Subcontracting Opportunities with Colleges and Universities

Posted by Administrator on May 16th, 2008

Higher educational institutions such as colleges and universities are often a good source of contract opportunities, especially in industries such as construction and maintenance. However, many government subcontractors overlook the fact that university departments are often themselves pursuing government contracts. Increased competition in the public sector can make subcontracting opportunities scarce. Having a solid working relationship with relevant departments in your local higher learning institutions can be a hidden wellspring of subcontracting opportunities.

Subcontracting Opportunities in Research and Development

Funding is always an important issue for university programs. In order to find new challenges and tap into government spending, universities are often fiercely competing to be awarded government research and development grants. Not only do these grants provide support for innovation at the university level, the prestige that comes along with recognition by a government agency is coveted by students and professors alike. A university may have the brainpower necessary to carry out government research, but it still needs supplies and services to support said research. This is where government R&D grants to universities can trickle down into subcontracting opportunities.

Typical higher-education subcontracting opportunities in research and development include contracts for scientific and medical equipment; medical reagents and other chemicals; disposable laboratory supplies such as gloves, pipettes, syringes, etc.; computer equipment and equipment maintenance; IT services; and janitorial and other maintenance services. A university may also subcontract out part of the research itself, or partner with a private company. When pursuing this type of subcontracting opportunity, be aware that you will most likely be required to publish or share your findings with the academic community.

Finding Higher Education Subcontracting Opportunities

To establish subcontracting relationships with universities and colleges, you could call individual departments and ask to speak with the Procurement Representative. However, this is a time-consuming process that makes it difficult to target the departments that are in need of your services. Instead, consider tapping in to government grant information from a business intelligence company. Accessing award data around research and development grants will give you insight into which universities are actively pursuing projects that might require your products or services. Award data research may also include the names of the relevant university staff surrounding the project, allowing you to target them in your marketing efforts. Government R&D grants may last for several years, and are often renewed, so building subcontracting relationships with higher educational institutions may afford your company with subcontracting opportunities for years to come.