ATSSA to address challenges state DOTs face with bid specification enforcement

Bid Specification Enforcement Open Forum will be held at 49th Annual Convention & Traffic Expo

During ATSSA’s 49th Annual Convention & Traffic Expo in Tampa, Florida, Feb. 8-12, the association will hold an open forum on bid specification enforcement.

Bid specifications are written by state departments of transportation (DOTs) for roadway projects outlining the required components of the project, which contractors use to bid on completing the projects.

According to ATSSA Vice President of Member Services Donna Clark, in some instances subcontractors don’t adhere fully to these specifications. This leads to issues with safety and the performance of the roadway safety product as intended.

“Following the completion of any roadway project, inspectors for the state DOT are to inspect the project and ensure that all of the specifications in the bid were followed. Unfortunately, some state DOTs are facing challenges when it comes to enforcing these inspections and specifications, and the goal of this forum is to support them and identify how ATSSA can help them overcome these challenges,” said Clark.

As part of the forum, participants will explore these challenges, whether they be manpower, budgetary constraints, or related issues.

Not enforcing these bid specifications can lead to safety issues for roadway users, and lead to cost overruns on the project for the state DOT, because they may need to redo the project immediately or earlier than anticipated, said ATSSA Senior Technical Advisor Eric Perry.

During the forum, ATSSA will highlight DOTs that enforce bid specifications consistently, and have them share their experiences with inspection and enforcement.

“This will be an ongoing discussion, and we hope either at this forum or at a future event to outline solutions to this issue. It’s all about evening the playing field for all contractors, and ensuring that roadway safety products are being installed correctly, with the ultimate goal of advancing roadway safety,” said Clark.

The forum will take place at the 49th Annual Convention & Traffic Expo Feb. 12 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. For more information on the forum or the 49th Annual Convention & Traffic Expo, visit expo.atssa.com.