What is the competitive bidding threshold for public works in Arkansas?

More than $35,000 under Ark. Code §22-9-203 (raised from $20,000 by Act 725 of 2017).

Does Arkansas require prevailing wages on public works?

No. Arkansas repealed its state prevailing-wage law in 2017; federal Davis-Bacon applies only to federally funded work.

Does Arkansas require multiple-prime contracts?

No. Arkansas has no statewide multiple-prime mandate, unlike New York (Wicks Law) or Pennsylvania (Separations Act).

All states

Arkansas

Arkansas public works bidding requirements

Jurisdiction: State of Arkansas

View change history

Summary of record

Verified Jul 8, 2026

Competitive bidding threshold (public work): More than $35,000
Governing statute: Ark. Code §22-9-203
Award standard: Lowest responsible bidder
Multiple-prime required?: No statewide mandate
Prevailing wage: Repealed (2017)
Addenda distribution: To registered bidders

Compare Arkansas with every state

Competitive bidding threshold

Public construction contracts over $35,000 must be competitively bid under Ark. Code §22-9-203.¹ Act 725 of 2017 raised the threshold from $20,000 to $35,000.

Award standard

Contracts go to the lowest responsible bidder.¹

Multiple-prime contracts

Arkansas has no statewide multiple-prime mandate. Unlike New York's Wicks Law or Pennsylvania's Separations Act, a single general contract is permitted.

Prevailing wage

Arkansas repealed its state prevailing-wage law in 2017 (Act 1068), effective April 6, 2017.² Federal Davis-Bacon rates apply only to federally funded work.

Document distribution & addenda

Arkansas DOT issues addenda to registered eligible bidders, who must acknowledge every addendum by email or fax; the standard specification does not state a formal to-all-plan-holders distribution rule.³

Record of change

2017 Law

In 2017 Arkansas repealed its prevailing-wage law (Act 1068) and raised its competitive-bid threshold to $35,000 (Act 725, from $20,000).

Verified
Jul 8, 2026

Added document-distribution source: Standard Specifications §102 — addenda issued to eligible bidders, acknowledgment required.
Verified
Jul 7, 2026

Page created and verified against Ark. Code §22-9-203 and the 2017 prevailing-wage repeal.
Law
Apr 6, 2017

State prevailing-wage law repealed (Act 1068); Act 725 raised the bid threshold to $35,000.

Sources

1. Arkansas Legislature — Ark. Code §22-9-203 (competitive bidding of public works). law.justia.com
2. Associated Builders & Contractors — Arkansas repeals state prevailing wage law (2017). abc.org
3. Arkansas DOT (ARDOT) — Standard Specifications §102 — addenda issued to eligible bidders, acknowledgment required. www.ardot.gov

Frequently asked

What is the competitive bidding threshold for public works in Arkansas?: More than $35,000 under Ark. Code §22-9-203 (raised from $20,000 by Act 725 of 2017).
Does Arkansas require prevailing wages on public works?: No. Arkansas repealed its state prevailing-wage law in 2017; federal Davis-Bacon applies only to federally funded work.
Does Arkansas require multiple-prime contracts?: No. Arkansas has no statewide multiple-prime mandate, unlike New York (Wicks Law) or Pennsylvania (Separations Act).

Brought to you by Biddy™, the platform of record for public works bid package management.

For agencies & A&E firms

Managing a Arkansas public works bid?

Arkansas issues addenda to registered bidders, who must acknowledge each one. Biddy handles distribution, planholder tracking, and every addendum on the record. Free for agencies and A&E firms.

See how Biddy works

For contractors

Bidding on public work in Arkansas?

Browse open Arkansas public works bids, join planholder lists, and get every addendum the moment it's posted so you never bid on stale plans.

Browse open bids

Not legal advice. This page summarizes public law from primary sources for reference. Thresholds can change; always confirm the current requirement with the governing agency before relying on it for a specific procurement.