Kentucky Construction Bidding Guide 2025: State & Local Contracts
Complete guide to finding construction bids in Kentucky. Learn about eMARS procurement, contractor licensing, prevailing wage rules, and winning public works contracts.
Kentucky Construction Market Overview
Kentucky features a diverse construction market with significant transportation infrastructure, bourbon industry facilities, automotive manufacturing plants, and growing urban development in Louisville and Lexington.
Key Construction Sectors
- Transportation: Major highway and bridge programs
- Manufacturing: Auto plants, bourbon distilleries
- Education: University of Kentucky, K-12 schools
- Healthcare: Hospital expansions and renovations
- Energy: Power generation and transmission
Procurement Portals
Kentucky eMARS (Enhanced Management Admin Reporting System)
The Commonwealth's primary procurement system for state contracts.
- • URL: emars.ky.gov
- • Registration: Required for vendors
- • Coverage: State agencies
KYTC Prequalification
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet requires prequalification for highway construction. Contractors must submit financial and experience documentation annually.
Major Municipal Portals
Louisville Metro
Largest city, significant construction volume
Lexington-Fayette
Second largest, growing market
Contractor Licensing
Kentucky Licensing Requirements
Kentucky does not have statewide contractor licensing, but local jurisdictions may require licenses. Electrical and plumbing work requires state licensing.
State-Licensed Trades:
- • Electrical contractors
- • Plumbing contractors
- • HVAC contractors
- • Boiler contractors
Local Requirements:
- • Louisville requires contractor registration
- • Lexington has local licensing
- • Check local jurisdictions
Major Contracting Agencies
| Agency | Project Types |
|---|---|
| KYTC | Highways, bridges, airports |
| Finance Cabinet | State buildings, facilities |
| School Facilities Construction | K-12 schools |
| University of Kentucky | Campus construction |
Prevailing Wage Requirements
Kentucky Prevailing Wage Law
Kentucky requires prevailing wages on state-funded construction projects over $500,000.
- • Threshold: $500,000 for state projects
- • Wage rates set by Kentucky Labor Cabinet
- • Certified payroll required
- • Federal projects follow Davis-Bacon
Tips for Winning Kentucky Contracts
1. Get KYTC Prequalified
The Transportation Cabinet has the largest construction budget. Complete prequalification to access highway and bridge projects.
2. Register in Louisville Metro
Louisville is Kentucky's largest construction market. Register with their purchasing department for municipal projects.
3. Target Education Projects
Kentucky invests significantly in school facilities. Connect with the School Facilities Construction Commission and local districts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a contractor license in Kentucky?
Kentucky has no statewide general contractor license, but electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and certain specialty trades require state licensing. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements.
How do I get prequalified with KYTC?
Submit an application to the Division of Construction Procurement showing financial capacity, equipment ownership, and construction experience.
Find Kentucky Construction Bids
BidFinds aggregates Kentucky state, municipal, and federal opportunities in one platform.
Start Finding Bids →Ready to Find Your Next Contract?
Get instant access to thousands of government construction bids with our AI-powered platform.
Get Started