How to Partner on a Public Health Consulting Contract (and Not Waste Your Time)

▶ Free Workshop: Public Health Consulting 101 Partnering on contracts is one of the fastest ways to go after bigger opportunities — but only if you do it right. Dr. Des is teaching a free live workshop — Public Health Consulting 101 — on June 16th AND June 17th. Come with your questions. Leave with a plan. 👉 Save your seat at https://www.publichealthclub.com/public-health-consulting-training Resources Mentioned Free Contract Partnership Playbook — Interview questions, MOU guidance, and everything you need to structure a consulting partnership. Free inside The Public Health Club at https://www.publichealthclub.com/ Six Figure Public Health Consultant Playbook — Workbook companion for the PHC Consulting 101 class. Free inside PHC at https://www.publichealthclub.com/ Public Health Consulting 101 — Free live workshop, June 16 + June 17. Register at https://www.publichealthclub.com/public-health-consulting-training Subcontracting to Six Figures (S26F) — Open now for PHC members. General public doors open June 16th. https://www.publichealthclub.com/course Partnering is one of the smartest moves you can make when going after a contract — but most people do it wrong. In Day 4 of Public Health Consulting Week, Dr. Des breaks down how to identify the right partner, why complementary skills matter more than shared ones, how to structure the relationship legally before a single dollar is awarded, and what needs to be in writing before anyone starts the work. In This Episode, You'll Learn Why you should look for complementary skills — not duplicate ones — in a partner How to properly vet a potential partner before committing to a joint proposal Why you should always apply under one business name (and what prime awardee vs. subcontractor means) What a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is and when to use one What needs to be in a formal contract once you've been awarded funds Why project management experience is one of the most valuable assets a consultant can have Timestamps \[00:00] Welcome to Day 4 — and why partnering is one of Dr. Des's favorite topics \[01:30] S26F update — open for PHC members today; general public June 16th \[03:00] The most common partnering mistake people make in the PHC community \[04:30] How to identify exactly what skills you need in a partner \[06:00] Complementary vs. duplicate skills — and why the difference matters \[07:30] How to vet a partner: Google Form + 30-minute interview \[09:30] Apply under one business name — prime awardee and subcontractor explained \[11:00] What an MOU is and why you need one before the award \[12:30] What to include in a formal contract once funds are awarded \[14:00] Payment terms, deliverables, and hour tracking — handle it upfront \[15:30] Free Contract Partnership Playbook + Six Figure Consultant Playbook inside PHC Frequently Asked Questions How do you find the right partner for a public health consulting contract? Start by reviewing the RFP and identifying exactly what skills it requires that you don't already have. Then look specifically for someone who fills those gaps — not someone who does the same things you do. Post a specific ask, collect applications via a Google Form, and do a 30-minute interview before committing to anything. Should two consultants apply under separate business names? No. Apply under one business. The client will cut one check and work with one point of contact — two separate business names on a contract creates confusion and can hurt your chances. One person serves as the prime awardee; the other operates as a subcontractor underneath them. Decide who takes which role before you submit. What is an MOU and do you need one when partnering on a contract? An MOU — Memorandum of Understanding — is a legal document that outlines the terms of your partnership before any money changes hands. It has no financial obligation attached, but it establishes who is responsible for what. Once you're awarded the contract, follow it up with a formal subcontractor agreement that specifies payment amounts, timelines, deliverables, and how hours are tracked. About The Dr. Des Show The Dr. Des Show is the go-to podcast for public health career development, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Hosted by Dr. Desiree "Dr. Des" Strickland — DrPH, public health CEO, and founder of The Public Health Club. https://www.drdesshow.com/ https://www.publichealthclub.com/