A company awarded a contract by the federal government is called a prime contractor. These prime contractors are not always able to provide all of the goods and services required to fulfill the contract. To meet the obligation, the prime contractors often locate and purchases goods and services from businesses both large and small. This concept is referred to as Subcontracting.
FAR part 19 & 52 outlines the requirements for preparing a small business plan prepared by large companies only. Small businesses do not have to complete a small business plan.
Anytime a large company (prime contractor) gets an award valued over $550,000.00, (and any construction contact in value of $1,000,000.00) they must have a small business plan written in their proposal. This "small business plan" says they intend to do their best and subcontract down 23% to small businesses - and within that 23% there are certain socio-economic groups they look at even closer for goals:
5% to Small disadvantaged business
5% to women owned small business
3% hub zone small business
3% service disabled veteran owned small business
SUB-Net is used by prime contractors to post subcontract opportunities. You can search for subcontracting opportunities by naics, keyword or solicitation.
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Prime Contractor's Lists
Subcontracting Opportunities with DoD Major Prime Contractors
Department of Homeland Security Prime Contractor List
Department of Health and Human Services Top 100 Prime Contractors for Fiscal Year 2006
http://www.hhs.gov/osdbu/read/primecont.html
New Hampshire Manufacturers & Contractors
TACOM - The US Tank and Armament Command (TACOM) generates, provides and sustains mobility and survivability for US and allied soldiers.