Michigan Construction Government Contracts
Find and win construction contracts in Michigan
Michigan offers substantial construction contracting opportunities with $14.8 billion in public construction in annual public construction spending. Michigan requires contractor licensing through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Only federally-funded projects require Davis-Bacon prevailing wages, as Michigan does not have a state prevailing wage law. Major contracting agencies include Michigan DOT, Department of Technology, Management and Budget, University of Michigan, and other state and local entities.
- Valid Michigan contractor license from Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
- Performance and payment bonds for contracts over $50,000
- General liability and workers' compensation insurance
- Davis-Bacon prevailing wage compliance for federally-funded projects
- OSHA safety program documentation and compliance
- Vendor registration in Michigan's procurement system
Licensing
License required through Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Types: Residential Builder, Residential Maintenance & Alteration, Commercial Contractor (local).
Bonding
Performance and payment bonds required for state contracts over $50,000
Prevailing Wage
No state prevailing wage (Davis-Bacon only on federal projects)
Major Projects
Gordie Howe International Bridge, Highway reconstruction
Key Facts
- ✓Prevailing wage repealed in 2018
- ✓Major bridge construction underway
- ✓Strong university construction
- ✓Water infrastructure needs significant
Michigan Certifications
Top Michigan Construction Agencies
- Michigan DOT
- Department of Technology, Management and Budget
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Detroit Metro Airport
- 1Register as a vendor in Michigan's state procurement portal immediately
- 2Obtain certifications through Michigan Department of Transportation (DBE - Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, MBE - Minority Business Enterprise, WBE - Women Business Enterprise)
- 3Start with smaller projects to build your past performance record
- 4Attend pre-bid conferences - required for many state projects
- 5Research Davis-Bacon rates for any federally-funded projects
- 6Build relationships with prime contractors for subcontracting opportunities
- 7Monitor the state portal daily - most bids have 14-30 day response windows
- 8Target Michigan DOT contracts - they are a major issuer
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
- General Services Administration (GSA)
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- State DOT
- State Facilities Management
These NAICS codes are commonly used for construction government contracts:
And 5 more NAICS codes...
How do I find construction contracts in Michigan?
Michigan construction contracts are posted on the official state procurement portal. Key agencies posting construction opportunities include Michigan DOT, Department of Technology, Management and Budget, University of Michigan, Michigan State University. Register as a vendor and set up bid alerts for construction categories (NAICS codes 236xxx, 237xxx, 238xxx). Current major projects in Michigan include Gordie Howe International Bridge and Highway reconstruction.
Do I need a contractor license to bid on Michigan government construction contracts?
Yes, Michigan requires contractor licensing. You must obtain a license from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). License types include: Residential Builder, Residential Maintenance & Alteration, Commercial Contractor (local). Visit https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/license for application requirements. Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) may require additional licenses.
What bonding is required for Michigan construction contracts?
Michigan Performance and payment bonds required for state contracts over $50,000. Federal projects in Michigan require performance and payment bonds under the Miller Act for contracts over $150,000. Tip: Establish bonding relationships before bidding - getting bonded after winning can delay contract execution.
Are there small business set-asides for Michigan construction contracts?
Yes, Michigan has certification programs including DBE - Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, MBE - Minority Business Enterprise, WBE - Women Business Enterprise, SDVOSB - Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. Contact Michigan Department of Transportation for certification requirements. Many state agencies have participation goals for certified businesses, giving you a competitive advantage on certain projects.
What are prevailing wage requirements for Michigan construction projects?
Only federally-funded projects require Davis-Bacon prevailing wages This means labor costs for state-funded projects may be lower than in states with prevailing wage laws. However, any federally-funded projects still require Davis-Bacon wage compliance.
What makes Michigan construction contracting unique?
Key facts about Michigan construction contracting: Prevailing wage repealed in 2018. Major bridge construction underway. Strong university construction. Water infrastructure needs significant. Major current and upcoming projects include Gordie Howe International Bridge, Highway reconstruction, University construction, Water infrastructure, Detroit revitalization.
Access Michigan Bids
Visit the official Michigan procurement portal to find current construction opportunities.
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- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
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- Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
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