# HUBZone SDVOSBs Build Subcontracting Relationships

A discussion on subcontracting advises a new HUBZone-certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) technology firm to build prime-contractor relationships around demonstrated capabilities rather than rely on certification alone to generate work. Suggested steps include joining prime contractors’ supplier lists, using industry-day participant lists and LinkedIn for targeted outreach, maintaining a complete SBA profile and capability statement, and engaging veteran business networks and a local APEX Accelerator. The discussion identifies no specific contract, contact, or reliable timeline, and notes that workshare decisions may ultimately be made by senior leaders at a prime contractor.

- Firms without past performance can use targeted outreach and supplier-list registration to establish relationships, while presenting concrete ways their capabilities could support a prime’s pursuit.
- Keeping SBA profiles and capability statements current, and using veteran-focused networks and APEX Accelerator assistance, can support those business-development efforts.
- Prime relationships may take time and do not guarantee workshare; firms should account for senior-level workshare decisions when assessing subcontracting prospects.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Published:** October 01, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

### Vendors
- AWS ()
- Deloitte ()
- Microsoft ()

### Key Quotes
> I’ve been cold emailed a bunch of times by firms who got my name from an industry day participation list or found me on LinkedIn and sent me emails saying, “Hey, we’re a <insert special flavor of small business> with expertise in <something or other>. I saw that you’re going after this contract; here’s how we can help.” Usually, I’ve already had partner companies, but it’s worked a few times.
> — Commenter

> And I learned it the hard way when VPs added me to teams and the CFO or the CEO said, “We need more workshare.”
> — Commenter (business owner)

### Sources
- [How to find subcontracts as a firm with no past performance?](https://www.reddit.com/r/GovernmentContracting/comments/1wve7c1/how_to_find_subcontracts_as_a_firm_with_no_past) - reddit-governmentcontracting