Short answer: To bid public works in California you need a CSLB license, an active DIR public works contractor registration, workers’ comp coverage, and a vendor profile on each agency’s bid portal. Then you find the solicitation, read the full bid package, price the job at prevailing wage, list your subcontractors, include bid security, and submit before the deadline. Miss one of these and the bid can be rejected before anyone reads the price.
Step 1: Get licensed and insured
Hold a current CSLB license in the classification the job calls for, and keep workers’ compensation coverage active. Both are also conditions of DIR registration.
Step 2: Register with DIR
Every contractor and subcontractor bidding or working on public works must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. The fee is $400 a year and registration must be current by June 30. Awarding bodies cannot accept a bid that lists an unregistered contractor or subcontractor. See DIR registration and certified payroll for the details.
Step 3: Register on the bid portals
Public works bids in California are spread across hundreds of portals. Register on each one you want to hear from, and choose your commodity codes carefully, because notices are sent based on those codes.
- State of California: Cal eProcure. See also how to find bid opportunities on Cal eProcure.
- San Bernardino County: the county’s ePro system for vendor registration and bid notices. County construction projects are also posted on the Project & Facilities Management “Projects Out for Bid” page.
- Riverside County: Public Purchase, which the county says is free to register and use for its bids.
- Cities, school districts, water districts and airports: each runs its own portal, and many use platforms such as PlanetBids. Register with the ones in the area you work.
Step 4: Get certified to compete
- California SB or SB-PW certification for the small business bid preference on state work and the state’s participation goals
- DVBE certification if you are a disabled veteran owner, since state agencies have a 3% DVBE goal
- DBE certification for federally assisted transportation work (currently under Caltrans reevaluation, with new applications paused)
Step 5: Read the whole bid package
Plans, specifications, every addendum, the bid form, the prevailing wage determinations, liquidated damages, insurance and bonding requirements, and whether a pre-bid meeting or site walk is mandatory. If it is mandatory and you miss it, you usually cannot bid.
Step 6: Price at prevailing wage
Public works pay prevailing wage rates set by DIR for each craft and county. On contracts of $30,000 or more, apprenticeship requirements apply as well, so include apprentice hours and training fund contributions in your price. If you want help with this part, see certified payroll and prevailing wage support.
Step 7: List your subcontractors
Under the Subletting and Subcontracting Fair Practices Act, you must list every subcontractor whose work is more than half of one percent of your total bid (for streets, highways and bridges, more than half of one percent or $10,000, whichever is greater). Substituting a listed subcontractor later requires the awarding body’s approval.
Step 8: Include bid security and submit on time
Most agencies require bid security, usually a bid bond or cashier’s check, and 10% of the bid amount is common. The bid documents state the exact requirement. Late bids are rejected, so allow time for upload problems on electronic portals.
Step 9: After award
- Provide performance and payment bonds. A payment bond is required on public works contracts over $25,000.
- Submit insurance certificates and sign the contract
- Report certified payroll to the Labor Commissioner through DIR’s eCPR system, at least monthly
- File DAS 140 and DAS 142 apprenticeship forms where they apply
Frequently asked questions
Do I need DIR registration to bid public works in California?
Yes. Every contractor and subcontractor bidding or working on public works must be registered with DIR, and awarding bodies cannot accept a bid listing an unregistered contractor or subcontractor.
Where do I find public works bids in California?
On Cal eProcure for state work, and on each county, city, school district and special district portal. In the Inland Empire that includes San Bernardino County’s ePro system and Riverside County’s Public Purchase site.
What is a bid bond?
A bond from a surety that guarantees you will sign the contract and provide the required bonds if you win. Many agencies require bid security of 10% of the bid; the bid documents state the amount.
Do I have to list my subcontractors?
Yes, any subcontractor whose work exceeds half of one percent of your total bid, or for streets, highways and bridges, half of one percent or $10,000, whichever is greater.
What is the public works bidding process in California?
License and insure, register with DIR, register on bid portals, get certified, read the bid package, price at prevailing wage, list subcontractors, include bid security, submit on time, then provide bonds and report certified payroll after award.
For how GERC supports construction and engineering firms through all of this, see Government Contracting for Engineering & Construction Firms and bid and proposal writing.
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GERC is a woman-owned firm based in San Bernardino, certified by the State of California as a Small Business (Micro) and Small Business for Public Works. We work with firms across California.