Some of the most frequent public contracting questions I receive are about the permissible activities for joint ventures between a minority contractor and a larger contractor.  In February 2011, the Small Business Administration made some significant changes to its Section 8(a) business development program, which helped me answer many of those questions. 

One major category

A recent article in the Nashville Business Journal equated a joint venture on a construction project to a marriage: "Want a successful joint venture? Think seamless."

 

The article offered several points of what should be addressed in the joint venture agreement before pursuing work: 

  1. Address potential consequences.  Parties should address the potential consequences