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The term subcontractor is an unfamiliar concept in bidding. In addition to the procuring entity and the main contractor, there are also subcontractors or expert subcontractors in some bidding sessions. So what is the concept of specialist subcontractors? Let’s find the answer with Miami Contractors through the article below.
What is a subcontractor?
Before learning what a specialist subcontractor is, we need to know what a subcontractor is?
Sub-contractor means a contractor participating in the performance of a bidding package under a contract signed with the main contractor. A sub-contractor means a sub-contractor performing important work of the bidding package proposed by the main contractor in the bid dossier, a dossier of proposals based on requirements stated in the bidding dossier, dossier of requirements.
Thus, it can see that a sub-contractor in construction activities is a contractor that signs a contract with the main contractor or general contractor to perform part of the work of the main contractor or general contractor.
What is a specialist subcontractors?
A specialist subcontractor is a term used to refer to the subcontractors proposed by the main contractor in the bid to perform the work of a unique and vital nature for that tender project.
From that, it can see that the specialist subcontractors is no different from the subcontractor by the law.
Criteria for selecting specialist subcontractors
As mentioned above, specialist subcontractors are also contractors involved in the construction process. Therefore, choosing a suitable and qualified contractor is also very important.
To choose a suitable subcontractor, we need to base on the following factors:
+ The place of long-term operation of the sub-contractor.
+ Having sufficient machinery and equipment to do the job quickly and on schedule.
+ Adequate financial ability to perform the job.

+ Technical capacity and experience of engineers and workers.
+ Frequency of project execution that was faulty or not completed on schedule in the past.
+ Current position of the subcontractor in the construction industry.
Those are essential criteria for us to evaluate the qualifications and credibility of specialist subcontractors. Make the contractor selection carefully because it will directly affect the quality of the work later.
Note when using specialist subcontractors.
Specialist subcontractors are directly involved in the construction process and undertake their professional work. However, the main contractor may not assign the entire project piece to specialist subcontractors. The specialist subcontractors only undertake part of the project’s work and have its tasks to complete.
Workloads of specialist subcontractors
The current regulation does not limit the amount of work of subcontractors assigned by the main contractor. However, depending on each field of the bidding package, the investor will stipulate the amount of work the subcontractor can undertake. In some cases, if this work volume is 0%, it is equivalent to the absence of subcontractors in this package, and the main contractor must do the whole work.
Therefore, when the main contractor receives the project dossier, it is necessary to look carefully to know the amount of work for specialist subcontractors specified by the investor. If the volume level is 0%, the main contractor is not allowed to hire any more specialist subcontractors.
Responsibilities of specialist subcontractors
The subcontractor will not be responsible for the investor but the main contractor through the signed contract and before the law.
When participating in the bid, the main contractor must register the list of participating subcontractors together with the workload of the subcontractor. If the request is won, the main contractor is only assigned to subcontractors by the initially registered workload in the bid. If the main contractor gives jobs not on the written list, it is considered to have transferred the bidding package to that subcontractor.
If the bidding package allows specialist subcontractors to participate, the documents will detail the subcontractor’s work. The main contractor may add additional subcontractors beyond the initial registered list if there is a good reason and the investor accepts it.
Do specialist subcontractors need to prepare bids?
The investor will not evaluate the capacity of the subcontractor but only rely on the power and experience of the main contractor to select the contractor for himself. Therefore, subcontractors will not need to prepare bids.
Requirements, bidding documents or not. However, for bidding packages using specialist subcontractors, the investor will evaluate the capacity and experience of the subcontractor, especially for the list of jobs that the contractor undertakes, by the dossier. Therefore, specialist subcontractors must prepare full documents to prove their competence and experience.
When choosing any contractor, whether the main contractor, sub-contractor, or specialist subcontractors, it is also necessary to choose a reputable one. Contractors also have professional duties, rights, and obligations related to the construction of the works. Therefore, each contractor must put project quality and construction safety on top, whether primary or secondary.
Above is Miami Contractors’ introduction to specialist subcontractors-related issues. That is just the name indicating the extraordinary work of that subcontractor for the bidding package. Specialist subcontractors are no different from subcontractors according to the provisions of the law.