Indiana Construction Bidding Guide: State & Local Contracts 2025

Indiana Construction Market Overview

Indiana Construction Market

INDOT Budget:

$2.5B+

Annual highway program

DBE Goal:

10%

Federal-aid projects

Key Market:

Indianapolis

Largest metro area

Indiana offers contractors steady opportunities through state highway construction, university projects, and growing metropolitan areas. The state's central location and logistics infrastructure drive industrial and commercial development, while public investment maintains roads, schools, and government facilities.

Major Contracting Agencies

State Level

• Indiana Department of Transportation
• Indiana Department of Administration
• State universities (IU, Purdue)
• Indiana Finance Authority

Local Level

• City of Indianapolis/Marion County
• Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend
• School corporations
• County highway departments

INDOT Procurement

Indiana Department of Transportation

INDOT manages over 11,000 miles of state highways and is Indiana's largest public works agency. The department conducts regular lettings for highway, bridge, and maintenance projects.

Letting Schedule

Monthly lettings typically on second Wednesday. Plans available 3-4 weeks before letting. Electronic bidding through Bid Express.

Prequalification Required

Contractors must prequalify before bidding. Based on financial capacity and experience. Multiple work categories available.

Bid Bond

5% bid bond required. Performance and payment bonds at 100% of contract value after award.

Prequalification Categories

Highway construction
Bridge construction
Grading and drainage
Asphalt paving
Concrete paving

Required Documentation

CPA-audited financial statements
Equipment schedule
Key personnel experience
Project history
Bonding capacity letter

State Agency Procurement

Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA)

IDOA manages procurement for state agencies and building construction. Projects include state office buildings, correctional facilities, and other state properties.

Public Works Division

Manages capital construction projects for state agencies. Posts opportunities on IDOA website and state eProcurement system.

Procurement Process

Low bid typically used for construction. Best value procurement for some complex projects.

State Universities

Indiana University

• Capital Planning & Facilities
• Multiple campuses statewide
• Vendor registration required
• Prequalification for larger projects

Purdue University

• Physical Facilities projects
• West Lafayette main campus
• Regional campus projects
• Research facility construction

Local Government Bidding

Indianapolis/Marion County

The consolidated City-County government (Unigov) represents the state's largest local construction market with diverse opportunities.

Department of Public Works

Streets, bridges, drainage, traffic signals. Posts projects on city procurement portal.

IndyGo

Public transit authority. Bus rapid transit expansion and facility projects. DBE requirements apply.

Indianapolis Airport Authority

Terminal and airfield projects. Vendor registration and security clearance required.

Other Major Cities

Fort Wayne

• Purchasing Department
• Public Works projects
• Allen County opportunities
• Growing metro area

Evansville

• City Purchasing Division
• Vanderburgh County
• Regional airport projects
• River infrastructure

Business Programs

DBE Program

Indiana's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program applies to federal-aid highway and transit projects.

10%

INDOT DBE goal

UCP

Unified certification

900+

Certified DBEs

Indianapolis MBE/WBE Program

Program Goals

• MBE: 15% goal
• WBE: 8% goal
• VBE: 3% goal
• DOBE: 1% goal

Certification

• City certification required
• Application through DMWBD
• Annual recertification
• Networking events

Winning Strategies for Indiana

Keys to Success

Maintain INDOT Prequalification
Keep prequalification current with annual updates. Apply for additional work categories as you grow.
Build DBE Relationships
Develop reliable DBE subcontractor partnerships for consistent goal achievement.
Focus Geographically
Indiana's INDOT districts and local markets reward geographic expertise and reduced mobilization.
Join Industry Associations
Indiana Constructors, AGC Indiana, and local associations provide networking and project intelligence.

Common Pitfalls

Letting prequalification expire before bidding
Missing DBE commitment documentation
Underestimating winter weather impacts on schedule
Not acknowledging all addenda
Missing local registration requirements