By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | Federal Contracting & Compliance Law Attorney | Shin Law Office
Teaming Agreement Disputes in Loudoun County – Legal Options for Federal Contractors
I’ve heard it too many times:
“We helped them win the federal contract—and then they ghosted us after the award.”
If you’re a subcontractor or small business in Loudoun County that’s ever been cut out of a federal contract after teaming up with a prime, you’re not alone.
And yes, there may be legal recourse, but it all comes down to what was in your teaming agreement (and sometimes what was missing).
You Did the Work. They Got the Award. Then They Walked Away.
Teaming agreements are often built on trust.
You work hard on the proposal.
You share your past performance, technical capabilities, and sometimes even price models.
Then the award comes in, and the prime decides they don’t “need” you anymore.
This happens more than people think.
And in Virginia, it’s a tough spot to be in legally.
Our state courts (especially in Northern Virginia) don’t always recognize vague teaming agreements as enforceable contracts.
So… Can You Sue Prime or Subcontractors?
Here’s the short version: It depends.
In Virginia, teaming agreements are usually seen as “agreements to agree”, which courts typically won’t enforce unless specific key terms are locked in.
I look for:
- Clear language about workshare percentages
- Specific roles or scope of work post-award
- Payment structures or milestones
- Language showing mutual obligation, not just intent
If all you have is a generic “we’ll work together in good faith” clause, enforcing it becomes a steep climb.
However, if your agreement outlines specific deliverables, responsibilities, or percentages, we may be able to argue breach of contract or at least pursue equitable relief.
What I Do for My Clients in Loudoun County
When a teaming deal goes sideways, I step in quickly to:
- Analyze your teaming agreement under Virginia contract law
- Review email and proposal history to find evidence of intent or promises
- Help you recover proposal costs, lost profits, or damages
- Draft stronger teaming agreements moving forward—ones that will hold up
I’ve represented subs who were completely cut out and managed to negotiate settlements, secure workshare belatedly, or get reimbursed for their bid and proposal effort.
Every case is fact-specific—but you do have rights.
Final Thought
If you’re doing federal contracting in Loudoun County, a handshake or loosely written teaming agreement just isn’t enough.
Once the award comes in, the power dynamic changes and if you’re not protected, you can be left out with nothing to show for your effort.
Let’s review what you’ve got before the next contract goes bad.
Anthony I. Shin, Esq.
