Process
Subcontractor
A supplier engaged by the prime contractor to deliver part of the scope, with no direct contract with the buyer.
Subcontractors contract with the prime, not the public buyer. Payment, scope and terms are governed by that agreement rather than by the public contract, though the public contract's obligations usually flow down.
Approaching primes before a solicitation closes is generally more effective than after. Primes assemble teams while writing their bid, and a subcontractor named in a winning proposal is committed from award. Award notices are a practical way to identify which primes repeatedly win the work you support.
Get scope, exclusions, insurance obligations and quote validity in writing. A subcontractor quote that expires before the contract is awarded is a common and expensive surprise.
Related terms
See this term in a real tender
Search current federal opportunities and read a live notice with this definition in mind.
This definition describes general Canadian federal practice and is not legal advice. Always confirm requirements against the official solicitation.