Welcome to FloridaProcurements.com (FlaProc), your authoritative resource for navigating Florida’s government contracting landscape, with particular focus on transportation and technology opportunities. FlaProc provides free, expert guidance to help companies identify and secure state contracting opportunities throughout Florida.
This resource is maintained by Attorney Sean Gellis of Gellis Law, PLLC, one of less than 75 attorneys Board Certified in State and Federal Government and Administrative Practice by The Florida Bar. Mr. Gellis brings unique insight to government contracting, having served as General Counsel of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Chief of Staff of the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS)—positions that provided direct oversight of major transportation and technology initiatives. His record in bid protest litigation reflects the sophisticated advocacy and strategic thinking he brings to government contracting matters, particularly in complex transportation and technology procurements.
Insider’s Guide: Navigating FDOT Contracting Opportunities
As someone who served as General Counsel of the Florida Department of Transportation and successfully defended bid protests in that role, I’ve seen countless companies struggle to understand where to find transportation contracting opportunities, let alone win them. FDOT’s procurement landscape can seem bewildering at first glance – but it doesn’t have to be. Let me walk you through the essentials of finding and winning FDOT contracts.
The Four Pillars of FDOT Procurement
What many don’t realize is that FDOT uses four distinct “categories” of procurement for different types of contracting opportunities. Think of these as separate doors into the agency, each serving a specific purpose based on the type of work to be performed:
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Commodities and Contractual Services
FDOT’s procurement office competitively procures commodities and contractual services in the same manner as every other agency. These procurements are governed by section 287.057, Florida Statutes. This category does not include “professional services” contracts, which are a different category altogether. Some examples of goods and services in this category include barricades, herbicides, safety products, PPE, uniforms, fencing, aggregates, auditing, abatement, landscaping, pest control, security, training etc.
When FDOT procures these types of services, it does so utilizing the Department of Management Services’ “Vendor Information Portal (VIP).” Luckily, I’ve already written a Free Guide on how to find contracting opportunities on the portal which you can use to help you identify contracting opportunities.
All vendors that wish to do business with the state of Florida must register with the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system. My Free Guide on MFMP Registration will help you get registered.
Summary: Commodities and Contractual Services opportunities are found on the Vendor Information Portal (VIP). All vendors wishing to do business with the state of Florida must register for MFMP via the VIP.
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Professional Services with Prequalification
FDOT procures professional services via competitive negotiation. This process is governed by section 287.055, Florida Statutes, known as the Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA). The types of services statutorily designated as professional services are engineering, surveying and mapping, architecture, landscape architecture, planning, and right of way acquisition and management.
There are two key differences with professional services procurements versus standard commodities and contractual services procurements. First, the vendor wishing to perform professional services must go through a rigorous prequalification process with FDOT to be eligible to compete for a contract. Second, the professional services opportunities are announced on a separate website(s) from the VIP. Pertinent links are found below:
Active and Expired Professional Services Contracts
Current Professional Services Advertisements
Planned Professional Services Advertisements
Shortlist and Final Selection Results for Professional Services
All Ads – Planned, Current and Results
They even have a website where non-prequalified firms can sign up to receive notice of opportunities.
Unlike traditional procurements where price drives selection, CCNA focuses on qualifications and technical expertise. FDOT announces these opportunities through advertisements that outline the scope of services, qualification requirements, and selection criteria. Interested firms submit detailed proposals demonstrating their capabilities, experience, and approach. An FDOT selection committee evaluates these proposals, considering factors like technical ability, past performance, workload, and project understanding. Firms may be shortlisted for interviews or technical presentations. Once FDOT ranks firms based on qualifications, they begin negotiations with the top-ranked firm to establish fair and reasonable compensation. If an agreement cannot be reached, FDOT moves to the second-ranked firm. This qualifications-based selection process ensures FDOT selects the most qualified firms for its professional service needs while complying with the CCNA.
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Design-Build
Design-build procurement represents one of FDOT’s most sophisticated project delivery methods, combining design and construction services under a single contract. Unlike traditional design-bid-build projects, this approach allows for innovation and potential time savings through concurrent design and construction activities. These procurements are governed by section 337.11, Florida Statutes.
Solicitation Phase
FDOT initiates design-build projects through a two-phase selection process. The agency first advertises a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), outlining project scope, requirements, and evaluation criteria. This phase focuses on team qualifications and experience, allowing FDOT to shortlist the most capable firms for the subsequent proposal phase.
Technical Proposal Phase
Shortlisted firms receive a Request for Proposal (RFP) package containing detailed project requirements, performance criteria, and evaluation methodology. Teams develop comprehensive technical proposals demonstrating their approach, innovations, and project solutions. This phase often includes Alternative Technical Concepts (ATCs), allowing teams to propose innovative solutions that may deviate from traditional requirements.
