My firm has done federal work for years, mostly through the Corps, but we're looking to get into state-level construction projects now. I'm trying to figure out how to find these bids. I've been told to check a state procurement portal, but they all look different. I went to the state portal for Arizona, and I can see a list of various notices. I searched for construction under a few different NAICS codes like 236220 and 237310. I see a lot of different types of notices, like RFQs and IFBs. What is the best way to search for construction bids on these state portals, and what notice types should I focus on for general construction?
How do I find state-level construction bids using a state procurement portal?
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The best way to search for construction bids on state procurement portals is to use the portal's search functions for relevant keywords and NAICS codes, and then filter by notice type. State and local government procurement processes are governed by state procurement codes, not the FAR, so the specific notice types and how they are used will vary by state and sometimes by agency within a state. For general construction, you should focus on Invitations for Bid (IFBs) and Requests for Quotation (RFQs), which are common solicitation types for construction work. Some states might also use Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for more complex construction projects. Always check the specific state portal's vendor guide or help section for detailed instructions on how to use their search tools and interpret their notice types.