How to find and bid Caltrans construction contracts

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) advertises highway construction through its Contracting Opportunities Portal (CCOP). Each listing shows a contract number that starts with the Caltrans district, the county, a short description, the CSLB license classes required (for example "License A, C-8, C-12") and the bid date.

1. Hold the right CSLB license

Most Caltrans highway work calls for a Class A general engineering license, often alongside specialty classes such as C-8 (concrete), C-12 (earthwork and paving) or C-31 (construction zone traffic control). Read the license line on each advertisement and see our CSLB licensing guide.

2. Register for public works

The Department of Industrial Relations requires every contractor and subcontractor on a public works project to hold a current Public Works Contractor Registration before bidding or working. It covers construction over $25,000 and maintenance over $15,000. Registration can be bought for one, two or three years.

3. Watch the portal

Our bids page reads CCOP every day and shows each advertised project with its bid date and county. On Oct. 31, 2026 it listed 89 open Caltrans projects, with bid dates from Nov. 2 to Dec. 17, 2026.

4. Protect your payment

On public works over $25,000 the direct contractor must post a payment bond before work starts (Civil Code § 9550). Subcontractors and suppliers should send preliminary notice; see California lien and stop payment notice deadlines.

Summary for general information, reviewed 2026-10-30. Not legal advice; check the source before relying on a deadline or threshold.