All glossary terms
Contract Administration

Prime Contractor

Company submitting the proposal directly to the government, bearing primary responsibility.

Related terms

Government-Furnished Equipment
Equipment owned by the government and provided to the contractor.
GSA Schedule / Federal Supply Schedule
Long-term contract providing access to products and services at pre-negotiated prices.
Incumbent
Current holder of a contract being re-competed.
Joint Venture
Two or more companies forming a unique entity to share work on an opportunity.
Key Personnel
Critical positions with specific education and experience requirements specified in the RFP.
Letter of Intent
Written commitment to join the team for a specific position if the company wins.
Performance Work Statement
Statement of work for performance-based acquisitions with measurable outcomes.
Prime Contractor
Company submitting the proposal directly to the government, bearing primary responsibility.
Sole Source Acquisition
Contract issued without competitive bidding — typically only one qualified source.
Statement of Objectives
Broad, top-level government objectives without prescribing how to accomplish them.
Statement of Work
Portion of the RFP/contract defining specific work to be accomplished.
Subcontractor
Company performing a portion of the contractual obligation for the prime.