A Responsible Contractor Policy is a set of enforceable qualifications adopted by an owner or governing entity and incorporated into construction bid specifications by a project’s manager and design professionals. Once adopted and generated into the bid documents, these important qualifications let the entire community know that the owner or governing entity wants competent and qualified construction firms and personnel to build and renovate its facilities and infrastructure.

Having a Responsible Contractor Policy in place and included in the bid specifications enables the an owner or governing entity to put all bidders on notice that quality criteria – in addition to the lowest price – will be considered when bids are reviewed to ensure the selection of qualified construction professionals in the building and renovating of facilities and infrastructure.

A Responsible Contractor Policy promotes the essential qualifications contractors and their employees must have before they are awarded a contract. If they do not have the qualifications, they would not be allowed to work on any public.

Responsible Contractor criteria can include:

• Proper Experience
• Drug- & Alcohol-Free Workplace
• Apprenticeship Training
• Safety Training
• References
• Financial Condition
• Compliance with Regulatory Agencies
• Proper Licensing
• Proper Insurance
• Accident and Illness Rates
• Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act
• Quality of Life Issues