How to get prequalified as a contractor
Is your company interested in placing a bid on a public construction contract in the state of Connecticut? The state’s Construction Contractor Prequalification Program requires all contractors to prequalify before bidding on a state contract estimated to cost more than $1,000,000.
Learn more about prequalifying as a construction contractor with the DAS. We are here to help you navigate the process with information and resources.
We are excited that a new Construction Contractor Prequalification process is coming in January 2025
Prequalification is a vital step for contractors seeking to engage in significant state or municipal construction projects. Contractors planning to bid on or perform work for projects that cost more than $1M must become prequalified. The Department of Administrative Services Procurement Division partnered with Autocene Government Solutions, Inc. to modernize the process as part of our continued efforts and commitment to serving the State of Connecticut’s business community.
CT Gateway will launch on January 6, delivering a user-friendly process including:
- Mobile-friendly application
- Greater accessibility for individuals with disabilities
- Realtime application status
- Immediate inclusion in a web-based directory of prequalified contractors
The Biznet Construction Contractor Prequalification application will be permanently closed in tandem with the rollout of CT Gateway.
Training
As we prepare for this transition, the department will host training sessions on how to access and navigate the new application. There are two opportunities to attend the training live: Tuesday, December 17; 10AM – 11AM and Thursday, December 19; 1PM - 2PM.
Following the training, the webinars will be available on demand.
Our Business Outreach Team is available to help you. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at DAS.Prequalification@ct.gov or 860-713-5280.
DAS Business events
Find upcoming events
DAS often hosts online and in-person events like workshops, clinics, and summits for CT vendors. These include clinics for small and minority businesses, supplier summits, and more.
Explore events happening soon to find one that’s right for your company.
Who needs construction contractor prequalification?
Any company or contractor that submits a bid on a publicly funded construction project costing over $1,000,000 must prequalify with DAS. This does not include public highway or bridge projects or any projects with the CT Department of Transportation.
You do not need to have DAS prequalification if the contract is over $500,000 but under $1,000,000. However, you may be required to provide additional information with your bid. This could include:
- Business organization information
- Legal administrative procedures
- Qualification status
- Workforce development initiative
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View the list of contractor classifications that are required to apply for DAS Construction Contractor Prequalification.
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Learn more about the prequalification criteria.
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Find examples of circumstances where DAS might find an applicant ineligible.
Ready to apply for construction contractor prequalification?
You will need to start by creating a BizNet account. Once in BizNet, you’ll be able to complete the application, upload the necessary documents, and pay the application fee.
DAS Contractor Prequalification Renewal
Renew prequalification
Once approved, your DAS Contractor Prequalification will last for one year.
To renew your prequalification, you will need to:
- Update the online application on BizNet.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay the non-refundable application renewal fee.
Search prequalified contractors
Find contractors who have already prequalified with the Department of Administrative Services.
You can search the list by name, AWC ranges, or classification.
You can search the list by name, AWC ranges, or classification.
Contact DAS Prequalification Program
Connecticut DAS Procurement division construction contractor prequalification program
Manager: Meg Yetishefsky
Address:
450 Columbus Blvd, Suite 1202
Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: 860-713-5280
Email: DAS.prequalification@ct.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I change the prequalification classifications and/or aggregate work capacity that I am given during the course of the year?
- Can I obtain prequalification for a Joint Venture?
- C.G.S. 4a-101 states that once my company is awarded a project that is subject to the contractor prequalification program it will be evaluated by the awarding authority/owner. At what points during the project will these evaluations be conducted?
- What are the criteria for prequalification?
- What are the hard copy documents that must be sent to the DAS?
- What is the Contractor Prequalification Program?
- Do I have to be prequalified with the DAS Contractor Prequalification Program if my company supplies material but does not do any installation or construction work?
- Do sub-contractors who participate on these projects have to be prequalified?
- What is the workforce requirement for contracts over $500,000 but under $1,000,000?
- How do I apply?
- How do I know which projects require prequalification from prospective bidders?
- How do I renew my prequalification certificate and is there a fee?
- Is there a contractor directory?
- How long does my initial prequalification last?
- How long does the prequalification process take?
- How will I be notified that my company has been prequalified?
- If I want to bid on a project subject to prequalification, what do I need to include with the bid?
- What are some of the possible circumstances for which a contractor may be found ineligible for prequalification?
- What are the prequalification classifications?
- What happens if I apply for prequalification but my application is denied?
- What if I am already prequalified by the Connecticut DOT? Do I still have to be prequalified through the DAS?
Get prequalified with the Department of Transportation
Interested in a contract with the Department of Transportation? Prospective bidders need to prequalify with the DOT directly to bid on and receive construction contracts. Go to their website to review the steps to get DOT Contractor Prequalification.
