Luke Friemoth

This document presents the Construction Let Forecast for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's highway program. It provides a review of 2025 performance, detailing over 450 projects and $100 million in lead savings, along with specific quantity goals for materials like asphalt and concrete. For 2026, the forecast outlines an increased let goal range of $1.58 to $1.61 billion, driven by significant budget increases in core highway programs, including State Highway Rehabilitation and Majors Highway Program. The forecast also discusses the impact of inflation on purchasing power and addresses future uncertainties in federal funding legislation and upcoming biennial state budgets for fiscal years 2027 through 2029. Key objectives include maintaining system conditions for bridges and pavements, and critically, enhancing safety by reducing fatalities on Wisconsin roadways.

The remarks focused on the 40th annual DB Summit, emphasizing collaboration, partnership, and the exchange of information. The theme was "Confronting Today's Challenges to Build a Stronger Tomorrow." A major discussion point was the US Department of Transportation's new rule requiring re-evaluation and re-certification of hundreds of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms previously certified under race/sex-based presumptions. The speaker commended the team for initiating the re-certification process, noting that applications began being accepted on February 16th, with a priority submission window closing on April 2nd. The summary also highlighted the importance of DBE participation, noting the past five consecutive years of surpassing DBE targets and discussing the need for firms to focus on internal systems, financial preparedness, and proactive engagement. Furthermore, the speaker detailed the substantial upcoming project pipeline, mentioning over 400 projects totaling over $1.6 billion for the current fiscal year and continued high levels planned for the next. Resources for finding opportunities, such as the master contract schedule on the DOT website, were referenced.

The presentation covered Design and Construction Updates, focusing on key areas managed by the Bureau of Project Development. Discussion points included proposal management, noting 383 proposals were advertised last year, resulting in 373 awarded contracts, an increase of nearly 20% from the prior year. Details were provided on the question and answer process during advertisement periods, clarifying that not all questions lead to formal plan agendas. Updates were given on changes in the Construction Standards and Oversight management team, including the assignment of oversight engineers to regional project teams. Furthermore, changes to contract execution processes were highlighted, such as moving the apparent low bidder information disclosure time. Significant discussion centered on the implementation of electronic contracting, which has expedited contract finalization. The presentation also addressed consultant services, noting an increase in utilized work to $318 million, and provided information on engagement opportunities like Engineering Opportunity Days and the Construction Fair. Updates on the Design-Build program indicated three pilot projects are underway, with efforts to secure expanded statutory authority. Finally, requirements for electronic ticketing for hot mix asphalt, concrete pavement, and bridge deck concrete for 2026 were outlined, emphasizing a balance between adopting efficiency measures and maintaining competition.

This document, a project spotlight, details the I-94 East-West Project, a significant reconstruction effort spanning three and a half miles. The project's strategic objectives include addressing traffic congestion, rehabilitating deteriorated infrastructure from 1960, and enhancing safety for 160,000-180,000 daily commuters. It encompasses various construction phases, emphasizes robust project communication, and prioritizes Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation. The overarching vision is to improve regional connectivity and reduce crash rates, while upholding core values of integrity, diversity, excellence, and accountability throughout its complex, multi-year delivery extending to 3033.