Specialized government talent, sourced direct.
Responsa optimizes requirements for federal program offices and connects them to a community of vetted micro businesses — without the usual administrative burden.
Built for program offices and independent consultants who want a faster, lower-cost alternative to the traditional prime-and-subcontract chain.
How it works for agencies
One conversation with your program office. A short, structured process on our side. A qualified shortlist on the other end.
Tell us what you need
A rough need, an existing statement of work, or a position description — however far along you already are.
We assess and structure it
We translate the requirement into plain terms and shape it so it's ready to compete, in line with standard federal acquisition practice.
We match qualified people to it
Vetted micro businesses from our network who fit the specific work, not just the labor category.
We help you carry it through
You get a qualified shortlist — and as much of our support as the engagement calls for.
Built for both sides of the table
We invest in the people who do the work. Everyone in our network gets more than a match — contracting guidance, a community, and support growing a micro business.
How it works for consultants
What to expect once you apply.
Join Responsa
Apply and tell us what you do. We review applications as we bring on new members.
Build your business
Get contracting guidance and connect with the network — before and after you match.
Get matched
When a fitting opportunity comes through, we bring it to you.
At a prime, the work is rarely yours — a line item buried in someone else's contract. With Responsa, the relationships, the milestones, and track record are yours to build and keep.
For program offices & contracting officers
Bring us a requirement — a rough need, an existing SOW, or a position description. We'll help you shape it and connect you with vetted, qualified independent talent.
Get startedFor independent consultants & micro businesses
Get matched to federal engagements that fit your specialty, plus support to grow a real business around them.
Join the networkQuestions from independent consultants
A few things people usually want to know before applying.
Do I need an LLC to apply, or can I work as a sole proprietor?+
You can apply as a sole proprietor — no formal entity required to submit an application. Many independents do form an LLC or S-Corp once work becomes steady, mainly for liability protection.
What's SAM.gov registration, and do I need it before I apply?+
SAM.gov is the federal government's registry of entities eligible for contract awards — free, but it can take a couple of weeks to clear. You don't need it to apply; we only ask for your SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI) during vetting, after you're approved.
What's the difference between FFP, FFP-LOE, and T&M contracts — and why does it matter to me?+
FFP (Firm-Fixed-Price) pays a set price for a defined deliverable, regardless of hours.
FFP-LOE (Firm-Fixed-Price, Level-of-Effort) pays a fixed price for a specified level of effort over a set period, rather than a deliverable.
T&M (Time-and-Materials) pays for actual hours at an agreed rate.
It matters because it changes how you scope and price your time — we work to convert T&M-style requirements into FFP or FFP-LOE wherever possible.
How does Responsa's vetting process work?+
After you apply, we review your initial submission; approved applicants get a short follow-up form for more details. Once that's in, you get a real account and show up as available in our network. Nothing about you is shared with agencies before that point.
What about health insurance and benefits as an independent?+
You're generally responsible for your own coverage as an independent consultant. Common paths are ACA marketplace plans, a spouse's employer plan, or a professional-association group plan. A licensed health insurance broker is often the most reliable source.
How much should I charge?+
A common starting point: double your expected salary and divide by 250 (roughly a year's working days) for a very rough daily rate. The doubling covers costs a salaried employee doesn't see — benefits, overhead, non-billable time.
More detailed guides on all of this are available to members.
Why I built this
Agile micro businesses have been locked out of federal services contracting for too long — not for lack of capability, but because of market inefficiencies. AI has removed a lot of the old barriers; the system just hasn't caught up yet. Responsa exists to close that gap.
I've worked both sides of federal services contracting, and built Responsa to turn that experience into an AI-driven solution. We empower micro businesses, save taxpayer money, and move away from staff augmentation toward real, deliverable-based outcomes.
— Brian Strickler, founder · LinkedIn
Have a requirement in mind?
Tell us what you're trying to get done, and we'll help you figure out the fastest path to the right person.
Tell us about a requirement