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What CDOT Buys

CDOT is one of the state's largest agencies, with an annual budget that reaches into the billions of dollars. The core of that budget is spent on highway construction, which includes designing and engineering new roadways, bridges and other transportation-related structures. CDOT also purchases general goods and services that are used for the day-to-day operation of the agency. 

For contracting purposes, CDOT divides these different types of purchases into three primary categories. Small businesses can find contracting opportunities based upon the category in which they provide services. 

Select a category below that best fits your business and find out more about how CDOT buys these services.
 

Purchasing Overview

The CDOT Construction Contracts Unit puts out Invitations to Bid for highway construction projects that include a wide range of bid items such as traffic control, trucking, paving, and electrical installation. 

The CDOT Engineering Contracts Unit puts out Requests for Proposals to hire consultants for design and engineering services including geotechnical, environmental, and intelligent transportation systems.

The CDOT Procurement and Contract Services buys general goods, commodities and professional services used for day-to-day operations of the agency. They also purchase services for building construction and facility maintenance. These items include things like janitorial services, office supplies, aggregates, equipment and emergency maintenance. These Solicitations are posted in the CDOT Supplier Self-Service (SuSS) Portal. You must first register to gain access to these CDOT advertised bids. CDOT also purchases common products and services using State of Colorado state price agreements which go out for bid on 1-5 year schedules. 

There is often overlap in the services that CDOT purchases through each of these three methods. Therefore, you will have the best chance of finding opportunities that fit your business if you check project advertisements in each of the three categories.

Why Funding Sources Matter

CDOT receives funding from various federal agencies including:

When a CDOT project is funded by federal dollars, there is a requirement to set a DBE goal. This provides opportunities for certified woman- and minority-owned businesses to receive subcontracts. The DBE Program applies to other state and municipal agencies that receive funding from CDOT or the federal government for transportation-related projects. 

CDOT is also receives funding from the State of Colorado. For projects that are funded exclusively by the State, CDOT may reserve certain smaller projects for bidding by ESB certified firms only.