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Georgia Construction Bidding Guide: State Contracts & GDOT Projects 2025

Master Georgia construction bidding with this comprehensive guide. Learn GDOT prequalification, GSFIC projects, DBE requirements, and strategies for winning state contracts.

BidFinds Team
December 11, 2025
11 min read

Georgia Construction Market Overview

Georgia Construction Market

GDOT Budget:

$4.5B+

Annual transportation

DBE Goal:

17%

Federal-aid projects

Population Growth:

Top 10

Fastest growing state

Georgia's construction market continues to expand rapidly, fueled by population growth, corporate relocations, and infrastructure investment. The state offers contractors diverse opportunities from major highway projects to airport expansion and commercial development.

Key Market Drivers

Growth Sectors

  • • Film and entertainment facilities
  • • Data center construction
  • • Logistics and warehousing
  • • Healthcare expansion

Major Projects

  • • Hartsfield-Jackson expansion
  • • I-285/I-20 interchange
  • • Savannah Port deepening
  • • MARTA transit expansion

GDOT Procurement Process

Georgia Department of Transportation

GDOT manages over 18,000 miles of state routes and bridges. The agency conducts regular lettings for highway, bridge, and maintenance projects throughout Georgia.

Letting Schedule

Monthly lettings typically on third Friday. Advertised 3+ weeks in advance on GDOT website.

Contractor Prequalification

Required for projects over $300,000. Classifications based on work types and financial capacity.

Bid Bond Requirement

5% bid bond required for all projects. Performance and payment bonds at 100% of contract value.

Prequalification Classes
  • A
    Highway and bridge construction
  • B
    Bridge construction only
  • C
    Grading and drainage
  • D
    Paving only
  • S
    Specialty work classifications
Required Documentation
  • Audited financial statements (3 years)
  • Equipment list with valuations
  • Key personnel resumes
  • Work experience history
  • Bonding letter from surety

GSFIC Building Projects

Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission

GSFIC oversees construction for state agencies, universities, and colleges. The commission manages billions in building projects from courthouses to university research facilities.

Project Types

  • • University System of Georgia buildings
  • • Technical College System facilities
  • • State office buildings
  • • Correctional facilities
  • • Public safety training centers

Procurement Methods

  • • Low Bid (traditional)
  • • Best Value
  • • Construction Manager at Risk
  • • Design-Build
  • • Job Order Contracting
GSFIC Contractor Requirements
1

Georgia Contractor License

Required for projects over $2,500. Multiple license classes available.

2

E-Verify Compliance

Mandatory for all state contracts. Affidavit required with bid.

3

Insurance Requirements

General liability, auto, workers comp, and umbrella coverage.

4

SAVE Affidavit

Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements compliance.

DBE Certification in Georgia

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

Georgia's Unified Certification Program (UCP) provides DBE certification for federal-aid transportation projects. One certification covers GDOT, MARTA, and other transit agencies.

17%

GDOT DBE goal

$28.48M

PNW limit (2024)

1,400+

Certified DBEs

Eligibility Requirements
  • 51% owned by socially/economically disadvantaged individuals
  • Personal net worth under $1.32 million
  • Business gross receipts under size standards
  • Owner controls daily operations
  • U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
Certification Process
  • Submit application through GDOT Equal Opportunity Office
  • Provide business and personal financial documents
  • Complete on-site interview if requested
  • Processing time: 90 days typical
  • Annual no-change affidavit required

Local Government Bidding

Major Metro Atlanta Agencies

City of Atlanta

Department of Procurement posts bids on city website. EBO (Equal Business Opportunity) program goals apply.

Fulton County

Central bid posting through Purchasing Department. Vendor registration required.

DeKalb County

BidNet Direct platform for bid notifications. Local Small Business Enterprise program.

Gwinnett County

One of Georgia's largest counties with significant infrastructure spending.

Georgia Cities & Authorities

Transit Authorities

  • • MARTA - Metro Atlanta transit
  • • GRTA/SRTA - Regional transit
  • • Athens Transit
  • • Augusta Transit

Port & Airport

  • • Georgia Ports Authority
  • • Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
  • • Savannah Airport Commission
  • • Brunswick Port

Winning Strategies for Georgia Bids

Keys to Success

  • Maintain Active Prequalifications

    Keep GDOT and GSFIC prequalifications current with annual updates.

  • Build DBE Partnerships

    Develop relationships with certified DBE firms for consistent subcontracting.

  • Attend Pre-Bid Conferences

    GSFIC and major agencies host valuable pre-bid meetings with project details.

  • Join AGC Georgia & ACEC

    Industry associations provide networking and advance project intelligence.

Common Bid Mistakes
  • Missing E-Verify affidavit - automatic bid rejection
  • Incomplete DBE commitment documentation
  • Expired contractor license or prequalification
  • Not acknowledging all addenda
  • Failure to include required insurance certificates

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