Georgia Construction Bidding Process

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Surety Bond Professionals is a family-owned and operated bonding agency with over 75 years of experience. With access to a broad range of surety markets, our expert agents are ready to assist with all of your construction bond needs.

What is the Bid Process in Construction?

The construction bidding process involves five steps: bid solicitation, bid submission, bid selection, contract formation, and project delivery. For a contractor in Georgia to achieve success in the construction bidding process, you need to plan and improve in each of these areas.

If you’re a new contractor or are looking to secure more bids more often, follow our guide below.

What Should a Construction Bid Include?

Successful construction bids generally contain the total cost of building the structure, including expenses for subcontractors, general contractors’ costs, overhead profit, and scope of work. A bid will also need to contain information such as company details, the date, a clear definition of the work, and a project name. Without all of these elements combined, you may not meet the necessary standards.

How Do You Estimate a Construction Bid?

An accurate estimate is not only vital for winning a bid but it can also determine which Georgia Construction bonds you may need. A professional estimate will include:

Direct costs: This includes materials, labor, and equipment expenses tied directly to construction activities.
Indirect costs: Consider costs that don’t involve direct construction work, like permits, utilities, security, quality control, administration, and legal fees.
Labor hours: Wages paid to construction teams should be factored in, including potential overtime.
Subcontractor expenses: Don’t forget to calculate costs associated with hiring subcontractors for specialized tasks like plumbing, electrical work, or HVAC installation.

What Are the Five Steps in the Process of Bidding?

Bid Solicitation: This is when the project owner or general contractor invites contractors to submit bids.
Bid Submission: Contractors prepare and submit their bids with all necessary details, such as pricing, scope of work, and deadlines.
Bid Selection: The owner of the project will look over bids, including the contractor’s costs, qualifications, and the scope of work suggested. Based on this information, they will choose a bid they believe is best.
Contract Formation: Once the project owner chooses a bid, they will set up a contract with the winning contractor.
Project Delivery: At this phase, the contractor will begin work on the project and secure any further surety bonds they may need.

What Licenses and Bonds Do You Need for Georgia Construction Bidding?

In Georgia, contractors bidding on state-funded construction projects must adhere to specific licensing and bonding requirements set forth by state law. Generally, contractors must hold an active license issued through the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors (or other relevant boards under the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office), with classifications determined by the type and scope of work.

In addition, most public projects—whether funded at the state or federal level—require contractors to secure a bid bond, which guarantees that the contractor will honor its submitted bid if awarded the contract. After the contract has been awarded, performance and payment bonds are typically required to protect the project owner and ensure that subcontractors, suppliers, and workers receive full and timely payment. These bonding requirements reflect Georgia’s competitive bidding statutes, which aim to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in the use of taxpayer dollars.

It’s imperative to work with a professional surety bond agency, like Surety Bond Professionals, that knows how to secure bonds successfully at the best price so you can submit a competitive bid.

Common Mistakes Made While Bidding

Even a well-prepared contractor can be rejected for a bid. Some common reasons this might happen are:

Incomplete documentation, such as proof of bonds and licenses.
Inaccurate cost estimates, where your estimate is much higher or lower than average.
Lack of experience, unproven track record.
Simple mistakes, like not following the guidelines for the bid strictly or missing paperwork.
Ambitious timelines, if your proposed timeline does not align with the average timelines submitted you may face rejection.

State vs. Federal Bids?

Understanding the difference between state and federal bids can help you stay compliant when you submit your bid.

Topic	State	Federal
Procurement Laws and Regulations	State-specific procurement laws and regulations, varying by state.	Must comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation, which is stricter and more rigorous.
Bonding Requirements	Often need state licensing and bonds like bid bonds and performance bonds.	Also needs bonds but is often required from a federally approved surety company.
Project Scope	Projects can range from small repairs to large public works in a specific area.	Contracts can be large-scale, spanning multiple states.
Set-Aside Programs	Some states have set-aside programs for small businesses, minority-owned, or veteran-owned businesses, but this varies.	The federal government has many set-aside programs for small businesses, veteran-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged businesses through programs like 8(a) or HUBZone.
Competition	Often limited to nearby areas, reducing competition.	Open to contractors nationwide, increasing competition and opportunities.

Unique Aspects of the Georgia Construction Bidding Process

In Georgia, most construction work requires a valid contractor’s license issued through the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. Contractors must hold an active license before offering, bidding on, or performing construction services—particularly on larger or public projects. Specific trades, such as electrical or plumbing, may require additional specialized licenses from other state boards. Additionally, local municipalities may impose further permitting or registration requirements. Contractors should verify local rules and regulations before starting any project.
Construction in Georgia must comply with the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes, which are largely based on the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC), among others. Local jurisdictions sometimes adopt amendments to address regional considerations like coastal weather, humidity, or other site-specific conditions. The state also enforces an energy code—often derived from the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)—to encourage efficient energy use in both residential and commercial buildings.
Projects located near wetlands, floodplains, or waterways in Georgia may fall under the jurisdiction of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) or other divisions of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Depending on a project’s scope and potential environmental impact, additional permits, environmental assessments, or inspections may be required. Federal agencies—such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—may also have authority over certain activities affecting navigable waters or protected wetlands, necessitating compliance with federal regulations.
Under Georgia law, employers with three or more employees generally are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, subject to specific exemptions. Although the state does not mandate general liability insurance for all contractors, maintaining such coverage is strongly recommended and is often required by project owners or lenders. Adequate insurance helps mitigate financial risks from accidents, property damage, or other liabilities and is frequently a prerequisite for securing contracts.
Public contracting in Georgia is governed primarily by the Georgia Procurement Code, which sets forth competitive bidding requirements for public projects exceeding certain monetary thresholds. Contractors must meet qualification standards, follow prescribed bidding procedures, and provide necessary bid, performance, and payment bonds for projects above those thresholds. Contracts are typically awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, although factors such as relevant experience, demonstrated qualifications, and adherence to project specifications may influence the final selection. This process promotes transparency, cost-effectiveness, and accountability in the use of taxpayer funds.

Georgia Bid Network

In Georgia, contractors and suppliers seeking bidding opportunities can explore the Georgia Procurement Registry (GPR)—managed by the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS)—as well as other state-approved procurement platforms. These official systems offer a centralized listing of public procurement solicitations, including Invitations to Bid, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and Requests for Information (RFIs), along with details on recent contract awards and bid results. Operating primarily in a government-to-business (G2B) and business-to-business (B2B) capacity, these platforms adhere to the Georgia Procurement Code and related statutes that mandate competitive bidding.

Prospective bidders can use these portals to stay informed about projects from state agencies, municipalities, school districts, and other public entities seeking qualified vendors. Each solicitation typically provides a detailed project description, outlines submission requirements, and lists relevant legal guidelines, ensuring transparency, fairness, and compliance with Georgia’s public procurement regulations. Because these systems focus on G2B and B2B interactions, they do not support business-to-consumer (B2C) or consumer-to-consumer (C2C) transactions.

Succeed in the Georgia Construction Bidding Process

To succeed in the Georgia construction bidding process, you need accurate estimates and documentation as well as a solid grasp of the requirements and nuances of state vs federal bids.

However, one of the most important components of your bid is securing the right surety bonds, such as bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds. When you choose a reliable surety bond agency, you can feel confident that your bond will meet all legal and regulatory requirements. At Surety Bond Professionals, we know the challenges you may face and are here to support you with all your bond needs. Contact us today for a quote.