Iowa Construction Bidding Guide 2025: State & Local Contracts
Complete guide to finding construction bids in Iowa. Learn about I/3 procurement portal, contractor requirements, competitive bidding laws, and winning public works contracts.
Iowa Construction Market Overview
Iowa's construction market features strong highway infrastructure programs, agricultural facility construction, and steady public building investment. The state has no contractor licensing requirement but has specific competitive bidding laws.
Key Construction Sectors
- Transportation: Iowa DOT highway and bridge program
- Agriculture: Processing facilities, storage, distribution
- Education: K-12 schools, university systems
- Manufacturing: Industrial facility construction
- Municipal: City and county infrastructure
Procurement Portals
Iowa I/3 (Iowa Integrated Information)
The state's central procurement portal for vendor registration and bid opportunities.
- • Portal: bidopportunities.iowa.gov
- • Registration: Required for state contracts
- • Cost: Free
Iowa DOT Letting Schedule
Iowa DOT posts highway construction lettings monthly. Contractors must be prequalified to bid on DOT projects.
Major Municipal Markets
City of Des Moines
State capital, largest city
City of Cedar Rapids
Second largest, flood recovery projects
Contractor Requirements
Iowa Contractor Licensing
Iowa does not have a statewide general contractor license. However, certain trades and local jurisdictions have requirements:
State-Licensed Trades:
- • Electrical contractors
- • Plumbing contractors
- • HVAC/mechanical contractors
Other Requirements:
- • DOT prequalification for highway work
- • Local registration in some cities
- • Workers' comp insurance
Iowa DOT Prequalification
Required for highway construction projects. Submit financial statements and experience documentation to establish bidding capacity.
Major Contracting Agencies
| Agency | Project Types |
|---|---|
| Iowa DOT | Highways, bridges |
| Dept. of Administrative Services | State buildings |
| Board of Regents | University construction |
| School Districts | K-12 facilities |
Competitive Bidding Laws
Iowa Competitive Bidding Requirements
Iowa law requires competitive bidding for public construction:
- • State Threshold: $50,000 (competitive bidding required)
- • Advertisement: Published in newspaper of general circulation
- • Award: Lowest responsible bidder
- • Bonds: Required on contracts over $25,000
Tips for Winning Iowa Contracts
1. Get DOT Prequalified
Iowa DOT has a substantial annual highway program. Complete prequalification to access these opportunities.
2. Target Board of Regents Projects
University of Iowa, Iowa State, and UNI have ongoing construction programs. Register with the Board of Regents for campus projects.
3. Monitor County Bidding
Iowa's 99 counties bid road and bridge projects separately from the state. Track county engineer offices for local opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Iowa require a contractor license?
Iowa does not have a statewide general contractor license. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors need state licenses. Some cities have local requirements.
Does Iowa have prevailing wage?
Iowa does not have a state prevailing wage law. Federal projects follow Davis-Bacon requirements.
What are Iowa's bonding requirements?
Public construction contracts over $25,000 require performance and payment bonds. Typically 100% of contract value.
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