Paving & Asphalt Contractor Government Bidding Guide 2025
Complete guide for paving and asphalt contractors to find government contracts. Learn about DOT prequalification, highway projects, and winning strategies for public paving work.
Government Paving Market Overview
Government paving represents one of the largest public construction markets. Federal highway funding, state DOT programs, and municipal street maintenance create billions in annual paving opportunities across the country.
Why Government Paving Work?
- Massive Market: Highway and road work is the largest public construction category
- Predictable Programs: Annual DOT letting schedules provide visibility
- Infrastructure Funding: Federal infrastructure bills driving investment
- Repeat Business: Roads require continuous maintenance and resurfacing
- Local Opportunities: Every city and county needs paving services
Government Paving Project Types
Highway & DOT Work
- • New highway construction
- • Resurfacing and overlays
- • Widening projects
- • Interstate rehabilitation
Municipal Paving
- • Street resurfacing programs
- • Parking lot paving
- • Sidewalk installation
- • Bike path paving
Federal Facilities
- • Military base roads
- • National park roads
- • Federal campus parking
- • VA facility paving
Specialty Paving
- • Airport runway/taxiway
- • Sports court surfacing
- • Track and athletic surfaces
- • Heavy-duty industrial paving
DOT Prequalification
State DOT Requirements
Most state DOTs require prequalification for highway paving work. Requirements typically include:
Financial Requirements:
- • Audited financial statements
- • Bonding capacity verification
- • Line of credit documentation
- • Working capital requirements
Technical Requirements:
- • Equipment inventory
- • Key personnel qualifications
- • Past project experience
- • Safety record (EMR)
Prequalification Categories
DOTs typically classify contractors by work type (asphalt, concrete, grading) and maximum project size. Your prequalification capacity limits which projects you can bid.
Finding Paving Bids
State DOT Lettings
State DOTs post highway construction lettings on predictable schedules:
- • Monthly or bi-weekly letting dates
- • Plans available 3-4 weeks before letting
- • Pre-bid meetings for major projects
- • Electronic bidding through DOT portals
Other Government Sources
- • SAM.gov: Federal facility paving
- • Municipal portals: City street programs
- • County engineers: County road departments
- • School districts: Parking lot projects
- • Airports: Runway and apron paving
NAICS Codes for Paving
| NAICS Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 237310 | Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction |
| 238990 | All Other Specialty Trade Contractors |
| 237990 | Other Heavy & Civil Engineering Construction |
Winning Strategies
1. Maximize Prequalification Capacity
Your prequalification rating determines which projects you can bid. Work to increase your financial capacity and demonstrated experience.
2. Control Asphalt Costs
Asphalt pricing is critical to competitive bidding. Own or have reliable access to asphalt plants to control your materials costs.
3. Pursue DBE Partnerships
Federal-aid highway projects have DBE participation requirements. Partner with certified DBE firms or consider DBE certification if eligible.
4. Start with Municipal Work
City and county paving projects are often smaller and have lower barriers to entry. Build experience and references before pursuing DOT work.
5. Invest in Equipment
Modern paving equipment improves productivity and quality. Equipment ownership also builds your prequalification capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get prequalified with a state DOT?
Contact your state DOT's contractor prequalification office. Submit audited financial statements, equipment lists, and experience documentation. Each state has specific forms and requirements.
Do prevailing wages apply to paving work?
Yes. Federal-aid highway projects require Davis-Bacon prevailing wages. Many states also have prevailing wage requirements for state-funded paving work.
What bonding is required for paving contracts?
DOT projects typically require bid bonds (5-10% of bid), performance bonds (100%), and payment bonds (100%). Establish bonding capacity with a surety company.
Find Paving Contract Opportunities
BidFinds aggregates paving and asphalt bids from DOTs, cities, counties, and federal agencies.
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