Non-exclusive teaming on re-competes

If you are on the tail end of a contract as a 1099, your prime is likely going to bid on the re-compete, which means they will likely want you on the team again.

They may ask you to sign what is called an "exclusive teaming agreement," which means you cannot bid on the contract with any other prime.

You should negotiate this away.

While there is a good chance the incumbent wins again, they may not, in which case you need to be on the winning team.

If you can find out who else is bidding, you can set up a call with their proposal team and become a non-exclusive teaming partner. This increases the odds of you being on a winning team.

Now, if the prime insists on an exclusive, you should ask for other concessions.

Maybe you can ask for a higher bill rate, get them to sponsor a Facility Clearance, or offer you a few spots so you can hire employees.

If your prime ends up losing, then find out who the winning company is and then ask them after the award to join. It's very common for a new contract winner to poach the previous company's staff. You can just do it proactively as a 1099.

Don't automatically concede away all the terms a prime wants just because they asked. Their feelings won't be hurt. It's just business.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.