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Comprehensive Subcontracting Plan Program

DCMA administers the Department of War (DoW) Comprehensive Subcontracting Plan (CSP) Program — a strategic initiative to expand small business participation across the defense industrial base while easing administrative burden for both government and industry. Participation allows eligible large prime contractors to negotiate a single, consolidated subcontracting plan covering all DoW contracts, rather than separate plans for each contract or activity, reducing administrative burden, enhancing data accuracy, and increasing subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in all socioeconomic categories.

Why the CSP matters

The CSP strengthens the defense industrial base by aligning large business subcontracting activity with DoW’s mission to maintain a robust, diverse, and competitive supplier network.

Purpose and objectives

  • Reduce administrative burden
  • Improve data accuracy
  • Expand small business participation: Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned Small Business, HUBZone Small Business, Veteran-Owned Small Business, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

Authorized under Section 834 of Public Law 101-189 and subsequent NDAAs, implemented under FAR Part 19 and DFARS Subpart 219.

How the program works

  1. Plan negotiation – DCMA and the contractor establish annual small business goals, milestones, and performance measures under a single subcontracting plan.
  2. Plan approval – The approved CSP becomes the governing document for all subcontracting activity under DoW contracts for approved participants.
  3. Performance monitoring – Contractors submit quarterly data and annual reports, which DCMA analyzes to track progress and validate results.
  4. Annual review and renewal – DCMA conducts comprehensive compliance reviews each year to assess performance and ensure continuous improvement.

Eligibility requirements

  1. Perform under at least three DoW contracts (supplies or services) totaling $100M or more during the preceding fiscal year
  2. Achieve a Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) subcontracting rate of 5% or higher, or provide a detailed plan to reach that target
  3. Submit a corporate, division, or plant-wide plan consistent with prior Summary Subcontract Report (SSR) submissions
  4. Offer a broad range of subcontracting opportunities and voluntarily agree to program participation
  5. Maintain at least one active DoW contract requiring a subcontracting plan

Participation in the CSP is voluntary and reserved for large business concerns with demonstrated capacity to manage complex subcontracting portfolios.

Program impact snapshot

$40B+
Subcontracting spend monitored annually
3,000+
Prime contracts covered
17.72:1
Estimated return on investment
0
Duplicative plans per participant

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the CSP Program?

The CSP program enables contractors to negotiate a single, consolidated subcontracting plan with DoW, replacing individual plans for each contract. This approach streamlines reporting, reduces administrative burden, and fosters a broader, more integrated strategy to meet or exceed small business goals.

Who manages the program?

The Defense Contract Management Agency Comprehensive Subcontracting Plan Program Group administers the program on behalf of the Department of War Office of Small Business Programs.

Which businesses are eligible to participate?

Large businesses with three or more DoW contracts totaling $100 million or more and a record of robust small business engagement.

What are the benefits of participation?

Participants gain a single point of negotiation, reduced compliance reporting, enhanced analytical insight, and stronger collaboration with DoW acquisition professionals.

Resources and guidance

Contact information

DCMA Small Business Compliance Center – CSP Program Office
dcma.lee.hq.mbx.csp-mailbox@mail.mil