How to bid MDOT construction contracts: prequalification, advertisements and Bid Express

The Michigan Department of Transportation posts each letting on its BidLetting site with the advertisement PDF, eligible bidders, plan holders, schedule of pay items and addenda. Lettings are held at 425 W. Ottawa St. in Lansing.

1. Prequalify

Each MDOT advertisement states the "Net Classification Required For This Project." Some projects add subclassifications; if the prime isn't prequalified in those, it must use prequalified subcontractors designated before award.

2. Read the advertisement

For each call, the advertisement lists the contract ID, control sections and project numbers, a description of the work and location, required DBE participation, required Small Business Program (SBP) participation, estimated plan pages, completion date and date advertised. Proposals and plans are available through MDOT eProposal.

3. Bid

MDOT links Bid Express from its BidLetting site for electronic bids, and posts eligible bidders and plan holders for each letting.

4. Payment bonds on public work

MCL 129.201 requires payment and performance bonds before any public contract exceeding $50,000. Under MCL 129.207, a claimant without a direct contract with the prime must serve notice on the prime within 30 days of first furnishing and give notice to the prime and the governmental unit within 90 days of last furnishing.

Summary for general information, reviewed 2026-10-30. Not legal advice; check the source before relying on a deadline or threshold.