Knowing how to find construction jobs to bid on is key. In fact, it may represent a large chunk of your revenue as a small construction company.
Table of Contents
In this article, we’ll show you where to bid on construction jobs in a way that maximizes your time. Many of the websites on our list aggregate requests for proposals from a variety of sources, saving you the trouble of scouring multiple platforms on your own.
First, let’s look at how to find construction jobs to bid on for free.
How to find construction jobs to bid on for free
Government websites
Most state and provincial governments in North America have websites containing information about various projects. The New York State Contractor Reporter, for example, lists numerous new bidding opportunities each day.
Construction companies can create accounts and view project information for free, as is the case with many other regional platforms.
PlanHub
When it comes to finding commercial construction bid opportunities for free, PlanHub is an increasingly popular choice. If you’re a general contractor, PlanHub allows you to create a free account. Subcontractors can also use the website for free when invited by a general contractor although they’ll be charged in order to bid on another general contractor’s projects.
Construction Bid Source
Construction Bid Source is another great website for finding information about construction jobs throughout America. Construction companies can view projects and advertise their services for free. This allows you to scope out what’s available before paying for access to contact information.
GovernmentBids.com
GovernmentBids.com is another great site for scouring information pulled from state, federal, and municipal websites. As with Construction Bid Source, you can browse jobs for free but will need to pay in order to access bid documents and other important information.
The benefit of GovernmentBids.com over other sites (including beta.SAM.gov) is that it’s much cleaner to operate, with better filters between various categories. For example, if you’re looking for nuclear ordinance jobs, there’s a category for that!
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Where to find construction jobs to bid on (paid sites)
As you might expect, there are numerous paid websites hosting construction projects for you to bid on. The advantage of using these sites is that they typically come with additional features that go beyond simply listing bid opportunities.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the most popular examples.
BidCentral
BidCentral is easily one of the most popular paid construction bidding platforms. The free version offers features similar to what you see with other bidding sites; the ability to browse projects and see some preliminary details.
However, the paid version really shines by providing full project access, including Planroom documents and update notifications. You’ll also have access to a contractor directory and tender awards.
BidCentral costs $79 per month or $875 per year if you pay annually.
BidClerk
So far, few of the construction bidding websites we’ve listed have been very Canada-friendly. BidClerk bucks this trend, offering contract opportunities in both Canada and the United States.
You can search by province or state using one of the most comprehensive tools on any construction bidding website. It allows you to include specific metrics in your search, greatly helping to narrow the field.
BidClerk does not list pricing on its website. However, third-party websites list it as costing $50 per month.
Construction Market Data
Construction Market Data shines when it comes to providing – as one might guess from its name – market data related to various projects.
It boasts having superior data built on unique relationships within the construction industry. The company claims to collect data on more than 184,000 project bids every year, which strengthens the accuracy of its proprietary data.
Construction Market Data breaks its offerings into several buckets, including:
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CMD Leads
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CMD Insight™
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Forecast
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Analyze
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Custom Analytics
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SpecEdge
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Spec Writing
Construction Market Data does not list pricing for any of its products online, nor is this information readily available elsewhere. However, if you’re in need of not just construction projects to bid on but also market data, it is a very strong contender.
Biddingo.com
Biddingo.com is a Canada-specific bidding site offering listings for municipal, provincial, and Crown Corporation projects.
It allows you as a provider to create a profile marketing your services to purchasers on the platform. Biddingo.com also lets you set up alerts on new job opportunities related to your areas of expertise.
Biddingo comes at a steal, too, costing just $250 per year according to its website.
BidNet
BidNet is another great website for finding government projects to bid on. Its advanced notification feature is particularly worth highlighting as it gives you a heads up on potential projects so you can prepare an effective bid.
BidNet does not publicize pricing on its website.
iSqFt
Last on our list of construction bidding websites, we have iSqFt. It bills itself as not just a bidding platform but rather a network designed to connect various parties in the construction industry.
For example, subcontractors looking to form lasting partnerships with general contractors can do so using the portal.
It’s a sizable network, too, hosting more than 800,000 construction professionals throughout the United States. On the bidding side, iSqFt lets subcontractors research projects in various stages of completion.
iSqFt offers unique pricing based on your needs. You’ll have to get in touch with them for more details.
Tips for finding construction jobs to bid on
Now that we’ve discussed where to bid on construction jobs, here are a few tips for going about the process.
Make good use of data points
The construction bidding process relies heavily on having good data points. Otherwise, you won’t be able to conduct a very accurate estimate of your costs, which can have a serious impact on your profitability.
As such, you’d be wise to choose a construction bidding website that contains pertinent information related to the type of projects you take on.
Don’t rely solely on online communication
When bidding on construction projects, it’s good to visit the site and attend pre-bid meetings if possible. This can help you get a better understanding of the project than you would by simply relying on online data.
Form relationships with each new contract
Construction bidding websites are certainly an increasingly popular means of obtaining clients. However, many companies also receive a substantial portion of projects in the form of requests for proposals from past clients.
It’s important that you build relationships with every new client you take on to benefit from this stream as well.
In this article, we discussed where to find construction jobs to bid on. We hope the list we’ve put together will serve you well as you continue to look for new opportunities. If you’ve found construction jobs to bid on, you should go ahead and read our article about tracking and improving your bid-hit ratio.
For more tips on construction-related topics, including resource management and estimating, visit our blog.
Construction Bid FAQ
How to write a bid for a construction job?
To write a bid for a construction job, start by making sure you understand the project details and requirements. Next, prepare a clear, detailed proposal that includes your costs, timeline, and scope of work. The more specific to the needs of the project, the more likely your bid will be reviewed and approved.
How do you negotiate a contractor bid?
When negotiating a bid, communicate openly with the contractor about your budget and project needs. Be prepared to discuss adjustments in scope, materials, or timelines to find a mutually agreeable solution. Always aim for a fair deal that benefits both parties.
What does a contractor proposal look like?
A contractor proposal is usually a one-page document that provides an overview of the project, detailed costs, a timeline, and a scope of work. You may also include information about your experience, references, and terms of payment.
What is bid day in construction?
Bid day is like game day for construction bidding. It is the day when all bids for a construction project are submitted and opened for review.
How do you ask for a bid from a contractor?
You can ask for a bid from a contractor by inviting them to submit a proposal. Be sure to provide the contractor with the necessary information about the project, such as estimated specifications, timelines, and a scope of work.
