Government Subcontracting Jobs: Federal, State and Local

Subcontracting on government contracts is a great way to get some experience working with the government, whether on the federal, state, or local level. Here are some things to keep in mind before you make your first foray into the world of government subcontracting.

Government Subcontracting – Two Customers, not One

Government subcontractors technically have two customers — the prime contractor and the government agency — and this can create management headaches for a subcontractor. A prime contractor may be late with a design, for example, while still expecting the deadline for the government subcontractor to stay the same. Often both the prime contractor and the agency will want to inspect the subcontracting facilities. And prime contractors may take measures against poor subcontracting work, such as penalizing tardiness or holding back payment pending government approval of the product.

Flow-Down Requirements in a Government Subcontracting Job

Even though the government subcontractor is not working directly with the agency, they still must obey the agency’s requirements while doing government subcontracting. Much of this is common sense. For example, if the city council wants its stationery printed with black ink on standard-size paper, the finished product should fit that description, whether produced by a prime contractor or a subcontractor. Certain regulatory points also flow down to government subcontracting levels, though the rules may not be as strict as with prime contractors. These points may include environmental, safety, health, and quality control issues, along with affirmative action requirements and other government contract hiring rules.

Government Subcontracting is Built on Good Relationships

Prime contractors like to work with people they trust. A good product at a good price can bring repeat business. If a business performs well while doing government subcontracting, other government subcontracting jobs may follow. In addition, a subcontractor may get government subcontracting work on future commercial contracts as a result of good work on government subcontracting jobs.

Kate Smith said,

March 9, 2009 @ 7:46 pm

I would like to inquire more about your organization and hopefully apply for a position on Arizona

editor said,

March 10, 2009 @ 8:39 am

Hi Kate,

I’ll let our Contracting Experts know so they can talk with you about what your business needs are in Arizona.

Ryan said,

June 7, 2009 @ 11:27 pm

I am a sales tech for a new system for underground utilities. Our company is Trenchless Sewer Solutions. We do a large array of applications. Plumbing is how it started, and now we have added this pipe bursting system. A cost effective way of getting tight budget infastructure jobs completed, with less retoration. Wisconsin is our base. We would love to hear of any new opportunities.

editor said,

June 11, 2009 @ 1:58 pm

Thanks for your interest, Ryan! An Onvia Contracting Expert will be in touch with you to show you new underground utilities opportunities in Wisconsin.

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