GSA encourages teaming arrangements among schedule holders to satisfy complex agency needs. Federal buyers often seek "complete solutions" through a single purchase, rather than multiple buys. Because most companies can't do everything, they have to team up with other companies to satisfy such demands.

Teaming arrangements vary. Two or more Schedule contractors can seek Schedule work as a team. In such cases, each participating team member pays their share of the Industrial Funding Fee, and the teaming arrangement, including which company will serve as the team leader or prime contractor, is detailed in the contract. Alternatively, two or more companies form a partnership or joint venture to act as a potential prime contractor. A GSA Schedule holder could also bring in non-Schedule holders as subcontractors-this is commonly referred to as "riding someone's Schedule."

What are the potential benefits of teaming from the vendor's perspective? GSA lists the following pluses of a team agreement:

• Satisfies the customer with a single solution
• Increases competitive edge
• Increases market share
• Increases visibility
• Focuses on core capabilities
• Obtains complementary capabilities
• Integrates different skills
• Offers additional opportunities with customers
• Builds direct relationships with customers
• Maximizes use of one or more Schedule solutions
• Shares risks and rewards
• Increases small business participation