Contractor Prequalification Application Fiscal Year 2026-2027

The City of Palm Desert is inviting contractors to apply for prequalification to participate in construction projects and prevailing-wage maintenance work for fiscal year 2026-2027, with applications due June 30, 2027.

This is a standing prequalification program, not a single project solicitation. Applicants must hold valid California contractor licenses in applicable CSLB classifications (over 50 trade categories including General Engineering, General Building, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and specialty trades such as asbestos and hazardous substance removal). Once prequalified, contractors become eligible to bid on City projects valued up to $250,000. The City will solicit quotes from prequalified vendors for projects up to $75,000 and use informal bidding procedures with at least five days' notice for projects over $75,000 and up to $250,000.

Applicants must demonstrate substantial qualifications: California contractor licenses in good standing; DIR registration; commercial general liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate; automobile liability insurance of at least $1 million; current workers' compensation insurance; and bonding capacity of at least $250,000 per project and $1 million in aggregate. Within the past 24 months, applicants must have provided public works construction services exceeding $50,000. Applicants must not be debarred, ineligible under Labor Code provisions, or determined a non-responsible bidder by any public agency within the past three years. Applicants cannot have experienced surety completion of projects, OSHA serious and willful violations, or workers' compensation Experience Modification Ratings exceeding 1.5.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the City's OpenGov procurement portal and include W-9 or W-8 tax forms, proof of insurance, bonding information, customer and vendor references, and certification of compliance with the City's nondiscrimination policy. Celina Cabrera (Senior Management Analyst, 760-776-6449) and Jennifer Aguilar (Purchasing Coordinator, 760-776-6340) handle questions.