Public works include all work, construction, alteration, and repair or improvement, other than ordinary maintenance, that is a cost to the state or a local government.  Contracts for public works projects generally are required to be awarded through a competitive bidding process, subject to certain exceptions, such as the small works roster process.

 
For public works projects estimated to cost $350,000 or less, state agencies and authorized local governments (agencies) may use the small works roster process to award contracts as an alternative to competitive bidding requirements.  A small works roster includes any responsible contractor that requests to be on the roster and may be either a single general list or may be multiple lists for specialties or categories of work.  Agencies must adopt procedures to secure quotations from contractors on the roster to ensure that a competitive price is established and to award contracts to the lowest responsible bidder.

Beginning January 1, 2027, the maximum value of public works contracts eligible for the small works roster process is gradually increased to the following amounts, on the following dates:

• $530,000 or less from January 1, 2027, to June 30, 2027;
• $560,000 or less from July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2028;
• $590,000 or less from July 1, 2028, to June 30, 2029;
• $620,000 or less from July 1, 2029, to June 30, 2030; and
• $650,000 or less beginning July 1, 2030.