The Federal Sub Academy blog

Plain-English guidance on federal subcontracting, written for the people doing the work.

The Paperwork Subcontractors Must Master to Win Federal Work

2026-09-30

The core federal subcontract paperwork every subcontractor should master — SF 1413, daily reports, certified payroll, and releases — in one checklist.

How Prime Contractors Vet Subcontractors (and How to Get Hired Faster)

2026-09-29

What federal prime contractors actually check before they hire a subcontractor, and how a trained, paperwork-ready subcontractor moves to the front of the line.

Davis-Bacon Act Basics for Subcontractors

2026-09-28

What the Davis-Bacon Act requires, what prevailing wage means for a subcontractor, and how it connects to certified payroll and SF 1413.

Certified Payroll for Subcontractors: A Plain-English Guide

2026-09-27

What certified payroll is, what WH-347 requires, and the GSA Form 618-D statement for personally performed work — explained for subcontractors.

How to Fill Out a Daily Report on a Federal Construction Contract

2026-09-26

A field-by-field guide to the contractor daily report on a federal job — weather, work performed, safety, equipment, and hours — and why accuracy protects you.

SF 1413 Explained: The Statement and Acknowledgment Every Subcontractor Signs

2026-09-25

SF 1413, the Statement and Acknowledgment, connects a subcontractor to a prime contract. Here is what both parts mean and what you are signing.

What Is a Federal Subcontractor and How to Become One

2026-09-24

A plain-English explanation of what a federal subcontractor is, how subcontracting works on government contracts, and the steps to become a vetted subcontractor.