subcontract

Etymology

sub- + contract

verb

1. (transitive, intransitive) To contract out portions of a larger contracted project.

noun

1. A portion of a contracted project that is contracted out in turn.
   2010, Cristina T. Chaplain, Defense Acquisitions: Additional Guidance Needed to Improve Visibility into the Structure and Management of Major Weapon System Subcontracts, US Government Accountability Office Once the prime contract has been awarded, “major” subcontractors typically remain the same over the life cycle of the program—from development to production—even if the subcontracts were originally competed.