Strengthening Public Works Series Part 3 | Public Works Solicitations: Scope, Bidding & Award

Date: October 13, 2026
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: Virtual
Register Here

A successful public works procurement requires an ironclad solicitation file and a rock-solid evaluation process. From drafting mandatory contract terms to distinguishing between bidder responsiveness and bidder responsibility, procurement teams must execute every step with precision to prevent bid protests and failed solicitations.

This session will take you step-by-step through the solicitation lifecycle. Learn how to structure comprehensive bid packages, run defensible job walks and addenda processes, handle complex bid opening irregularities, and properly award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

In this session, we’ll cover:

  • Upfront scope development, budget estimation, scheduling, board authorization, and strategies to prevent unlawful bid-splitting.
  • Essential bid package components, including prevailing wage language, DIR registration, mandatory subcontractor listings, performance/payment bonds, and insurance.
  • Best practices for managing the active solicitation period, including job walks, RFIs, addenda, product substitutions, and building a defensible procurement record.
  • How to evaluate bids, distinguish responsiveness from responsibility, navigate waivable vs. material irregularities, handle protests, and execute awards—even when only one bid is received, or all bids exceed the budget.

About the Strengthening Public Works Series

Protect your district from costly legal traps, bid protests, and uncertified facilities. Strengthening Public Works is a targeted four-part training series designed specifically for California procurement and facilities professionals. From navigating complex statutory classifications and mandatory DSA oversight to executing bulletproof solicitations and managing post-award change orders, this series provides the practical frameworks you need to keep capital projects fully compliant, on schedule, and under budget.

What You Will Master Across 4 Expert Sessions:

  • Part 1 | Public Works Fundamentals: Classification & Statutory Rules (September 15 | 2:00-3:30PM) | Master classification rules, gray-area procurements, Labor/Public Contract Codes, and CUPCCAA thresholds to select the right bidding pathway every time.
  • Part 2 | Public Works Construction: DSA Oversight & Compliance (September 29 | 2:00-3:30PM) | Learn directly from DSA representatives how to navigate DSA oversight, manage post-approval project changes, and secure final certification without costly delays or compliance traps.
  • Part 3 | Public Works Solicitations: Scope, Bidding & Award (October 13 | 2:00-3:30PM) | Draft ironclad bid packages, execute defensible job walks, handle bid irregularities, and navigate bid protests with complete confidence.
  • Part 4 | Public Works Administration: Change Orders, Risk & Closeout (October 27 | 2:00-3:30PM) | Enforce DIR prevailing wage compliance, manage high-risk change orders without expanding scope, and execute seamless project closeouts that safeguard district funds.