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

More than $100,000 for municipalities, under Local Government Code §252.021. Construction over $100,000 must use a Government Code Chapter 2269 delivery method.

Does Texas require multiple-prime contracts?

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

Does Texas require prevailing wages on public works?

Yes, on every public work contract — Government Code Chapter 2258 has no dollar threshold.

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Texas

Texas public works bidding requirements

Jurisdiction: State of Texas

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Summary of record

Verified Jul 8, 2026

Competitive bidding threshold (public work): More than $100,000 (municipalities)
Governing statute: Local Government Code §252.021
Award standard: Lowest responsible bidder / best value
Multiple-prime required?: No statewide mandate
Prevailing wage: Government Code Ch. 2258
Addenda distribution: To all bidders (acknowledged)

Compare Texas with every state

Competitive bidding threshold

Municipal contracts over $100,000 require competitive procurement, under Local Government Code §252.021.¹ Construction contracts over $100,000 must use one of the delivery methods in Government Code Chapter 2269 — competitive bidding, competitive sealed proposals, construction manager-at-risk, design-build, or job order contracting.²

Award standard

Contracts go to the lowest responsible bidder, or on a best-value basis under an alternative delivery method.²

Multiple-prime contracts

Texas 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

Prevailing wage is owed on every public work contract under Government Code Chapter 2258 — there is no dollar threshold.³ The governing body of the public body sets the applicable rate.

Document distribution & addenda

Texas DOT Item 2 makes only Department-issued addenda binding and requires every bidder to acknowledge all addenda in the Department's electronic bidding system.⁴

Record of change

Texas owes prevailing wage on all public work — Chapter 2258 has no dollar floor. For construction over $100,000, a municipality must use one of the Chapter 2269 delivery methods, of which competitive bidding is one.

Verified
Jul 8, 2026

Added document-distribution source: 2024 Standard Specifications, Item 2 (Instructions to Bidders), Arts. 2.5–2.7, 8.1, 9.1.
Verified
Jul 7, 2026

Page created and verified against Local Government Code §252.021 and Government Code Chapters 2258 and 2269.

Sources

1. Texas Statutes — Local Government Code Chapter 252 (municipal purchasing). statutes.capitol.texas.gov
2. Texas Statutes — Government Code Chapter 2269 (construction delivery). statutes.capitol.texas.gov
3. Texas Statutes — Government Code Chapter 2258 (prevailing wage). statutes.capitol.texas.gov
4. Texas DOT (TxDOT) — 2024 Standard Specifications, Item 2 (Instructions to Bidders), Arts. 2.5–2.7, 8.1, 9.1. www.txdot.gov

Frequently asked

What is the competitive bidding threshold for public works in Texas?: More than $100,000 for municipalities, under Local Government Code §252.021. Construction over $100,000 must use a Government Code Chapter 2269 delivery method.
Does Texas require multiple-prime contracts?: No. Texas has no statewide multiple-prime mandate, unlike New York (Wicks Law) or Pennsylvania (Separations Act).
Does Texas require prevailing wages on public works?: Yes, on every public work contract — Government Code Chapter 2258 has no dollar threshold.

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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.