Contractor Prequalification
The requirements for prequalification to submit a bid for any particular project will be identified in the General Conditions section of the proposal. Typically, contractors are required to be prequalified to bid as a prime contractor with the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
Prequalification must be completed on the forms provided by the Department, and a complete packet submitted by 5:00 P.M. at least 5 days prior to the letting the contractor intends to bid. Please note: NDOT does not require subcontractors to prequalify.
Maximum Qualification Rating*
Each applicant will be qualified for an amount of work they can perform as evidenced by their financial showing, experience of personnel and previous record with the Department. When using the Audited Financial Statement or Letter of Credit, the Department establishes a multiplier (maximum 15) in each case based on experience and previous record, using established criteria. Each applicant will be notified of the “maximum qualification” established in his/her case by the Department (financial showing x multiplier = maximum qualification rating). When prequalifying with a Certificate of Surety, the maximum qualification rating will equal the bonding capacity as stated on the Certificate of Surety.
How To Prequalify
Currently, there are three methods to prequalify with NDOT. These methods contain the same contractor questionnaire; however, the financial showing required for each method differs.
Certificate of Surety - click to download
This method of prequalification utilizes the "Certificate of Surety" for the financial showing. The "Certificate of Surety" must be from a bonding agency licensed to do business in Nebraska.
Step 1 – Contractor Completes General Information and Questionnaire
Step 2 – “Certificate of Surety" Completed by Bonding Agency
Step 3 – Contractor signs Affidavit (must be notarized)
Step 4 – Submit to NDOT via email at ndot.contractorprequalification@nebraska.gov or mail.
The maximum qualification rating will typically equal the bonding capacity as stated on the Certificate of Surety, unless a reduction is warranted due to past applicant performance.
Audited Financial Statement - click to download
This method of prequalification utilizes an Audited Financial Statement for the financial showing, and typically establishes the greatest “maximum qualification” amount for the contractor (the financial showing in this method is not limited by NDOT). The financial showing in the statement is required to be certified by a Nebraska public accountant or a certified public accountant.
Step 1 – Contractor Completes General Information and Questionnaire
Step 2 – Financial Statement Completed
Step 3 – Financial Statement Certified by Accountant
Step 4 – Contractor signs Affidavit (must be notarized)
Step 5 – Submit to NDOT via email at ndot.contractorprequalification@nebraska.gov or mail.
For example, should a contractor utilize an Audited Financial Statement with a net financial showing of $10,000,000 and the maximum multiplier of 15 is applied, the “maximum qualification” for that contractor would be $150,000,000 ($10,000,000 x 15 = $150,000,000).
Letter of Credit - click to download
This method of prequalification utilizes a “Letter of Credit for Prequalification” for the financial showing. The net amount of the “Letter of Credit” is limited to $500,000 by NDOT. The “Letter of Credit” must be from a licensed or chartered financial institution.
Step 1 – Contractor Completes General Information and Questionnaire
Step 2 – “Letter of Credit for Prequalification” Completed by Bank
Step 3 – Contractor signs Affidavit (must be notarized)
Step 4 – Submit to NDOT via email at ndot.contractorprequalification@nebraska.gov or mail.
For example, should a contractor utilize a “Letter of Credit for Prequalification” in the amount of $500,000 and the maximum multiplier of 15 is applied, the “maximum qualification” for that contractor would be $7,500,000 ($500,000 x 15 = $7,500,00).
*Please note that a contractor’s uncompleted work, both with NDOT and any other awarding authority, is subtracted from the “maximum qualification” when determining if a bid proposal can be issued to that contractor.