How to Find Construction Jobs to Bid On (+ 6 Free Sources)

Navigating the construction bidding process is crucial for construction companies that want to consistently secure new projects and attract more clients. Success in this area requires more than submitting proposals—it demands a strategic approach to finding the right opportunities. However, how to find construction jobs to bid on depends on your unique goals and resources.

In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to discover construction jobs to bid on, from specialized bidding websites and government portals to valuable networking methods and free resources that can help reduce costs. 

Whether you’re aiming to expand your reach or streamline your bidding process, these strategies and sources will set you on a path toward winning more contracts and growing your business. 

How to Find Construction Jobs to Bid On

Navigating the construction bidding process is essential for contractors aiming to secure new projects. This process involves researching opportunities, preparing competitive proposals, and submitting bids for evaluation. 

While the steps can vary depending on project type and industry requirements, understanding the core aspects—such as project scope, cost estimates, and proposal deadlines—can significantly impact your success rate. 

Therefore, building a solid strategy for finding and bidding on construction jobs is key to winning contracts and growing your business. Here are some ways to help you get started and on your way to finding construction jobs to bid on: 

1. Construction Bidding Websites

Construction bidding websites are invaluable tools for quickly finding projects that align with your company’s expertise, preferred project types, and specific regions. These platforms offer advanced filtering options—allowing you to search by project type, location, budget, deadlines, and other criteria—making it easier to find ideal projects without sifting through irrelevant listings. 

By setting up a free or paid account, you can customize searches and receive notifications for projects tailored to your specific industry and region. For example, websites like Dodge Construction Central and BidClerk allow users to filter searches by project type, location, and timeline, streamlining the search process.

To maximize efficiency, save your preferred bidding sites, check them regularly, and set up alerts for new postings. Most sites enable you to personalize these notifications to ensure they align with your company’s capabilities and goals. 

Moreover, using a bidding website not only saves time but also helps you organize bid submissions through built-in bid management tools that prevent scheduling conflicts and streamline documentation.

Many bidding sites also provide tools to log completed projects and store contacts, enabling you to maintain a database that grows alongside your business. 

2. Online Searches and Job Boards 

Using online searches and general job boards is a practical way to uncover construction job opportunities in your specific area. A quick local search on Google, such as “Chicago contractor jobs to bid on,” can give you results from local government sites like Chicago.gov and regional portals like the Public Building Commission of Chicago, which frequently post available projects. 

These sources provide insights into public works projects and other construction opportunities within the city, often with direct links to bid submission guidelines. 

Moreover, though general job boards and directories may not exclusively serve as bidding platforms, they remain invaluable for gathering leads. For instance, platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor occasionally post construction project opportunities, particularly for roles requiring subcontractor services. 

Furthermore, construction-specific job boards such as ConstructConnect and ConstructionJobs.com include sections on project bidding and open contract opportunities. By broadening your search to include these sources, you can discover a variety of potential jobs that align with your business capabilities.

In addition to these resources, keeping an eye on commercial real estate or development companies in your area is beneficial. Many firms post project information on their websites or share updates on social media, giving you insight into upcoming developments and possible subcontracting needs. 

Consider following major developers, engineering firms, or architectural firms in your region to stay informed about projects still in the planning stages, which may eventually need contractors for bids.

To ensure you don’t miss out on new opportunities, bookmark relevant sites and set up alerts through Google or job boards for keywords related to construction bids in your area. Regularly checking these platforms can help you stay ahead in identifying new construction projects before they reach competitive bidding stages, allowing you more time to prepare.

3. Government Websites 

Government websites are a reliable resource for construction bidding opportunities, as many local, state, and federal projects require public bidding. State and federal governments typically offer free access to project listings, enabling construction companies to browse and bid on upcoming jobs. 

Each state usually has a dedicated site or portal where contractors can view project information, procurement notices, and requests for proposals (RFPs). For example, as we mentioned before, Chicago.gov posts numerous new bidding opportunities, making it easy for contractors to stay updated on available work in their area. 

Creating an account on these government platforms is often straightforward and free, giving you access to project details, deadlines, budget estimates, and bid submission guidelines. 

Moreover, many regional and city websites also maintain dedicated procurement sections, allowing companies to filter projects by type and location. These platforms are particularly useful for finding large-scale civil projects, infrastructure developments, public buildings, and other publicly funded construction jobs.

In addition to state-level portals, federal websites like the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and SAM.gov provide a centralized hub for national projects and contracts. 

