As you may recall, the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) requires contractors wishing to bid on public works contracts to register with the DIR on an annual basis. The registration period begins and ends on the DIR’s fiscal year end (July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017). On June 7, 2016, the DIR opened the Online Registration for Public Works Contractors.

Public works contractors and subcontractors who are currently registered with the DIR may opt for early renewal and should do so prior to the July 1, 2016 date. These contractors should use the online public works contractor registration system and be prepared to pay the $300 fee. Those contractors who fail to renew their registration, and continue to bid or work on public works after that date may be a subject to a $2,000 penalty and other assessed fees.

Contractors and subcontractors who wish to bid and continue to work on public works contracts prior to the June 30, 2016 date should register now with the DIR before this deadline passes at the same website and pay their $300 registration fee. At this time, they may also renew for the next registration period, and pay an additional $300 registration fee for the 2016/2017 fiscal year.

Contractors and subcontractors who are not currently registered with the DIR and are not bidding on or working on any current public works contracts should wait and register after the start of the DIR’s next fiscal year, July 1, 2016.

The DIR maintains a database of qualified public works contractors and provides proof of registration via their online system.  It is recommended that contractors and subcontractors wishing to bid on and/or work on public works contracts register with the DIR to avoid paying any penalty and late fees.