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: Rose Edouarzin, CPA
Game: Who Won this Project?
Quick Win? MTW Wants to Feature Your Company!
In Your Corner: Professional Services for Contractors
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)
• This week’s Large Public Projects (spreadsheet)
One Question: Rose Edouarzin, CPA
MTW: What’s the biggest financial mistake contractors make when they start doing public work?
Rose: The biggest financial mistake contractors make when entering public work is underestimating the cash flow gap. Many bid using private-sector labor rates, then face higher prevailing wages that cut into their margins. Payments can also be delayed 60–90 days if certified payroll has errors, which puts pressure on cash. On top of that, bonding, insurance, and compliance costs add overhead. It’s not just about profit—it’s having enough working capital to pay your crew before the check comes in.
Rose Edouarzin, CPA
sbamycpa.com
[email protected]
Who Won this Project?: McMackin Field Improvements in Revere, MA, $1,206,070
The City of Revere is upgrading McMackin Field with new prefabricated buildings as part of a multi-phase improvement project. These upgrades will support sports programs and provide better facilities for athletes and community use. The project is part of a broader effort to modernize the field and surrounding amenities. Read more here.
Dept of Recreation, City of Revere MA
Who won this project?
Quick Win: 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. And for Pete’s sake, send us a real job site photo. I’ll feature one business next week with a link to your website.
Click here to submit your information.
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.