Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

F2−1: Pre−Qualifying Contractors

DESCRIPTION:

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) pre−qualifies contractors two different ways: 1) By type of work to be accomplished in the contract (e.g., can the contractor build this type of bridge), and 2) the contractor's ability to manage a certain dollar value of projects (e.g., can the contractor manage four projects worth $250 million). When contractors bid beyond their capacity/capability, there is a greater risk of projects falling behind schedule or being unable to complete the work successfully.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

Previously, contractors were being awarded projects that they could not finish because they were not professionally qualified or able to manage projects of that size. This leads to continued disruptions of traffic because a new contractor must be hired or the work is inferior and will not last as long.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

When a contractor is awarded a project, there is no question as to his ability to complete the project. Projects are not delayed due to the inability of a contractor to complete a project.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

All types of work.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Ohio

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Megan O'Callaghan, Ohio DOT
Phone: (614) 466−3598
E−mail: Megan.Blackford@dot.state.oh.usv