A utilization plan identifies the firms that will perform work on a project and shows how the proposed participation supports the organization’s requirements or goals. Depending on the organization’s process, a utilization plan may be assigned to you, or you may be allowed to create one for a specific opportunity.

Use this article to complete, review, sign, and submit a utilization plan.

Before you begin, make sure you can access the utilization plan.

For help locating your plan, see Accessing Your Utilization Plan as a Vendor.

General Process

Review the Utilization Plan Summary

If the plan was returned or conditionally approved pending resubmission, review the Utilization Plan Summary before making changes. The organization may explain what needs to be updated and when the revised plan must be resubmitted.

1. Open the utilization plan.
2. Review the Utilization Plan Summary section.

This section provides important information about the plan and any action you may need to take.

Fill in Utilization Plan Details

1. Select Fill in Utilization Plan Details. 
2. Enter or review the requested plan-level information. This may include:

3. Select Save when finished. The system returns you to the utilization plan.

Review Prime Contractor Information

The prime contractor section provides summary information about the prime contractor’s participation in the plan. 

1. Review the prime contractor information.
2. Select Edit in the prime contractor section if the information needs to be updated.

The value of work being self-performed is automatically calculated based on the total amount of subcontract awards listed on the plan.

If the organization allows certified prime participation to count toward a goal, you may be able to count the prime toward an applicable goal. Only the value of work being self-performed by the prime is included in the calculation.

Add Subcontractors or Participating Firms

1. Select Add Subcontractor.
2. Add each firm that will perform work on the project.
3. Repeat this process for each subcontractor or participating firm that should be included on the utilization plan.
4. For detailed instructions on selecting a subcontractor, searching for a vendor, adding a vendor that is not in the system, entering subcontract details, adding work codes, and saving the subcontractor record, see Steps to Add a Subcontractor.

Each subcontractor record may require information such as the firm name, contact person, address, proposed amount or percentage, work description, work or commodity codes, estimated work dates, files, and comments.

Understanding the Goal and Waiver Information

The Goal & Waiver Summary provides a real-time view of the proposed utilization compared to the organization’s goals.

1. Review the Goal & Waiver Summary.
2. Enter waiver details if the proposed utilization is below the required goal and a waiver is required.
3. Attach Good Faith Effort documentation, if required.
4. Select Save Waiver Details.

Direct questions about waiver requirements or goal rules to the contracting organization.

Review and Submit the Plan

Before submitting, review the full utilization plan for accuracy.

Confirm that:

• The estimated bid amount is correct.
• All required subcontractors or participating firms have been added.
• Each firm has the correct contact, address, amount, work description, and work codes.
• Any required estimated start and end dates have been entered.
• Required files or supporting documentation have been attached.
• Waiver details have been entered, if required.
• Any organization instructions in the Utilization Plan Summary have been addressed.

1. Select Submit Utilization Plan.
2. Select Resubmit Utilization Plan if the plan was previously returned or conditionally approved.
3. Enter the required signature information.

4. Select the required affirmation or acknowledgment checkbox.
5. Select Submit Utilization Plan.

This article provides guidance for prime bidders on completing and submitting utilization plans as part of compliance with organizational requirements. Utilization plans demonstrate a commitment to working with diverse subcontractors and may be assigned by organizations or created for specific opportunities. The system ensures secure handling of all confidential data, provides real-time tracking of plan progress toward goals, and notifies vendors of required actions, approvals, or resubmissions. Properly managing subcontractor information, goal attainment, and plan updates helps ensure compliance and accurate reporting within a secure environment.

If you still require additional assistance, select Submit a Request to create a support ticket.