Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions we hear from subcontractors before and after joining our bid list. Don’t see yours — call or email us and we’ll add it.
Davis-Bacon & Certified Payroll
What are Davis-Bacon prevailing wages?
The minimum pay the Department of Labor sets for each trade in the county where the job is. It is federal law on almost every federal construction contract over $2,000, and it covers every laborer and mechanic on site.
The rates are listed in the contract's wage determination. Price your labor at or above those rates, plus the required fringe benefits, for every classification you'll use. If you don't have the wage determination, ask us for it before you finalize your quote.
What is certified payroll, and do I have to do it?
Yes, if your employees work on site. For each week they're on the job, you submit a certified payroll report (form WH-347 or equivalent) listing each worker, their classification, hours, and the wage and fringe paid, with a signed statement that it's accurate.
- Build the admin time into your price.
- Match each worker's classification to the work they actually do.
- If a rate in the wage determination looks wrong for your trade, ask before you submit.
Payrolls get audited. Underpaying, even by mistake, can mean back pay owed to your workers.
Working With Us
What does TimeBuilt do on a project?
We're the prime contractor. We hold the contract with the federal agency and handle the Division 1 work: scheduling, safety, quality control, submittals, RFIs, and coordinating the trades.
We also handle the compliance paperwork with the Government, including collecting certified payroll and submitting pay applications. You focus on your scope; questions from the contracting officer come to us, not you.
How do I get invited to bid?
Get on our bid list. When a project matches your trade and service area, we send the scope, available drawings and specs, and the bid due date.
Not on the list yet? Fill out the subcontractor application.
How do you choose which subcontractor gets the job?
Price matters, but it isn't the only thing. We also look at whether your quote covers the full scope, how clear your inclusions and exclusions are, your insurance and bonding, and your track record.
Will you tell me if we won or lost?
Yes. Once the agency announces the award, we'll let you know the result.
Is my price kept confidential?
Yes. We don't share your price with other subcontractors.
On the Job & Getting Paid
What safety training do my workers need?
It depends on the contract, but plan on OSHA 10 for workers and OSHA 30 for supervisors, plus any site orientation the facility requires. Some agencies add their own rules, such as the Army Corps of Engineers safety manual (EM 385-1-1). The bid package lists what applies.
When and how do I get paid?
Monthly, for the work completed that month. Submit your pay application with backup by the project's cutoff date, and we include it in our application to the Government.
Federal rules require us to pay you within 7 days of being paid by the Government. Retainage and other terms are in your subcontract.
What insurance and bonding do I need?
At minimum, general liability and workers' compensation, with TimeBuilt Solutions LLC (and the owner, when required) named as additional insured. Auto liability and umbrella coverage are often required, and larger scopes may need a performance and payment bond. Exact limits are in each bid package.
On federal contracts over $150,000, our payment bond also protects you. It takes the place of lien rights, which don't exist on federal property.
Ready to get on our bid list?
Fill out our subcontractor application once, and we’ll reach out when work in your trade comes up.