GovPath logoGovPath
← My JourneyChapter 3: Find Contracts
← Back to My Journey
GovPath guides are informational only, not legal or procurement advice. Verify all requirements directly with the relevant agency.

How to Find Subcontracting Opportunities

Already in SAM.gov but haven't won a contract yet? Subcontracting is often the fastest way to get your first federal experience.

What subcontracting is

Instead of bidding directly to the government (a prime contract), you work as a sub to a larger company that has already won a federal contract. Prime contractors on contracts over $900,000 (or $2 million for construction) are required by law to seek out small business subcontractors, so the demand for subs is real, not a favor. It's often the fastest way to get your first federal contracting experience and to build the past performance that prime contracts require.

Why it matters for new businesses

The past-performance problem

Most prime contracts require past performance: proof you've done similar work before. For a brand-new business that's a chicken-and-egg problem: you can't win the work without a track record, and you can't build a track record without winning the work. Subcontracting breaks the cycle: you build past performance as a sub, then use it to bid as a prime.

Tip

Some small business set-aside programs (like 8(a) in its early years) allow sole-source prime contracts for program participants, but even those are far easier to win once you have some past performance as a sub behind you.

How to find subcontracting opportunities: SBA SubNet

  1. 1

    Go to SBA SubNet

    Open SBA SubNet →. This is the SBA's official subcontracting opportunity board. Prime contractors post notices here when they're looking for small business subs.

  2. 2

    Search by keyword or NAICS code

    Use the same primary NAICS code from your GovPath quiz. You can also search by state if you want local work.

  3. 3

    Know what to look for in a notice

    • The prime contractor's name and contact information
    • The type of work and the location
    • The deadline: SubNet notices expire, so act quickly when you find a fit
  4. 4

    Reach out directly

    SubNet notices usually include a contact email or form. Introduce your company: who you are, your NAICS code, your SAM.gov UEI, and what makes you a fit for this work. Keep it short.

  5. 5

    Have a capability statement ready

    If a prime is interested, they'll ask for a capability statement (a one-page summary of your company's relevant experience, key staff, and contact info). Build one before you start reaching out, so you can respond the same day.

What “past performance” really means

It's written confirmation from a previous client (a prime or an agency) that you did the work on time and at the agreed quality. Even one strong past-performance reference can unlock prime contract bids. Track every subcontract job (the contact, the work, the dollar amount) so you can use it later.

Other ways to find subcontracting work

  • USASpending.gov: look up large prime contracts in your NAICS area, find the prime contractor, and reach out directly even without a SubNet notice.
  • SBA's Small Business Search (formerly the Dynamic Small Business Search): primes use this to find subs by NAICS, state, and certifications. Make sure your SAM.gov profile is complete so you show up. Open Small Business Search →

What to do next

Once you have subcontracting experience:

  • Document it with your prime contractor's contact info and a brief description of the work and the dollar amount
  • Ask for a past performance reference letter or a written past performance rating (on the CPARS scale); since 2022, a first-tier small business subcontractor can request one from the prime
  • You're now ready to start bidding on prime contracts: head to your contract feed
Find subcontracting opportunities →Or browse prime contracts →← Back to My Journey
← Back to My Journey