Updated October 2024
Federal and State Agencies may require that a Small Business Subcontracting Plan “SBSP” be submitted with a proposal response to a solicitation. The SBSP may be scored along with the proposal for adherence to the specifications requiring small diverse business enterprise “XBE” participation in subcontracts. Failure to address the requirements may impact the evaluation/award of a contract proposal.
Subcontracting in the context of a proposal refers to all expenditures with outside entities (suppliers) for supplies, equipment and services (including professionals) required for the fulfillment of the contract if awarded. SBSP are a commitment to meeting the soliciting agencies participation goals with XBEs.
The Office of Supplier Development and Engagement is prepared to assist the principal investigator in identifying XBEs who are capable of providing the services, supplies, and equipment itemized in the proposal budget. Solicitations from State Agencies generally limit XBE participants to State Certified XBEs. Federal Solicitations may include Nationally Certified XBEs. It is advisable to begin the XBE identification/commitment process as early as possible.
The Principal Investigator is responsible for contacting the identified XBEs and obtaining any commitment letters and/or other supporting information required by the soliciting agency. Commitments are subject to IU Purchasing policies and procedures.
If awarded a contract with a Federal or State SBSP for participation, the Principal Investigator, working in conjunction with the Office of Research Administration, is responsible for any reporting required by the awarding agency.
For Supplier Development and Engagement questions contact: XBEPower@iu.edu.