You cannot bid while in the process of obtaining a license nor can you see if you are awarded a bid before applying for one. Most bids require licensing information on the outside of the bid envelope or the bid will be rejected. Bidding without a license is a class A misdemeanor, and the violator is subject to fines and prohibition from participating in the project. In addition, the contractor license may be held for up to six (6) months from the date the board learns of the violation, or denied. The only exception would be Federal projects or the Tennessee Department of Transportation for their highway projects.
What if I have a chance to bid but my monetary limit is not enough? You may be able to get a special review if the Board does not meet again for another month. If it considered a "hardship" to the owner (not to you as the contractor), the owner may submit a written request for the contractor to have their license application reviewed prior to the next meeting. Hardship information can be found here.
Are there specific bidding requirements?
Yes. Bidding requirements are defined in TCA § 62-6-119, which states the contractor must list their name as licensed, license ID#, classification, expiration date, and list the same information for their electrical, plumbing, mechanical or HVAC subcontractors, if those portions exceed $25,000. For geothermal, must list their Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) license information. In addition, effective July 1, 2010, masonry subcontractors must be listed for portions $100,000 or more (including materials and labor). See "Bidding" on the website or you may review the law from our Web site under Laws, Rules and Regulations. Effective January 1, 2014, roofing subcontractors must be licensed to perform work. Roofing acceptable classifications include: BC; or BC-A (for residential roofs), BC-B (commercial roofs), or BC-C (industrial roofs); or BC-21 (Roofing, Gutters and Vinyl Siding); or BC-12 (Roof Decks).
The contractor must have a classification that covers 60% of the project in order to bid. If they do not, but have a commercial classification, they may bid but could not perform any of the work in excess of $25,000. These portions would need to be subcontracted to a properly licensed contractor. See "Classification Outline" on the website for more information.