If you must use subcontractors, choose people you feel confident will do the work to your standards. Do not advance monies to subcontractors until they are on the job or producing product. You will want to maintain a 30-day float between your payments from the government and your disbursement to others. Do not provide final payment until the contracting officer has signed off and approved the entire award. Should I contact the contracting officer or must everything be submitted in writing.
Most contracting officers are genuinely committed to getting the most value out of all contracts.
They are also overworked and concerned about meeting very high goals in small business participation. At the same time, they are shy about bringing in new contractors. If a contract is important, you should try to meet the contracting officer, even if it means going out of city or state. Some contracting officers are loath to meet with would-be contractors, but it is done and improves your chances for success. 1998-2000 SmallBusinessDepot Inc. Privacy Statement and Legal Notices Reproduction or unauthorized use of this material is prohibited.