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Transportation Projects Bid Process

Before the shovels hit the ground, most government transportation construction projects go through a bidding process.
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Graphic showing arms raised with light blue and green shirt sleeves and hands of many different skin tones with holding light blue and green paddles with the word "bid" on them.

Most of Washington County’s road/street improvement projects are built by construction contractors selected though a competitive bid process. Oregon law requires all public (government) improvement contracts over $250,000 – including those for road/street projects – to be selected through this process.

“Competitive bidding creates a transparent environment that is open and fair, meaning that any company, regardless of size, annual revenue or other factors, is welcome to submit a bid,” said Russell Knoebel, Manager, Land Use & Transportation Capital Projects Division.

“This process ensures a level playing field for all companies. In addition, this competitive process allows us to keep costs low while having qualified companies on the job.”

The process

  1. Bid solicitation package: Staff prepares the bid package after a project is designed and ready for construction. The bid package includes scope of work, contractor’s anticipated responsibilities and performance expectations.
  2. Solicitation advertised: The bid solicitation is advertised on OpenGov Procurement for two to four weeks, depending on how complicated the bid package is. Contractors can ask questions about the project through the OpenGov Procurement portal. Any addenda (changes or additional information) are posted on OpenGov.
  3. Bid opening: On the bid opening date, all the bids received on time are opened, read aloud and recorded on OpenGov. Bid openings are currently online only.
  4. Bid review: The lowest bid is reviewed to make sure it meets all bid solicitation requirements.
  5. Bid award: After a seven-day notice period, staff presents the qualifying bid to the Washington County Board of Commissioners who can then award the contract to the contractor.
  6. Contract signing: Following Board approval, both the County and the contractor sign the contact.
  7. Pre-construction meeting: The County's project manager and other staff hold a pre-construction meeting with the contractor prior to breaking ground.

Contact(s)