These sites list federal construction projects and allow contractors to set up alerts for specific types of work, ensuring you don’t miss relevant opportunities. 

Lastly, for those looking to expand across state lines, checking neighboring states’ government websites can open up further opportunities, especially as many states allow contractors from other regions to bid on their projects. 

Leveraging these government resources ensures access to a steady flow of jobs and allows companies to participate in projects that help grow their business. 

4. Networking 

Networking is a powerful way to uncover construction job opportunities and build lasting business relationships. In fact, 70% of the time, networking presents new opportunities for business owners. 

Connecting with residential or commercial real estate professionals, property managers, and other industry insiders can lead to projects that require skilled general contractors. 

For example, you can stop by local construction sites and introduce yourself to project managers or contractors to open doors to immediate or future opportunities. Even if a project is already staffed, expressing interest in future collaborations keeps you top of mind.

Moreover, attending city planning and zoning meetings or other public meetings is excellent for learning about new developments early in the process. Staying aware of planned projects allows you to proactively position yourself to bid when they go live. 

Last but not least, word of mouth also plays a huge role in construction job leads. When you build strong relationships through networking, your contacts may refer you to others in the industry, creating a chain of potential projects and partners. 

A combination of all of these networking tactics can help you uncover more bidding opportunities and strengthen your presence in the industry. 

Local Business Networking Events 

Attending local business networking events can be an effective way to find construction jobs to bid on within your community. These gatherings connect you with local business owners, property managers, and developers who may need contractors for future projects. 

Establishing relationships and building a strong local presence positions your business as a trusted resource for local construction needs—helping you stay top of mind when new projects arise. 

Trade Shows and Conventions 

Attending industry trade shows, conventions, and conferences can help you find new construction job opportunities. In fact, 5% to 20% of new customers come from trade shows. 

These events bring together contractors, architects, engineers, and developers, offering a unique chance to connect with key players and learn about upcoming projects.

Trade shows also allow companies to showcase their latest products, services, and innovations, giving attendees insights into current industry trends and new technologies. 

Participating in these events means you not only broaden your network but also position your business as a knowledgeable and active member of the construction community—making it more likely you’ll be considered for future projects. 

5. Cold Calling and Outreach 

93% of converted leads are often reached only by the 6th cold call attempt, underscoring the importance of persistence. Reaching out directly to developers shows your initiative and also sets your business apart by demonstrating eagerness and a solutions-oriented approach. 

A well-structured script can help you stay professional and focused during these calls. A good cold-calling script for a construction company should include:

• A clear, engaging introduction that quickly introduces your company.
• Open-ended questions to understand the prospect’s needs.
• A compelling value proposition that highlights how your services solve their challenges.
• A strong call to action directing the prospect to the next step, whether it’s scheduling a meeting or sending additional information. 

To maximize the impact, tailor your script to each prospect’s situation and practice active listening to adapt in real time. Maintaining a tone of confidence and empathy can help you build rapport quickly, making it more likely the prospect will be open to future conversations. 

6. Maintain Strong Relationships With Current and Former Clients 

Building strong relationships with current and former clients can be one of the most effective ways to secure new construction job opportunities. 

In fact, 84% of B2B decision-makers consider strong customer relationships essential for achieving their business goals, with a direct impact on lead generation. This emphasizes the importance of building interpersonal connections in the B2B sector and underscores the need for businesses to prioritize strategies that foster lasting relationships. 

Staying connected with past clients and informing them of your availability for additional projects often leads to repeat business, as many companies prefer to work with contractors they know and trust. 

Nurturing these connections allows you to position your business as a go-to choice for future projects or RFPs.  

Make sure you’re making an effort to keep in touch with project managers, contractors, and other decision-makers you’ve worked with. A simple follow-up email or occasional check-in call can go a long way in maintaining rapport and reminding them of the quality and reliability of your work. 

Beyond just completing projects, demonstrating an interest in their ongoing needs and upcoming goals can help you stay top-of-mind when new work arises. 

Additionally, client referrals are also invaluable. Satisfied clients are more likely to refer you to colleagues or other companies seeking reliable contractors, further expanding your network and potential for new projects. 

This combination of staying connected, following up, and encouraging referrals transforms your client base into an active network that can open doors to valuable construction bidding opportunities. 

7. Build Relationships With Subcontractors 

Just like it’s important to build strong relationships with current and former clients, the same is true when it comes to subcontractors. 

