Winning Public Contracts Starts with Preparation — and the Right Permits

Recently, our team attended an insightful event hosted by Alex Barthet, a Certified Construction Attorney and founder of The Barthet Firm. The session brought together some of the most knowledgeable voices in the South Florida construction industry — including Mariela Lobo of Lego Construction and Shawn Burton of Acrisure — to discuss what it really takes for contractors to successfully compete for public contracts.

Their message was clear: opportunity is everywhere, but preparation is everything.

Key Takeaways from the Event

1. Learn the Platforms

Public agencies across South Florida use a variety of online portals to post bid opportunities. Contractors must become familiar with these systems, register early, and set up alerts to stay informed. Missing a deadline or overlooking a platform could mean missing out on lucrative projects.

2. Get Certified

As highlighted by Mariela Lobo of Lego Construction, contractors should ensure they have the proper certifications before bidding. Programs like SBE (Small Business Enterprise) and MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) not only make you eligible for more opportunities but also demonstrate your company’s commitment to compliance and inclusion.

3. Keep Accounting in Order

Shawn Burton of Acrisure emphasized the importance of having organized and transparent financial records. Public entities want assurance that awarded contractors are financially stable and capable of completing the work. Good accounting is more than internal bookkeeping — it’s part of your company’s credibility.

4. Understand the Requirements

Every bid has its own checklist of forms, affidavits, and attachments. Take the time to review and understand what’s being asked. Proper documentation reflects professionalism and can set you apart from competitors.

5. Dedicate Staff to Bidding

The presenters agreed that it’s wise to have a dedicated team — or a consultant — focused on preparing and managing bids. These projects require precision, attention to detail, and consistent follow-up.

6. Start Small, Grow Big!

Beginning with smaller municipal contracts allows you to establish a proven record of success. Once you’ve demonstrated your reliability, you’ll be well-positioned to pursue larger, more complex projects in the future.

Avoid Delays — Stay Competitive

Even with a strong bid, contractors can lose momentum once the project begins if permits aren’t handled properly. Errors or delays in the permitting process can cause missed deadlines, cost overruns, and strained client relationships.

At The Permit Brokers, we help contractors avoid those headaches. Our permit expediting team ensures projects are structured accurately, submitted properly, and resolved quickly — so you can focus on performing at the high standards that public contracts demand.

Partnering with professionals who understand the permitting landscape means you stay on schedule, protect your margins, and deliver on every commitment.

Final Thought

Events like The Barthet Firm's public contracting workshop — featuring experts like Mariela Lobo and Shawn Burton — remind us that knowledge sharing is key to growing stronger as an industry.

By preparing early, staying compliant, and working with trusted partners to manage critical details like permitting, contractors can confidently step into the world of public contracting and deliver projects that make a lasting impact in our communities.