Tips for Finding Potential Subcontractors

Building a successful team starts with choosing the right partners, including dependable subcontractors.

Here are some tips to help guide your subcontractor search:

• Search for NYC-Certified Businesses. Use the SBS Online Directory of NYC Certified Businesses to find M/WBEs and other City-certified firms by keyword, commodity/service (NIGP code), or location (Advanced Search > Country or Zip Code). Note: All City-certified businesses are for-profit entities.
• Find Current and Historical NYC Contractors. Go to the Comptroller’s office website Checkbook NYC to search for current and historical City contract holders. To find vendors that have worked as subcontractors in the past, go to Contracts > Advanced Search > select your Industry, under Subcontract Status select: ACCO Approved Subcontract, and explore using other filter options (e.g., Program or Agency).
• Look Up PASSPort Vendors. Use the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS) data transparency tool PASSPort Public to find vendors that have a PASSPort account and want to do business with the City. Go to Browse Vendors, select your Industry, and use any other filter option as needed. To look up vendors with City contracts, use Browse Contracts instead.
• Attend In-Person Procurement & Matchmaking Events. In-person events are always a great way to connect with other organizations. To find events, search Eventbrite with terms like “NYC procurement”, “contracts”, and “networking”. Look up City Agencies related to your work (nyc.gov/agencies) and check their websites, subscribe to their e-newsletters, and connect with them on social media. Be sure to connect with MOCS and SBS.
• Host a Public Education Event. Organize an informational session or open house to introduce your project to prospective subcontractors. This event is an opportunity to share key details about the project’s goals, timeline, scope of work, and subcontracting needs. It also allows you to highlight what you’re looking for in a subcontractor, answer questions, and begin building relationships with interested organizations. Holding a public session can help ensure transparency, attract a wider pool of qualified candidates, and foster early engagement with potential partners.
• Further Useful Strategies
  • Connect with local organizations and networks such as the local chamber of commerce, business improvement districts, community boards, community organizations, and nonprofit networks. These groups often maintain directories or host events where you can connect with businesses and service providers.
  • Use Google to find businesses based on industry and location, with specific terms such as: “afterschool provider Bronx”.
  • Check LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook to search for organizations and ask your connections for help in your search. Many organizations use these platforms to promote their work and may not appear in official directories.
  • Asking for help can go a long way. Ask your colleagues, contacts, and connections for referrals or recommendations.

Know of other helpful tools or approaches? Share them with us via this form and we’ll add them to this list!