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CONTRACTOR TOOLKIT

Partnering Resources for Federal Contractors

Directly actionable compliance tools: an interactive 35-day post-award checklist, answers to frequent partnering questions, and authoritative federal specifications.

35-Day Compliance Roadmap

Post-award partnering checklist

Follow these seven sequential steps immediately following award to ensure compliance with UFGS 01 30 00 Section 1.11.

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1. Locate the partnering paragraph in your contract

Verify UFGS 01 30 00 §1.11 or FSC Annex 0200000 §2.3.3 and confirm whether Formal Partnering (with neutral facilitator) applies.

2. Retain a neutral third-party facilitator immediately

The initial session must occur within 35 calendar days of award and before physical on-site work begins. Retain OPAL Pacific early to lock in your date.

3. Reserve a mutually agreed off-base venue

Coordinate a full-day off-base conference facility in Guam (or regional hub) with audiovisual and breakout capability.

4. Confirm key stakeholder attendance

Secure attendance from the ROICC/FEAD construction managers, Designer of Record, prime PM and superintendent, and major subcontractor leaders.

5. Flow partnering requirements down to subcontractors

Incorporate mandatory partnering attendance and IRL escalation commitments into trade subcontracts. Contact OPAL Pacific to obtain tailored subcontract and joint-venture partnering clauses for your project.

6. Calendar follow-on sessions at 3-to-6-month intervals

Establish standing quarterly alignment sessions and team health assessment schedules for the duration of the contract performance period.

7. File session deliverables with official contract records

Ensure the signed Partnering Charter, Disputes Resolution Ladder, and Risk Register are submitted to the Contracting Officer and filed in eCMS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Partnering compliance FAQs

Common questions regarding costs, authority, timelines, and attendance requirements under federal partnering specifications.

Who pays for partnering?
On Formal Partnering contracts, the prime contractor is responsible for all session costs, including retaining the independent facilitator and securing the off-base venue (budgeted within General Conditions). On Informal Partnering contracts, internal costs are negligible and absorbed directly by the participating Government and contractor teams.
Does the Partnering Charter alter or modify my contract?
No. The Partnering Charter is a non-contractual covenant. It operates alongside the contract to establish behavioral and communication ground rules without modifying terms, conditions, specifications, or legal rights of either party.
How soon after award must the initial session happen?
Under UFGS 01 30 00 §1.11, the initial partnering session must occur within 35 calendar days of contract award and prior to the start of physical construction. For Facility Support Contracts under Annex 0200000, partnering occurs within 30 days concurrent with the Pre-Performance Conference.
Who is required to attend the initial workshop?
Mandatory attendees include the prime contractor's Project Manager and Superintendent, major subcontractors' PMs and superintendents, the ROICC/FEAD construction managers, the Designer of Record (DOR), and end-user representatives. Executive sponsors from the contractor and agency are strongly encouraged to attend the opening and charter signing.
What happens if an issue cannot be resolved in the field?
The Issue Resolution Ladder (IRL) establishes strict, time-bound escalation rungs. If field superintendents cannot resolve an issue within 24–48 hours, it automatically escalates to Project Managers (3–5 days), and then to Executive Leadership (7 days). OPAL Pacific facilitates escalated sessions to achieve commercial resolution before formal FAR claims are filed.
Can OPAL Pacific facilitate projects outside of Guam?
Yes. Headquartered in Hagåtña, Guam, OPAL Pacific facilitates projects across Saipan, Tinian, Kwajalein, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, Hawaii, and Australia. We also provide hybrid facilitation when mainland designers or corporate executives participate remotely.
Official Documentation

Authoritative references

Official government specifications, playbooks, and industry standard authorities governing federal construction partnering.

Federal Specifications & Policy

Industry Partnering Associations

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