What are Partnerships?
Partnerships in government contracting refer to strategic relationships between businesses to pursue opportunities together. This includes:- Teaming Agreements: Formal partnerships to bid on contracts together
- Joint Ventures: Combining resources and capabilities for larger opportunities
- Mentor-Protégé Relationships: Learning from experienced contractors
- Strategic Alliances: Long-term collaborative relationships
Benefits of Partnerships
Expand Capabilities
Access skills and experience you don’t have
Meet Requirements
Satisfy small business or diversity requirements
Increase Win Rate
Stronger bids through combined expertise
Risk Sharing
Distribute project risks across multiple companies
Market Access
Enter new markets or contract types
Knowledge Transfer
Learn from experienced partners
Finding Potential Partners
Company Search
Use the partnerships search to find companies that match your needs:1
Basic Search
Enter company names, keywords, or specific criteria
2
Advanced Filters
Use detailed filters to narrow your search
3
Results Review
Examine company profiles and capabilities
4
Contact Information
Get contact details for potential partners
Search Filters
Refine your search using multiple criteria:Business Certifications
Business Certifications
- WOSB: Women-Owned Small Business
- EDWOSB: Economically Disadvantaged WOSB
- 8(a): Business Development Program
- SDVOSB: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
- VOSB: Veteran-Owned Small Business
- HUBZone: Historically Underutilized Business Zone
Experience & Capabilities
Experience & Capabilities
- NAICS Codes: Industry-specific experience
- Contract History: Past performance and awards
- Geographic Location: Service areas and offices
- Technical Expertise: Specialized skills and certifications
SamSearch Score
SamSearch Score
Proprietary score indicating company profile strength based on available information, past performance, and other factors.
Experience & Capabilities
Experience & Capabilities
- NAICS Codes: Industry-specific experience
- Has Experience: Past performance and awards
- Geographic Location: Service areas and offices
- Technical Expertise: Specialized skills and certifications
Financial & Operational
Financial & Operational
- Credit Card Acceptance: Payment flexibility
Company Profiles
Profile Information

- Basic Information: Company name, address, contact details
- Business Details: Size, certifications, years in business
- Capabilities: NAICS codes, technical expertise, services
- Performance History: Past contracts, awards, ratings
- Contact Information: Phone, email, website, social media
Company Analysis
Use profile information to assess potential partners:Capability Match: Do their skills complement yours?
Experience Level: Have they performed similar work?
Geographic Coverage: Can they serve the required locations?
Financial Stability: Are they financially sound?
Cultural Fit: Will your teams work well together?
Past Performance: What is their track record with similar contracts?
Partnership Strategies
- Teaming Agreements
- Joint Ventures
- Mentor-Protégé
Formal partnerships to pursue specific opportunities:Key Elements of Teaming Agreements:
1
Identify Opportunity
Find a contract that requires teaming
2
Assess Needs
Determine what capabilities you need
3
Find Partners
Use partnerships search to identify candidates
4
Evaluate Fit
Review capabilities, experience, and compatibility
5
Negotiate Terms
Define roles, responsibilities, and profit sharing
6
Document Agreement
Create formal teaming agreement
- Roles and responsibilities for each partner
- Profit sharing and cost allocation
- Proposal development responsibilities
- Intellectual property rights
- Dispute resolution procedures
- Termination clauses
Best Practices
Partner Selection
Partner Selection
- Define Requirements: Clearly identify what you need in a partner
- Research Thoroughly: Use all available information to evaluate candidates
- Check References: Talk to companies that have worked with potential partners
- Assess Compatibility: Ensure cultural and operational fit
- Plan for Growth: Consider long-term partnership potential
- Evaluate Past Performance: Review their track record on similar projects
Relationship Management
Relationship Management
- Clear Communication: Establish regular communication channels
- Defined Roles: Clearly define responsibilities and expectations
- Performance Monitoring: Track partner performance and deliverables
- Issue Resolution: Address problems quickly and constructively
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and improve partnerships
- Documentation: Keep detailed records of all agreements and communications
Legal Considerations
Legal Considerations
- Teaming Agreements: Use proper legal documentation
- Non-Disclosure Agreements: Protect proprietary information
- Intellectual Property: Define ownership of jointly developed IP
- Liability Protection: Understand and manage legal risks
- Dispute Resolution: Plan for handling disagreements
- Compliance: Ensure all agreements comply with government regulations