Selection Process
FDOT evaluates proposals using a combined technical/price scoring methodology. Technical proposals are scored based on criteria such as design approach, construction methods, project management, and maintenance of traffic plans. Price proposals remain sealed until after technical evaluations to ensure qualifications-based consideration.
Award Phase
The contract is typically awarded to the responsive, responsible proposer offering the best value to FDOT, considering both technical merit and price. Unlike traditional low-bid construction contracts, design-build selection weighs both qualitative factors and cost to determine the optimal solution for complex infrastructure projects.
Links for Design-Build procurements can be found below:
Current Advertisements
Planned Advertisements
Shortlist and Final Selection Results
All Ads – Planned, Current and Results
Design-Build Website
Design-Build Acquisition Plan
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Construction and Maintenance Services.
Unlike design-build projects, FDOT’s traditional construction and maintenance contracts follow a more straightforward low-bid procurement model. These procurements, governed by Chapter 337, Florida Statutes, focus primarily on price competition among qualified contractors.
Contractor Prequalification Requirements
Construction contracts exceeding $250,000 for road, bridge, or public transportation projects require specific contractor prequalification under section 337.14, Florida Statutes. This process, managed through the Contractor Prequalification Application System (CPQ), establishes both approved work classes and a maximum capacity rating (MCR) for each contractor.
Notably, prequalification is not required for:
- Projects valued at $250,000 or less
- Subcontractors (regardless of contract value)
- Building construction (requires general contractor license instead)
- Maintenance contracts
Bidding Process
Prequalified contractors submit sealed bids based on FDOT’s complete plans and specifications. The process emphasizes price competition—contractors provide unit prices for specified quantities of work items. This differs significantly from design-build’s technical/price evaluation approach.
FDOT’s maintenance contracts, while following similar competitive bidding procedures, don’t require the same prequalification as construction projects. However, contractors must still register with MyFloridaMarketPlace and maintain active registration with the Florida Department of State.
Award Phase
Contracts are awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. For construction contracts over $250,000, bidders must hold valid FDOT prequalification in the appropriate work classes. “Responsive” means the bid meets all submission requirements, while “responsible” confirms the contractor’s capability to perform. This straight low-bid approach contrasts with design-build’s best-value selection methodology.
Construction and Maintenance Services procurements can be found in the same location as the Professional Services procurements.
Looking Around the Corner: FDOT’s Planning Tools
Here’s something many contractors overlook: FDOT actually provides tools to help you see what’s coming before it hits the street. Two resources in particular can give you a significant advantage:
The Consultant Acquisition Plan offers a preview of upcoming consulting opportunities by District. Think of it as FDOT’s crystal ball for professional services contracts.
The Planned Design/Build Projects system offer a preview of upcoming opportunities for contracting
The Five Year Work Program maps out FDOT’s construction plans for the next five years. While not every project makes it to bid, this roadmap helps you plan your business strategy effectively.
The Prequalification Process: Your Gateway to Success
Before you can bid on FDOT work, you need to become prequalified – a process that often catches newcomers off guard. FDOT prequalification isn’t just paperwork; it’s the agency’s way of ensuring contractors can deliver what they promise.
The process varies depending on your work type. Construction contractors need to demonstrate financial capacity and technical capability. Professional services firms must show expertise in specific work types. Getting prequalified takes time, but it’s your ticket to competing for FDOT contracts.
The Contractor Prequalification Application System (CPQ) is where you start the prequalification process.
Building Your FDOT Strategy
Success with FDOT requires more than just watching for opportunities. The agency operates through seven district offices, each with its own needs and priorities. Smart contractors:
- Understand their target districts’ specific needs
- Build relationships with district procurement staff
- Attend local industry outreach events
- Monitor district-specific projects
The Path to Winning
The secret to winning FDOT contracts isn’t really a secret at all – it’s about understanding the process and meeting the agency’s needs. Whether you’re bidding on a construction project, proposing professional services, or supplying materials, success comes down to:
- Understanding exactly what FDOT wants
- Demonstrating you can deliver it
- Following instructions precisely
- Meeting all qualification requirements
- Submitting complete, compliant proposals
Next Steps
Ready to explore FDOT contracting? Start by registering in the systems relevant to your business. Remember, each type of work has its own path – choose yours carefully and prepare thoroughly.
Need more specific guidance on FDOT procurements? Stay tuned to FloridaProcurements.com for detailed articles on each aspect of FDOT contracting, or reach out to us for strategic counsel on your specific situation.
For strategic guidance on FDOT procurements, contact Gellis Law, PLLC.
