Teaming Allows Small Companies to Get BIG Business
TEAMING AGREEMENT CHECKLIST
Trends have shown that federal contracts are getting larger every year. How can you compete for large contracts when your company is capable of providing only part of the services required? Teaming is the answer. This process is being used by companies of all sizes to create a group or team to address the specific needs of certain contracts. You can use this Teaming Agreement Checklist to guide you through the Teaming requirements and open new business opportunities for your company.
For many years companies have come together to form a team effort in marketing, bidding and winning federal contracts. In the past the size of the resulting combined companies (team) may have exceed the small business standard. Part 121.103 has addressed the size question by saying that a Teaming Agreement between firms that each team member can be found small for the size standard attached can be exempt from the affiliation question. It does not say that the agreement must be formal, but if your team is bidding together for the any specific government acquisition, then you must determine if a formal agreement is required. If so, it must be a written agreement and must be submitted to the Contracting Officer not later than the submission of the proposal.
In a Teaming Agreement effort, the assigned prime must have sufficient capability to carry the necessary responsibility to lead the team and successfully execute the contract.
The Teaming Agreement must include the following:
1) The purpose of the Teaming Agreement.
2) Since all members of the team must be small according to the NAICS Code of the project, either as a part of the agreement or as an attachment, the size for each team member must be certified.
3) Designation of a firm as the “lead” firm in the arrangement and that the firm will be responsible for the overall performance of the work.
4) A statement as to the expertise, unique skills, machinery, etc. that each team member brings to the effort as a whole. The team has come together usually because of the various skills they bring to the overall contract, therefore, we would like to know what that is and how the each team member fits into the overall performance.
5) The “team” plan should any firm withdraw from team during the contract performance period.
6) Designation that accounting and administrative records relating to the agreement be kept in the office of the lead firm.
7) Designation that the original contract records be retained by the lead firm upon completion of the contract performed by the team.
Other requirements:
1) As stated above the required percentage of work to be performed by the formal team must be in compliance with 125.510 (general construction 15%, Specialty construction 25%, all other 50%).
2) The Teaming Agreement must be approved prior to award. Please send your draft to the Contracting Officer as soon as possible so they can review and make adjustments if needed before the final agreement is submitted for final approval or decline. Non-8(a) Teaming Agreements do not have to go to SBA; approval or disapproval is determined at the Contracts Office.
3) The contract will be issued in the name of the lead firm.
4) All changes, amendments, or additions to the agreement must have Contracting Officer approval.
5) The Contracting Officer may inspect your records without notice at any time deemed necessary.
Submission of Teaming Agreement package must include:
1) The Teaming Agreement – signed by all parties
– OR -
2) Copies of the Individual Teaming Agreements with All Team Members and a Cover letter from the firm acting as the prime contractor listing all parties, their respective business size, and the areas in which each will perform.
3) Comments regarding the contract sought that might be of assistance in this review
If you have questions please discuss with the Contracting Officer as early as possible so the approval process will move along quickly and we have an approved agreement in plenty of time before award.
For more information, contact us at info@targetgov.com or call 800-324-5160.
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