $97, or Friday Workshop 4-pass, $297. You can also see every option on the tuition page.
- We confirm your seat within 2 business days.
Want to ask questions first? Join our free Info Session and Orientation every Monday, 5:00 to 5:45 PM Pacific, online. Register on the enroll page to get the link. Full program details are on the Contracting Academy page.
FAQ
Do subcontractors need to register on SAM.gov?
Requirements vary by contract and by prime. Many primes ask their subcontractors to be registered, so it is wise to complete your registration.
What is a teaming agreement?
It is an agreement between companies, usually signed before a bid, that describes how they will work together if the prime wins. The details vary, so read it carefully.
Can the Friday Workshops help with teaming?
Yes. Workshops on finding bids, SAM.gov and certifications, and proposal narratives all support a strong teaming pitch. Each is $97, or 4 for $297.
Questions? Call or text (909) 454-7076, or email info@ayangbahfoundation.org.