Non-exclusive teaming agreements

When one of my projects ended and the contract was up for re-compete, a few companies who were bidding reached out to me to team with them since I was an "incumbent," meaning I supported the work previously.

Having someone who supported the incumbent contract gives the bidder an advantage.

What they all wanted however, was an exclusive teaming agreement, meaning if I signed with one of them I couldn't partner with anyone else.

That makes sense...for them.

If I team with everyone, no one gets the advantage of having an incumbent.

But as a solo 1099, I have no idea who the winner will be.

So, I negotiated a non-exclusive teaming agreement meaning I could partner with whoever I wanted.

The framing was then, "well if you don't have me on your team, that is a disadvantage."

So I signed non-exclusive agreements with three different companies.

You should avoid exclusive teaming agreements if possible as a solo 1099.

You can say something like, "Hey I'd love to team with you, but as an independent consultant it's took risky for me to sign an exclusive agreement. Would being non-exclusive be a deal breaker?"

If the bidder won't play ball, at least negotiate another concession (higher billable rate, guarantee to sponsor a FCL, etc.).

Save exclusivity for your romantic partners. As a solo 1099, you want to be in an open relationship.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.