Construction Business Magazine July 2011

Employ this strategy to win federal contracts.

 Editor's Note: This is the first part in a two-part series that discusses how to choose the right teaming partner and what to include in a teaming agreement.

In this tricky economy, contractors struggle with getting bonded, getting jobs and getting paid. To get past these issues and achieve success while reducing risks, contractors have considered teaming with other contractors.

Forming a contracting team is a new strategy to win government contracts. The government not only supports but encourages teaming as a way to reduce costs.

According to Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 9.602(a):  "Contractor team arrangements may be desirable from both a government and industry standpoint in order to enable the companies involved to: (1) complement each other's unique capabilities and (2) offer the government the best combination of performance, cost and delivery for the system or product being acquired."

While teaming brings many opportunities, choosing the wrong team member can result in disastrous disputes.  A successful teaming relationship starts with all parties recognizing why teaming is important and making sure every team member has the same expectations.

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