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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

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:
  • 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
  • NAICS Codes: Industry-specific experience
  • Contract History: Past performance and awards
  • Geographic Location: Service areas and offices
  • Technical Expertise: Specialized skills and certifications
Proprietary score indicating company profile strength based on available information, past performance, and other factors.
  • NAICS Codes: Industry-specific experience
  • Has Experience: Past performance and awards
  • Geographic Location: Service areas and offices
  • Technical Expertise: Specialized skills and certifications
  • Credit Card Acceptance: Payment flexibility

Company Profiles

Profile Information

Partner Profile Information
Each company profile includes:
  • 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:
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
Key Elements of Teaming Agreements:
  • Roles and responsibilities for each partner
  • Profit sharing and cost allocation
  • Proposal development responsibilities
  • Intellectual property rights
  • Dispute resolution procedures
  • Termination clauses

Best Practices

  • 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
  • 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