exploring sba subnet

Marketing is not always an easy task. This is very true for small businesses since resources and time are rarely available. The Small Business Administration (SBA) can help. If you are a prime contractor looking for a subcontractor or a small outfit searching for business, the SBA SubNet is a web forum for sub and prime contractors to make connections.

Small businesses searching for prime contractors can easily use SubNet to find opportunities. By clicking on the “Search the database” link you are taken to a page where you can search for prime contractors. You can refine your search by using NAICS codes, contract description, subcontract solicitation number, or state. If you would rather not search by specific NAICS code, region, etc., you can click “View all solicitations.” With this option you are able to see all of the subcontracting opportunities offered. Once you have found what you are looking for, print out the solicitation and contact the company to get more details. Every solicitation on SubNet will have all of the contact information that you will need.

If you are a prime contractor and are looking for a sub, you can also benefit from using SubNet. All you have to do is register and prepare a solicitation. If you successfully make an award, the SBA would appreciate the results. These results include: business name, award amount, business category, and the number of responses to your solicitation.

Using SubNet is a free and easy way to market your business to prime or sub contractors. Instead of blindly marketing your small business, SubNet offers an easy way for you to find opportunities and bid on them. Likewise, if you are a prime contractor, SubNet allows you to solicit bids to small businesses who specialize in the areas that you do not.

If you have any questions about SubNet, please contact your PTAC consultant or visit the SBA website.