What Is a Teaming Agreement
in Government Contracting?

Government Contracting Teaming — Common Questions

• When should I team vs. bid alone?
  Team when: (1) You lack past performance at the required scope or contract value. (2) The solicitation requires capabilities you don't have in-house. (3) A teaming partner holds a critical certification (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB) that unlocks the set-aside. (4) You're bidding on a large GWAC vehicle task order where a larger team adds competitive strength. Bid alone when: your past performance, capabilities, and certifications fully meet the requirements and teaming adds cost without adding value.
• Can a large business team with a small business to compete for a small business set-aside?
  Generally, no. For most small business set-aside contracts, the prime contractor must be a qualifying small business. A large business cannot prime a small business set-aside by teaming with a small business sub. However, a small business prime can team with a large business subcontractor — as long as the small business meets the applicable performance of work requirements (typically 50%+ for services, 15%+ for manufacturing).
• How long does it take to find a teaming partner?
  Finding and vetting a teaming partner takes 2–8 weeks for most opportunities. Start your teaming search as soon as you decide to pursue an opportunity — ideally before the RFP drops. Last-minute teaming arrangements (after RFP release) often produce weaker proposals because there's insufficient time to integrate capabilities and past performance into a cohesive narrative.