In this week’s Mass Trades Weekly:
MTW Wants to Feature Your Company!
Small Public Jobs you can Bid this Week that Don’t Require DCAMM
Large Projects Getting Started + Contractor Outreach Guide
One Question: Danielle LaForce, Construction Consultant
Who Won this Project? Westfield Skate Park
In Your Corner: Professional Services for Contractors
I’m cheering for you. Now go out and crush it.
~Christie
MTW Wants to Feature Your Company!
Has MTW led to a connection, conversation, quote, or job? Or let us know how you use MTW each week, and why you look forward to it. I’ll feature one business next week with a link to your website.
Click here to submit your information.
A Few Notes on Small Public Projects:
Consult the bid documents: Always check the official project documents for full details including scope, requirements, and deadlines.
Bonding: Public projects in Massachusetts frequently require bonding. If you don’t already have it in place, consider reaching out to a surety broker to line it up prior to bidding on a project.
Prevailing wage: Assume prevailing wage for public work at all price points.
• Email template (printable). Use this when the listing directs you to email a town contact for access to plans and specs.
• This week’s Small Public Job Listings (spreadsheet)
Why should small contractors care about large public projects? Large projects
show who the active primes worth knowing are. You’re not here for the
contract, you’re here for the contacts.
• Read this first - Contractor Outreach Guide (printable)
• This week’s Large Public Projects (spreadsheet)
One Question: Danielle LaForce, Construction Consultant
MTW: At what point in the process should a contractor bring in help like yours to avoid costly mistakes?
Ms LaForce: Honestly a contractor should bring in support as early as possible—ideally before pursuing a bid—so prequalification requirements, certifications, and eligibility are all properly aligned from the start. Early involvement ensures nothing is missed in the bid documents, from scope coverage to compliance details that can lead to disqualification. During the active bid phase, having guidance helps manage deadlines, coordinate submissions, and avoid last-minute errors. Ultimately, engaging help upfront reduces risk, improves efficiency, and positions the contractor to submit a stronger, fully compliant bid. Sometimes a missed deadline, one piece of paper or not holding the right certification can lose the bid, which is much worse than to high a number.
Danielle Laforce
[email protected]
Who Won this Project: Construction of the Skate Park in Westfield, MA, $892,950
Westfield is moving forward with a new public skate park project designed for skateboards, scooters, BMX bikes, and other wheel sports. The project will create a modern recreational space for local families and youth at Amelia Park and replaces the city’s aging skate facility.
Who won this project?
In Your Corner: Professional Services for Contractors
I’m building a small group of local professionals who help contractors navigate commercial, residential, and public work at every stage. I’ve spoken directly with the people listed here and feel comfortable pointing you toward them.
Click here for the MTW Directory.