Subcontractors are essential to project execution, often providing both labor and working capital that allows GCs to complete projects on time and within budget. For this reason, cultivating a reliable network of subcontractors can often be a deciding factor in winning bids, as it allows GCs to promise quality work and competitive pricing backed by trusted, skilled teams.

Successful GCs recognize that maintaining a robust network of subcontractors is vital for ongoing success. Open communication, fair treatment, and prompt conflict resolution are key practices that contribute to smooth working relationships. 

A strong network of subcontractors also enables GCs to bid on a wider variety of projects, as they have the flexibility to scale their workforce and diversify their skill sets as needed. 

For example, a well-established relationship with electrical, plumbing, and structural subcontractors means a GC can take on projects with specialized requirements, knowing they have reliable teams in place to handle the work. 

Furthermore, subcontractors who feel valued may be more likely to inform GCs about upcoming projects they’re aware of, creating additional lead sources and helping GCs stay ahead of the competition.

GCs who invest time in their relationships with subcontractors and treat subcontractors as partners rather than just labor providers position themselves for long-term success, expanding both their reputation and opportunities within the construction industry. 

8. Social Media: LinkedIn and Facebook Groups 

Using social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook as part of your construction job search strategy can complement traditional methods, expanding your access to new opportunities and creating lasting connections in the industry. In fact, 57% of job seekers use social media to look for jobs. 

While LinkedIn is commonly used for professional networking and job searches, Facebook groups also offer niche communities where you can discover new opportunities. 

Both platforms are effective for building relationships that can eventually lead to project bids. Engaging in group discussions, sharing valuable insights, and being responsive in messages can strengthen your presence within these online communities. 

Let’s take a look at how you can use each platform to your advantage: 

LinkedIn 

For example, on LinkedIn, you can log into your account and use the search function to find relevant RFPs. Enter search terms like “RFP + [your industry]” or “construction bids,” then filter by “Posts” and select the “Latest” option to view current leads. 

This technique allows you to find posts about open projects, upcoming RFPs, and job requests shared by decision-makers in your industry. 

Beyond searching for RFPs, LinkedIn is a great platform for direct outreach to project managers and developers. 

You can send a personalized message introducing your business and asking for a short meeting to discuss upcoming projects, especially those aligned with your expertise. This may not only build awareness of your company but may also lead to direct invitations to bid on projects. 

Facebook 

Facebook Groups provide another powerful avenue for networking and finding construction jobs to bid on. Many communities are specifically designed for local contractors, construction companies, and industry professionals to share leads, discuss projects, and seek partnerships. 

On Facebook, search for groups in your area, such as “[City] Construction Jobs,” “General Contractors [City/Region],” or “Commercial Construction Opportunities.” These groups are often filled with posts from local businesses or developers looking for reliable contractors, and you can even set up notifications to be alerted whenever a new post is shared. 

Additionally, some groups allow members to request referrals or post their services, giving you a chance to showcase your capabilities to a relevant audience. 

9. Trade Associations 

Trade associations help you stay connected within your local and national construction community, giving you access to industry events, job boards, and resources that might not be available elsewhere. 

Joining trade associations related to the construction industry, such as the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) or similar organizations, can open doors to new job opportunities, bidding information, and invaluable industry insights. 

These types of associations often host networking events, workshops, and conferences, where you can connect with fellow contractors, suppliers, and project owners. By building these connections, you’re more likely to learn about upcoming projects and potential bids simply by networking with industry peers. 

Moreover, your local chapter can be particularly beneficial, as it helps you integrate into the regional construction network. Regular participation in local events allows you to meet people who may later become clients or partners. 

Learning from leading contractors and sharing your expertise can help you contribute to a professional circle that often results in referrals and collaborative opportunities. 

While trade associations aren’t a substitute for traditional bidding platforms, they offer unique advantages that can support your long-term growth, providing not only job leads but also resources to enhance your business operations. 

10. Direct Outreach to Developers 

Proactively researching the developers in your area and reaching out directly can help you establish relationships with decision-makers and position your business as a valuable partner for upcoming projects. 

Many developers may not advertise all bidding opportunities, especially for smaller projects, so reaching out personally gives you an edge in accessing these unpublicized jobs. 

To make the most of direct outreach, start by identifying developers with projects that align with your expertise. Once you’ve compiled a list, contact them through email, LinkedIn, or phone. Targeting customers through email on a 1:1 level increases response rates by up to 50% or more. 

When contacting developers, regardless of how you reach out, be sure to introduce your company, highlight your experience, and express interest in collaborating on future projects. 

