Highways and roads are the backbones of any city or town. They connect people, facilitate trade and commerce, and ensure the smooth functioning of our daily lives. Texas is home to some of the busiest highways in the United States, and maintaining them is a massive undertaking.
If you are looking to secure highway contracts in Texas, there are several things you need to consider. At Reliable Paving, we specialize in commercial paving, including highway construction and maintenance projects.
Here are a few things to consider when trying to secure highway construction contracts.
Understand the Texas Highway System
The first step to securing highway contracts in Texas is to understand the state's highway system deeply. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining these highways and roads.
TxDOT's Unified Transportation Program is a ten-year plan that guides transportation projects in the state. TxDOT makes proposals and releases them statewide to contractors 21 days prior to the bid opening. TxDOT delivers most highway construction projects through a design-bid-build process, and contracts are awarded in a fair and timely manner. Contractors can receive unlimited bid proposals as long as they meet the available bid capacity requirement for each project.
Build Relationships with Decision-Makers
Building strong relationships with key decision-makers is essential for winning highway contracts in Texas. Attend local events and meetings where these decision-makers are present and try to establish a connection. Develop a reputation for being reliable and delivering high-quality work. Once you have established a relationship, stay in touch regularly to keep your name on their mind.
TxDOT has the authority to accept or reject contracts for construction and maintenance projects with an engineer's estimate of $300,000 or more. On the other hand, local maintenance projects with an engineer's estimate of less than $300,000 can be awarded by the local TxDOT district engineer.
Provide Competitive Pricing
Pricing is always a critical factor in winning contracts. In the commercial paving industry, it is essential to provide competitive pricing that is in line with the market rates. However, it is equally important to ensure that the pricing is fair and reasonable, taking into account the scope and complexity of the project. In some cases, providing a slightly higher bid may be worthwhile if it includes additional value-added services that your competitors may not offer.
Emphasize Safety and Compliance
Highway construction is a hazardous activity that requires strict adherence to safety and compliance standards. When bidding on highway contracts, it is important to emphasize your company's commitment to safety and compliance. This includes having a robust safety program in place, providing regular training to employees, and ensuring that all equipment and materials meet the necessary safety standards. By emphasizing safety and compliance, you can demonstrate to decision-makers that you take their responsibilities seriously and are a reliable partner for their projects.
With the right strategy and approach, highway construction can be a lucrative and rewarding market. Reliable Paving can help you create a professional request for proposal and lay the foundation for success. We provide a wide variety of asphalt and paving services and can be the right partner for your next highway project. Contact us today to learn more.