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Office of Civil Rights. FTA Opening “DOORS” Program Developing Opportunities, Outreach, and Resources for Success August 28, 2012 Alex Tittle, Deputy Director, MnDOT Office of Civil Rights. Winning a Bid at MnDOT. Persistent in bidding It will not be a successful bid “every time”
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FTA Opening “DOORS” ProgramDeveloping Opportunities, Outreach, and Resources for SuccessAugust 28, 2012Alex Tittle, Deputy Director, MnDOT Office of Civil Rights
Winning a Bid at MnDOT • Persistent in bidding • It will not be a successful bid “every time” • Having the bonding capacity • Some Primes require DBE’s to have bonding • Know who you’re working with (relationships!) • If you have a good history, the prime may allow you to work, and only charge a small % fee of the work
Winning a Bid at MnDOT • Knowing your responsibilities as a Subcontractor • Interpretation of Specs and Plans • Negotiate w/Primes on “retainages” and “payments”
Do’s • Maintain a Log of ALL “Change Orders” • Have your foreman/superintendant in the field w/blank change orders • Communication • Cost Effective Means (i.e. schedule of scope) stuff adds up when you must return, if something was miscommo • MnDOT Engineers/Inspectors are the ones who approve payment (i.e. prime submits 80% complete, when the inspector sites 60%-you’ll only get paid from what the inspector sites).
Don’ts • Don’t bid a scope that you cannot complete (no experience/background) • Underestimate your bid (damage to relationship) • Conduct additional work without change order (good deeds are never rewarded) • Deviate from the specs (get you in trouble w/inspector)
RELATIONSHIPS!!!! • Do you know the bidding Prime Contractors? • Do the bidding Prime’s know you? • Ask the prime, “how did the successful sub bid?” • Every prime contractor does business different • Develop and MAINTAIN relationships with the • Owners • Estimators • Project Managers/Engineers
Winning the Bid • Historic Challenges are overcome by positive relationships • Knowing your limitations as a sub make it easier to market your business
Contact Us • MnDOT, Office of Civil Rights • Deputy Director, Alex Tittle • (651) 366-3333 • Alex.Tittle@state.mn.us