Plan With Us
Plan With Us

Prime/Sub Teaming & Partnerships

Strategic teaming solutions that expand your reach, boost eligibility, and strengthen your proposals for government contracting success.

Stronger Together. Smarter Bids. More Wins.

In government contracting, teaming is more than a strategy—it’s a competitive advantage. At RFP Helper we help companies successfully navigate Prime/Subcontractor teaming arrangements by identifying the right partners, aligning strengths, and executing winning proposals for federal, state, and local opportunities.
Whether you’re stepping into the public sector for the first time or scaling into Prime territory, our team helps you unlock new opportunities and build partnerships that drive growth and performance.

Teaming Arrangement & Support Services

Opportunity Identification & Partner Matchmaking

We help you find the right contracts and the right partners.

Teaming Strategy and Documentation

We ensure that your teaming relationships are built on clarity and compliance.

Proposal Development and Collaboration Support

Teaming works best with strong proposals—we help you get it right, together.

Post-Award Prime/Sub Execution

Deliver on your contract with precision and partnership.

Service Industries

Specialization by Sector & Service Type

IT Services & Cybersecurity Projects
Healthcare, Medical, and Educational Staffing Contracts
Engineering and Administrative Professional Services
Payroll Outsourcing & Employer-of-Record Solutions
Direct Hire Recruitment and Executive Search Contracts
Why Us

Why Prime/Sub Teaming Matters

Spotlights

Client Success Spotlights

Matched a WOSB staffing firm with a Prime for a state-wide healthcare services IDIQ
Enabled an IT startup to partner with a HUBZone Prime for a $12M federal BPA win
Supported a payroll company’s integration as a subcontractor in a national Sourcewell proposal
Co-developed a joint proposal that won a public university executive search contract

Build Partnerships That Deliver

Looking to grow as a Prime? Want to break in as a Sub? Need proposal help across a joint bid? We’re your partner in making it happen.

Let’s Talk About Teaming!

info@rfphelper.com
302-205-6464

Frequently Asked Questions

Some frequently asked questions about the service that you may have questions about

What is a Prime/Sub Teaming & Partnership?
It’s when a prime contractor collaborates with subcontractors to bid on and deliver government contracts—combining complementary capabilities to meet solicitation requirements. A teaming agreement defines roles before award; a subcontract is the legally binding contract after award.
When should I consider teaming instead of bidding alone?
Teaming makes sense if your scope or required scale exceeds your capacity or if you need certifications, past performance, or expertise that your partner brings. It can also strategically support small business set-asides.
What are the key components of a solid teaming agreement?
Essential elements include confidentiality (NDA), exclusivity terms, scope of work, indemnification, IP ownership, roles, termination clauses, and ensuring an enforceable subcontract upon award.
Can I team with multiple primes for the same opportunity?
Yes—if your teaming agreements are non-exclusive and there’s no conflict of interest. Being on multiple teams can increase your chance of participation. Just avoid exclusive clauses without exit options.
How do limitations on subcontracting impact teaming?
For set-aside contracts (e.g. small business), the prime must perform a minimum percentage of the work—typically at least 50% for service contracts as defined in FAR 52.21914—to avoid being considered a pass-through arrangement.
How should subcontractors demonstrate past performance?
Past performance of subs can and should be submitted. The proposal must clearly identify whose performance is cited and how it's relevant. Proper attribution avoids issues around ostensible subcontracting.
What’s the difference between a teaming agreement and a subcontract agreement?
A teaming agreement is a non-binding intent to collaborate upfront. A subcontract is legally binding after award. The subcontract must mirror the terms of the teaming agreement.
How do I position my company to be a valued subcontractor?
Stand out by offering specialized expertise, relevant certifications (e.g. SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a)), access to agency relationships, or lower cost structure—especially important when engaging large primes.
What best practices help set up a successful teaming relationship?
Start early (before RFP issuance), pilot small projects to build history, conduct due diligence, use clear written scopes, and negotiate enforceable agreements that include mutual expectations.
What risks should both prime and sub avoid in teaming agreements?
Avoid vague or unenforceable language (like "good-faith negotiations"), overly restrictive exclusivity clauses, affiliation risks that impact size status, and poorly defined termination terms. Always legal-review teaming deals.