Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is a pre-bid meeting?
• How can bids be submitted for MSDGC projects?
• What happens at the Bid Opening?
• Where can I learn about upcoming bids? How are upcoming projects advertised?
• When doing research for bids, is there a way to review previous bids?
• What type of ongoing compliance is required once a contract is awarded to a primary or assigned subcontractor (has a contract with MSDGC)?
• What type of information should be maintained by the primary/subcontractor?
• Does MSDGC hire subcontractors?
• How can I find out before the bid opening who has purchased plans?
• How can I submit a bid as a regular subcontractor?
• Do I as a potential prime contractor have to obtain a bid bond in order to bid on MSDGC projects?
• Do subcontractors have to produce a bid bond in order to participate on MSDGC jobs?
• What is considered a locally based company?

What is a pre-bid meeting?

A pre-bid meeting is scheduled by Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati Project Manager to inform prospective primary contractors and subcontractors of the specific details of upcoming jobs. Adjustments and/or deletions to the scope of work are made at these meeting. These meetings also afford subcontractors a great opportunity to meet prospective prime contractors and subcontractors.

How can bids be submitted for MSDGC projects?

You must purchase the bid package from MSDGC Plan Sales (513) 557-7118. Bids must be submitted before 1:30PM in the bid box located at 1081 Woodrow St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45204, on or before bid opening date.

What happens at the Bid Opening?

During the Bid Opening the bid proposals from all prospective bidders are publicly read aloud. Bid openings are normally held on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM in Room 104 of the New Administration Building at 1081 Woodrow St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45204.

Where can I learn about upcoming bids? How are upcoming projects advertised?

Please refer to our web site's Upcoming Projects listing.

When doing research for bids, is there a way to review previous bids?

Yes, please refer to our web site's Bid Results listing.

What type of ongoing compliance is required once a contract is awarded to a primary or assigned subcontractor?

The Monthly Minority Utilization Report, Form 257, must be submitted by the tenth of each month reflecting that company’s construction work force for all jobs that they are currently working on in Hamilton County. The Equal Employment Program, Form 147, must be current during construction with annual renewal. Prime and subcontractors must submit monthly payroll reports by the tenth of each month for each specific project underway.

What type of information should be maintained by the prime/subcontractor?

MSDGC examines the payrolls and all related records of the prime and subcontractors. We strongly recommend that the following information be kept by the contractor for each project: project name, contract number, sewer/project ID number, address, telephone number, contact person and payments. This information should be retained for a minimum of three years, although the IRS requires retention of up to seven years.

Does MSDGC hire subcontractors?

Yes, on multi-trade projects you can bid and be awarded a contract as an assigned subcontractor. All other subcontractors work directly for the primary or assigned subcontractors and must negotiate their contract directly with them.

How can I find out before the bid opening who has purchased plans?

The plan holders list for each project is available from its project web page. These pages are listed in the Projects On Sale section of the website.

How can I submit a bid as a regular subcontractor?

You cannot submit a bid to MSDGC as a subcontractor; but you can contact prospective bidders on the plan holders list and make them aware that you are qualified to do the work/supply materials. It is a good idea to attend pre-bid meetings to network with potential bidders.

Do I as a potential prime contractor have to obtain a bid bond in order to bid on MSDGC projects?

Yes, the bid bond should represent 10% of your bid. You must also list your Performance Bond cost in bid items. The Performance Bond cost represents the money to be paid to your insurance company to secure the 100% Performance Bond.

Do subcontractors have to produce a bid bond in order to participate on MSDGC jobs?

Bonding requirements for subcontractors are a private matter to be negotiated with the prospective prime contractor.

What is considered a locally based company?

In order to do business with MSDGC you must establish a local office in the Greater Cincinnati Area.