Bid our work. Build your firm.
Prequalify once and our project teams can invite you to bid across all 22 markets. We look for safe, organized trade partners of every size, and we help emerging firms grow.
Good habits matter more than size.
- Q1
A real safety program
Written procedures, trained foremen, toolbox talks and a record you can walk us through. We read the program, not just the cover page.
- Q2
Staffing that matches the bid
Crews and supervision sized to the scope and the schedule, with a plan for manpower when the critical path gets tight.
- Q3
Clean paperwork
Submittals on time, RFIs that ask a clear question, pay applications that match the schedule of values.
- Q4
Financial footing
Insurance that meets project requirements and, where the scope calls for it, the ability to bond. Emerging firms can get help getting there.
- Q5
Quality through closeout
Installed right the first time, punch lists closed quickly and as-builts, O&M manuals and warranties turned in complete.
How prequalification works.
Four steps from first contact to your first invitation to bid. A person on our team reviews every submission.
Send the interest form below with your trades, regions and the size of work you typically perform. It takes about ten minutes.
We follow up with a prequalification packet: safety program, insurance certificates, financial information and references.
Our team reviews the packet and calls you with questions. If something is missing, we tell you what and why.
Once approved, your firm is visible to MarkWester estimators and project teams, who invite you to bid on scopes that fit.
What partners can expect from us.
The same commitments on every project, in every market, whatever the size of your firm.
- Payment
- Clear terms, agreed at awardPayment terms, retainage and the pay application schedule are set in the subcontract at award. Approved pay applications are processed on that schedule, every month.
- Safety
- One standard on every siteSite-specific safety plans, daily pre-task planning and stop-work authority for every worker on the job, including yours.
- Communication
- Straight answers, earlyLook-ahead schedules shared weekly, RFIs tracked to closure and a named MarkWester contact who returns calls.
- Growth
- Mentoring for emerging firmsThrough the Rising Trade Partners program, emerging firms get help with estimating, bonding readiness, safety programs and back-office systems.
Rising Trade Partners.
Our mentoring program for emerging, small and disadvantaged firms. We pair each firm with a MarkWester mentor and work through the things that hold growing contractors back.
- Estimating and bid-day support from our preconstruction team
- Safety program reviews and site orientation
- Guidance on bonding, insurance and pay applications
- A path to larger scopes as your capacity grows
Start your prequalification.
Tell us who you are and what you build. We will reply with the full prequalification packet and the name of the person reviewing it.
Prefer to talk first? Email the partner team directly.
partners@markwester.comSubcontractor questions.
How long does prequalification take?
It depends mostly on how quickly the packet comes back complete. We review submissions as they arrive and call you if anything is missing.
Do I need to be bondable?
Not for every scope. Bonding requirements are set project by project and stated in the bid documents. If bonding is a hurdle, Rising Trade Partners can help you prepare.
When and how will I be paid?
Payment terms are written into your subcontract at award, including retainage and the pay application schedule. You will know the terms before you sign.
Does prequalification guarantee work?
No. It makes your firm eligible to be invited to bid. Awards are based on scope, price, schedule, safety and the fit for each project.
Can I update my information later?
Yes. Email partners@markwester.com when your capacity, trades, insurance or contacts change and we will update your profile.
Your crews. Our next project.
Send the interest form or email the partner team. A person will read it and reply with next steps.