Federal Contracting
Teaming with VETTED
For primes looking for a capable SDVOSB partner, and for firms building a team to win an SDVOSB set-aside. We lead where we are the prime, perform where we are the sub, and structure every team to comply.
Two ways to team
VETTED as your SDVOSB subcontractor
If you are a large or small prime pursuing work with a healthcare or facility support component, VETTED can self-perform a defined scope with our own employees. We bring SDVOSB participation that is real work, supervised by us and reported to you.
Eligible spend with an SDVOSB may count toward your small business subcontracting goals when the contract allows and it is reported correctly.
VETTED as your SDVOSB prime
For SDVOSB set-asides, including Department of Veterans Affairs procurements under Veterans First (VAAR 819.70), VETTED can hold the prime contract, lead the program and self-perform our share, with your firm performing a defined scope as a subcontractor.
Who does what when VETTED is your subcontractor
A typical split of responsibilities. The teaming agreement and subcontract set the final terms for each opportunity.
| Responsibility | Prime contractor | VETTED | Government customer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contract and customer relationship | Holds the prime contract and is the main point of contact with the customer. | Works under the subcontract and contacts the customer only as the prime directs. | Awards and administers the prime contract through the contracting officer. |
| Program management | Manages the overall program, schedule and integration. | Manages its assigned scope with a named lead who reports to the prime's program manager. | Monitors performance through the contracting officer's representative. |
| Workforce recruiting, screening and supervision | Staffs its own scope and sets flow-down requirements. | Recruits, screens, trains and supervises the employees who perform its scope. | Sets any site access and personnel requirements in the contract. |
| Quality control and reporting | Owns the contract quality control plan and reports to the customer. | Inspects its own work, corrects findings, and reports to the prime on the prime's schedule. | Performs quality assurance surveillance and evaluates the prime's performance. |
| Invoicing and workshare tracking | Invoices the customer, pays subcontractors and files subcontracting reports. | Invoices the prime for its scope and supplies the data the prime needs to track workshare. | Approves the prime's invoices and reviews subcontracting reports. |
What we self-perform
These are the lanes where VETTED supplies the workforce, supervision and quality control directly.
- Healthcare and senior care services: non-medical in-home support, homemaker and home health aide services, and services for older adults and people with disabilities (621610, 624120).
- Facility support services: facilities support, janitorial, landscaping and grounds, and industrial laundry and linen (561210, 561720, 561730, 812331, 812332).
- Program management and team integration across every contract we hold.
In our specialty lanes (graphic design and signage, home medical equipment, engineering and design), VETTED manages the requirement and teams with partners who hold the specialized capacity. See our capabilities page for codes and details.
How we structure teams
Prime and subcontractor
Our standard structure. A written teaming agreement defines each party's scope, workshare, reporting and flow-down requirements before the proposal goes in.
Joint venture, where appropriate
For larger or more complex requirements, we will consider an SDVOSB joint venture structured to meet SBA rules for control and workshare.
Mentor-protégé
VETTED is open to discussing a mentor-protégé relationship with an established firm whose capabilities complement ours.
Limitations on subcontracting, in plain terms
Set-aside contracts come with rules about how much work the prime can pay other firms to do. The rules are in 13 CFR 125.6. We build our teams around them from the start.
- Services contracts: VETTED, as prime, may not pay more than 50% of the amount it receives from the government to subcontractors that are not similarly situated.
- Similarly situated subcontractors: Work performed by another certified SDVOSB subcontracting to us on an SDVOSB set-aside does not count against that 50% limit. This is one reason we team SDVOSB-first.
- Construction: The rules set different percentages for general and specialty trade construction. VETTED is not currently pursuing construction lanes.
We track workshare throughout performance, not just at proposal time. VETTED never passes a contract through to another firm. We lead, manage and self-perform our share.
What a teaming engagement with VETTED looks like
Initial conversation
We review the opportunity, the scope each firm would perform, and whether the team can meet the set-aside and workshare rules.
Teaming agreement
We put scope, workshare, pricing responsibilities, exclusivity, confidentiality and flow-down terms in writing before proposal work begins.
Proposal development
We assign volume owners, share a schedule, and give every partner a clear view of how their capability supports the solution.
Performance
On award, we manage the team under one program structure, with shared reporting, quality control and regular reviews of workshare and performance.
What we look for in partners
- Active SAM registration and the NAICS codes that match the scope.
- SDVOSB or veteran-owned status preferred; we look to those firms first.
- Capacity to perform your scope with your own employees.
- Relevant experience you can document and describe honestly.
- Appropriate insurance and a clean record of compliance.
- Responsive communication and willingness to work under one program structure.
Subcontractors and vendors who want to be considered for future work can also register with us.
Teaming questions
Will VETTED sign an exclusive teaming agreement?
It depends on the opportunity. We decide exclusivity case by case and put it in writing before proposal work begins.
Can a large business subcontract to VETTED on an SDVOSB set-aside?
Yes, within the limits of 13 CFR 125.6. On a services set-aside, VETTED can pay no more than 50% of the amount it receives to firms that are not similarly situated, so a large business subcontractor's share is sized with that limit in mind.
Do you team outside Michigan?
Yes. Teaming is how we serve requirements nationwide. We look for partners with local capacity where the work is performed.
How quickly do you decide on a teaming request?
We review every inquiry and respond with a clear yes, no, or list of questions. Include the solicitation number and due date so we can prioritize.
Details we need to review a requirement
- Solicitation or notice ID, and the agency
- NAICS code and set-aside type
- Place or places of performance
- Scope summary or performance work statement (PWS)
- Labor categories and headcount
- Period of performance
- Proposal due date
- Your proposed workshare for VETTED
Teaming inquiry
Tell us about the opportunity. Send what you have now; we will ask for the rest.