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: Insurance broker Pete Covill on a mistake that blocks subcontractor approvals
MTW is seeking interviews
Quick announcement:
Starting this week, this newsletter will shift to Friday mornings so you have more time to act on projects. Some of the smaller jobs in this week’s edition have very tight deadlines, and I want to get them in front of you sooner moving forward. Thank you for your flexibility!
I’m cheering for you. Now go out and crush it.
~Christie
Notes on small public projects:
• Public projects over $25K 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.
• Assume prevailing wage for public work at all price points.
Click here → Small Public Job Listings (printable)
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 Mar 18, 2026 - Project Tracker (spreadsheet)
One Question: Insurance Broker Pete Covill
MTW: What is one insurance mistake that prevents small contractors from getting approved by a GC on larger projects?
Pete: One of the biggest insurance mistakes that prevents small contractors from being approved by a GC on larger projects is submitting inaccurate or incomplete Certificates of Insurance. If the certificate doesn’t properly reflect required limits, Additional Insured status, Waiver of Subrogation, or completed operations coverage, it raises red flags immediately. Even small discrepancies can delay approval or cost you the job entirely.
Pete Covill, CIC, Agency Principal
HCC Insurance Agency, New Bedford, MA
Mass Trades Weekly is seeking interviews
Do you know someone who is:
• a general contractor who regularly hires subcontractors?
• an estimator working in public construction?
• a bid manager who works in public construction?
• a surety broker who helps small contractors get bonded?
• an architect who regularly works with local GCs?
I’m lining up short interviews for upcoming issues of Mass Trades Weekly to share practical insight with small, local crews across Massachusetts.
Interviews are simple and can be handled entirely by email or DM.
If you’re interested, reply with:
• your full name
• job title and company
• a job-site photo or headshot
• a link to your website or pre-qual form
Your name, role, and company will be included in the feature, along with a link to your website or pre-qualification form if you'd like.