Highway Construction Contract Information

General notices to contractors

Welcome. Within this website you will be able to view all the information and documents needed relating to the WisDOT Highway Construction Contract Information (HCCI).

Bidding contract information

Bidding for highway construction projects is conducted under the authority provided in Wisconsin Statutes 84.06(2)(a) Bids, Contracts. Contracts shall be awarded to the lowest competent and responsible bidder as determined by the department.

• See Standard Spec 102 as well as Facilities Development Manual (FDM).

Contractor tips

• Required steps for prime and subcontractors from advertisement through contract execution. View checklist.
• Electronic bidding best practice provided by Bid Express^tm.
• Request to be a plan holder and/or eligible bidder. DT1633, Bidder Proposal Request System (BPRS), users guide.
• Electronic bidding Instructions - Update: DBE attachment documentation (January 5, 2021)
• eSubmit option available for DBE supplemental documentation (January 31, 2024)
• Please contact Ijeoma O'Rorke, ijeoma.ororke@dot.wi.gov, with questions.

• The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has developed a new Vendor Registration System​ (VRS) in collaboration with Infotech. 
• Vendors currently use the Civil Rights Compliance System (CRCS) to register as a new vendor or to update existing vendor information for WisDOT. VRS is the first step to phase out this old system.
• WisDOT plans to implement the Vendor Registration System (VRS) is active.
  

• The design-build project to replace the Blatnik Bridge between Superior and Duluth, Minn., is a joint effort of the Wisconsin and Minnesota DOTs, with Minnesota being the lead agency. Contracting teams interested in learning more about submitting a project proposal are encouraged to review the information on the Minnesota DOT's website.

New northern long-eared bat requirements. (February 1, 2023)

• The northern long-eared bat (NLEB) will be reclassified as an endangered species under the Federal Endangered Species Act, effective March 31, 2023. The NLEB's threatened 4(d) rule, and associated consultation, will be nullified on that date.
• WisDOT is reevaluating projects following new procedures with new restrictions. Most notably, WisDOT has implemented tree clearing restrictions during the NLEB's active season (April 1 to October 31) on many projects. The NLEB STSP has been updated to reflect the new requirements.
• WisDOT does not intend to conduct surveys or inspections of areas to deviate from the tree clearing restrictions, as that presents risk and uncertainty for our projects and project schedules.

Statewide Native Seed and Woody Vegetation Installation and Restoration Management (July 20, 2022)

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) - to pre-certify contractors for the Statewide Native Seed and Woody Vegetation Installation and Restoration Management on select projects. RFQs are due August 4, 2022, 4 p.m. CST.

• A landscape contractor will only be required to be on the pre-certification list for a project if it is stipulated in the project special provisions involving special seedings or plantings.
• This is separate from the prequalification process for prime contractors on WisDOT projects, and does not replace the WisDOT prequalification process. If a landscaper wanted to bid as a prime on a WisDOT project, they would still need to be prequalified with WisDOT.
• Questions and Answers should be sent to the RFQ mailbox prequalification@dot.wi.gov.
• Submitted Questions and Answers. (August 3, 2022)
• Pre-certified contractors list. WisDOT appreciates your consideration of this opportunity and anticipates renewing this list in August of 2024. (September 12, 2022)

Political advertisements in right of way (July 7, 2022)

• With the 2022 election upcoming, we are being reminded that Wisconsin law prohibits political advertisements in the public right of way. We respect all contractors’ freedom of speech and desire to support candidates, but would ask to refrain from any signage, banners or flags for candidates and campaigns within public right of way or closely adjacent to traffic. Safety of the traveling public is a primary consideration, as the materials can be distracting. In cases where personal vehicles have flags or large bumper stickers, site leaders are asked to use their best judgment. We will stress the department is not suggesting or asking that any worker make any alterations to the appearance of their personal vehicle. We do however want any political images, regardless of candidate, party or message, to be moved away from the right of way and generally out of the vision of highway users.

MASH16 Temporary Crash Cushion Implementation Date

• AASHTO/FHWA Joint Implementation Agreement for Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH), indicates that temporary work zone devices (i.e. crash cushion), manufactured before December 31, 2019, and are NCHRP-350 compliant can be used for their normal service life.
  In the Clarifications on Implementing the AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware dated May 9, 2018, normal service life is to be defined by the "owner-agency".
  Wisconsin Department of Transportation will require all projects using temporary crash cushions LET after December 1, 2023, to be MASH 2016 compliant.
  If there are any questions, please contact Erik Emerson at: Erik.Emerson@dot.wi.gov (July 7, 2022)
  

U.S. Department of Transportation Procurement Office - Scam

• Fraud alert (November 11, 2013)

Information relating to Wisconsin's Emerald Ash Borer (October 7, 2008)

Emergency Rule Notification updated October 24, 2007, to include any waters of the State of Wisconsin.