When possible, request a short meeting to discuss their upcoming needs and explain how your services can fulfill their project requirements. This personal approach demonstrates your commitment and initiative, setting you apart from competitors who rely solely on advertised opportunities.

Crafting a tailored message for each developer is key. Your outreach should include a concise but impactful introduction, a brief overview of your relevant projects, and a clear call to action, such as scheduling a meeting or sending over additional information. Emphasize any unique skills or past successes that align with the developer’s type of work, whether it’s commercial, residential, or specialty projects.

Additionally, following up is essential. Developers may not respond immediately, so a polite follow-up email or call a few weeks later can keep the conversation open. This will help you create a foundation for potential partnerships and keep your business top-of-mind for future bids. 

11. Regional Plan Rooms 

Regional plan rooms are valuable resources for contractors looking to find construction projects to bid on within specific areas. Plan rooms serve as centralized hubs where construction professionals can access and review project plans, specifications, and bid opportunities for public and private projects. 

Local plan rooms often have partnerships with regional associations like the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange (SRBX) or the Idaho AGC, which provide extensive databases of bidding opportunities, daily project updates, and tracking tools to keep contractors informed and organized.

For example, the SRBX plan room offers access to thousands of local and statewide bidding opportunities along with features like daily notifications and integrated takeoff and estimating software. 

Similarly, Idaho AGC’s Northwest Online Plan Room serves multiple states in the region, allowing unlimited downloads of bid documents and providing instant notifications to ensure contractors never miss relevant bids. 

Many plan rooms allow users to create personalized accounts, where they can save projects of interest, organize documents, and receive real-time updates on changes to projects. For contractors expanding into new regions, these rooms are particularly valuable for finding local jobs and networking with regional project owners and contractors. 

12. Build Relationships With Architecture Firms 

Collaborating with architecture firms can be a strategic way to find new construction job opportunities. Architects are often deeply involved in the planning stages of projects and play a key role in selecting contractors and recommending companies for specific construction needs. 

Building relationships with architecture firms may position your business to be considered for projects even before they reach the formal bidding stage. 

To initiate these connections, consider reaching out to local architecture firms and introducing your services. Offering to discuss past successful projects and showing interest in their current and future developments can demonstrate your commitment and reliability. Networking events, design expos, and industry conferences are also excellent places to meet architects and establish rapport.

Additionally, architects appreciate contractors who bring technical knowledge and a proactive problem-solving approach to the table. Being a resource for architectural firms by sharing insights on materials, construction methods, or cost-saving techniques can strengthen your relationship, making it more likely that they’ll recommend you to clients.

By consistently engaging with architecture firms, you can create a steady flow of potential job leads and secure invitations to bid on projects directly influenced by these firms. 

How to Bid on Construction Jobs for Free

To bid on construction jobs for free, try one of the following sources: 

1. Government Websites: Federal, state, and local government sites like SAM.gov and state portals provide free access to project listings and RFPs, often allowing you to create accounts for personalized notifications.
2. Construction Bidding Websites with Free Options: Many bidding websites like Bidnet Direct offer limited, free access to member agencies’ bids and real-time bid alerts. 
3. Online Searches and Job Boards: Platforms such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn may list free opportunities related to subcontracting and smaller project roles in construction. 
4. Regional Plan Rooms (Some with Free Access): Local plan rooms associated with construction associations like the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange or Idaho AGC Northwest Online Plan Room often provide access to free project information for their members or for a limited time. 
5. Social Media: Many niche groups on LinkedIn and Facebook offer free access to job leads, RFPs, and project postings specifically for construction professionals.
6. Networking and Local Business Events: Although not always “free” in terms of time, attending community networking events often involves minimal or no cost and can lead to job referrals. 

Next Step: Win More Construction Bids With OpenAsset

So, now you have the tools to start looking for construction jobs to bid on. What’s next? Winning those bids. 

Three-quarters of proposal teams that have fully integrated technology consistently complete their bids within the deadline. But, what technology are these teams implementing? Streamlined Digital Asset Management (DAM) tailored to the AEC industry, like OpenAsset, can make all the difference for construction companies aiming to win more contracts. 

OpenAsset supports construction companies by centralizing project documents, photos, RFP resumes, and more. This allows teams to quickly locate and leverage relevant assets when preparing bids. 

With OpenAsset’s top features, construction companies can efficiently showcase past projects, demonstrate industry expertise, and produce professional construction proposals that help them stand out in competitive bidding processes.

Ready to set your team up for successful bids? 

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