How to bid ODOT (Oregon) construction contracts: prequalification, OregonBuys and Bid Express

The Oregon Department of Transportation's Procurement Office posts a Notice to Contractors for each construction advertisement, listing each project's county, description, cost range and bid opening date. Our bids page reads the notices every day.

1. Prequalify

ODOT's prequalification application says prequalification is required for prime contractors. An approved prequalification lasts two years. Firms that have never been prequalified, or whose prequalification lapsed more than six months ago, must include three reference forms for each class of work.

2. Register in OregonBuys

ODOT requires primes and subcontractors doing business in Oregon to be registered in OregonBuys, and will not approve a prequalification application until the firm is registered.

3. Bid electronically

ODOT takes electronic bids through Bid Express (BidX).

4. Bonds and payment

A successful bidder on a public improvement contract must deliver a performance bond and a payment bond in the full contract price unless an exception applies (ORS 279C.380). See Oregon lien and bond claim deadlines.

Summary for general information, reviewed 2026-10-30. Not legal advice; check the source before relying on a deadline or threshold.