State Guides

Arkansas Construction Bidding Guide 2025: State & Local Contracts

Complete guide to finding construction bids in Arkansas. Learn about AASIS procurement, contractor licensing, bonding requirements, and winning public works contracts.

BidFinds Government Contracting Team
December 16, 2025
9 min read

Arkansas Construction Market Overview

Arkansas offers a growing construction market with significant highway infrastructure investment, educational facility construction, and affordable costs compared to coastal states.

$5B+
Annual Construction Value
75
Counties
$20K
License Threshold

Key Construction Sectors

  • Transportation: ArDOT highway and bridge program
  • Education: K-12 schools and university facilities
  • Healthcare: Hospital and clinic construction
  • Manufacturing: Industrial facility construction
  • Water/Sewer: Infrastructure improvements

Procurement Portals

AASIS (Arkansas Administrative Statewide Info System)

The primary portal for state procurement and bid opportunities.

  • URL: aasis.arkansas.gov
  • Registration: Required for vendors
  • Cost: Free

ArDOT Lettings

Arkansas Department of Transportation posts highway construction projects separately through their letting schedule portal.

Contractor Licensing

Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board

Contractors must be licensed for projects over $20,000. The board issues multiple license classifications.

License Classes:

  • • Unlimited - No limit on project size
  • • Intermediate - Up to $750,000
  • • Residential - Up to $100,000
  • • Specialty trades

Requirements:

  • • Trade exam required
  • • Financial statement
  • • Insurance verification
  • • Reference letters

Reciprocity

Arkansas has limited reciprocity with some states. Check with the Contractors Licensing Board for current agreements.

Major Contracting Agencies

AgencyProject Types
ArDOTHighways, bridges, airports
Building AuthorityState buildings
Division of Public School FacilitiesK-12 schools
University of ArkansasCampus construction

Bonding Requirements

Public Works Bonding

Arkansas requires bonds on public construction projects:

Performance Bond
Required on contracts over $20,000
Payment Bond
Protects subcontractors and suppliers

Tips for Winning Arkansas Contracts

1. Focus on ArDOT Work

ArDOT has a substantial annual construction budget. Get prequalified for highway work.

2. Build School District Relationships

Arkansas invests heavily in school construction. Connect with the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and local districts.

3. Target Municipal Work

Cities like Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith have active construction programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arkansas have prevailing wage?

Arkansas does not have a state prevailing wage law. Federal projects follow Davis-Bacon requirements.

How do I get prequalified with ArDOT?

Submit a prequalification application to ArDOT showing experience, equipment, and financial capacity for highway construction work.

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