In this week’s Mass Trades Weekly:
Small public jobs you can bid this week that don’t require DCAMM
Large project tracker + Contractor Outreach Guide
One Question: Job Costing Expert Patrick Kimera
Game: Who Won this Project?
In Your Corner: Professional Services for Contractors
Announcements:
I would be grateful if you can share an issue of MTW with a friend or colleague!
MTW is seeking recommendations for surety brokers and estimators you know, like, and personally trust
I’m cheering for you. Now go out and crush it.
~Christie
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)
• Posted April 1, 2026 - Large Public Projects (spreadsheet)
One Question: Job Costing Expert Patrick Kimera
MTW: How can a contractor tell if they are actually making money on a job?
Patrick: To determine if a job is truly profitable, a contractor needs to compare total revenue to the full cost of performing the work—not just direct costs. That means including overhead, such as insurance, rent, and administrative expenses, and allocating a portion of those costs to each job. Without this step, it’s easy to think you’re making money when you’re only covering labor and materials. A job is only profitable when total revenue exceeds both direct costs and allocated overhead. Many contractors overlook this, which is where profits quietly leak. If your books aren’t set up to track this, it’s very difficult to measure accurately.
KPI Solutions Inc, Chelmsford MA
Who Won this Project?: Durant Park Splash Pad in Pittsfield, $195K
Pittsfield has awarded construction of a new splash pad at Durant Park, expanding the city’s existing splash pad network at Clapp Park and the Common. The project will add a new recreational feature within walking distance for West Side residents. Read more here.
iBerkshires.com
Who won this project?
Local Services for Contractors
I’m building a small group of local professionals who help contractors navigate public work at every stage.
I’ve spoken directly with the people listed here and feel comfortable pointing you toward them.
Job Costing & Cash Flow
Know if your jobs are actually making money.
Patrick Kimera
KPI Solutions Inc.
Phone: 978-935-3669
Email: [email protected]
Website: kpiacc.com
Surety & Contractor Insurance
Get approved for bonds so you can bid public work.
Pete Covill
HCC Insurance Agency (New Bedford)
Phone: 508-997-3321
Email: [email protected]
Website: hccinsuranceagency.com
Professionals are listed alphabetically within categories.
If you connect with anyone listed here, feel free to share how it goes. I’m always looking to make sure I continue to point people in the right direction.