What Is SBA SubNet?
SubNet is an SBA database where large prime contractors post subcontracting opportunities so small businesses can find them.
SubNet in plain English
SBA says SubNet helps large federal prime contractors find small subcontractors. A prime posts a description of the work, a closing date, the place of performance, a NAICS code and a contact. You search by keyword and state.
You answer the prime directly, not SBA. A short capability statement aimed at the posted need works best.
SubNet is one source of subcontracting work, not the only one. Many primes also list suppliers on their own small business pages, and SBA publishes a directory of primes with subcontracting plans.
Related terms
- Subcontractor: A subcontractor is a business hired by a prime contractor to do part of a government contract. Your customer is the prime, not the agency.
- Prime contractor: A prime contractor is the business that holds a contract directly with the government. It's responsible for all the work, including any it subcontracts.
- Subcontracting plan: A subcontracting plan is a large prime contractor's written commitment to goals for using small businesses as subcontractors on a federal contract.
- Capability statement: A capability statement is a one-page summary of your business for agencies and prime contractors: what you do, what sets you apart and your past work.
Put it to work
- How to become a government subcontractor
- Find primes with small business subcontracting plans
- SBA: subcontracting opportunities (SubNet)
Looking for another term? Browse the full glossary or the government contracting glossary guide.