Contracts

Where do I find the most recent lettings?

Find plans and estimating proposals for the last 24+ months.

How can I get copies of plans from previous lettings?

View previous letting proposal documents at mydotdocs.iowadot.gov.

How do I search and sort the letting table?

• Sort items (ascending or descending) by clicking on a column title.
• Find a specific order by entering the proposal identification or project number into the search box.
• Narrow your search by entering a specific county into the search box.
• Reset the table by clearing the search box or refreshing the page.

How do I download letting files?

Begin the download by clicking on the orange "Download .zip file" button located to the right of each project number. Additional E-files (blue buttons) are available for select lettings. Depending on your browser, you may be asked to select a destination folder before completing the download. If this option is not available, the folder will automatically download to the folder you designated as your computer's default "downloads" folder.

View the "Opening .zip folders" section (next tab) for directions about extracting files from the .zip folder.

What if I cannot download a file?

Please wait a moment and try again. If you continue to have issues, contact Contracts via the Comments/Questions page.

Do I need to be authorized to bid as a prime contractor?

Yes. Contractors must be authorized to submit a bid as a prime by Contracts. Requests to be authorized to bid as a prime contractor on individual proposals must be submitted through Bid Express.

Who do I contact for help with this process?

Please wait a moment and try again. If you continue to have issues, contact the Contracts via the Comments/Questions page.

How do I open a .zip file using Windows 10/8/7, Windows XP or Windows Vista?

Double-click the .zip file you want to open, or right-click and choose "Extract all" and follow the directions.

How do I open a .zip file using a Mac?

1. Double-click on the .zip file you wish to open.
2. If the file contains multiple files, the Mac will create a new folder with the same name as the .zip file in the same location.
3. Double-click the folder to view contents.

Are there other ways to open a .zip file?

Yes. Third-party software is required to open .zip files in very earlier versions of Windows. Many free programs are available online. 7-Zip is free, easy to use, virus-free, and contains no adware.

1. Download the 7-Zip exe file to your computer. Double-click the program icon and choose "Run."
2. Choose a location on your hard drive and choose "install."
3. Once complete, open 7-Zip and navigate to the .zip file you wish to open. Double-click to open.
4. Drag contents to your desktop or other location.

What type of printing equipment will I need to print letting plans?

A printer that is capable of printing 8.5" x 11” and 11" x 17” in monochrome (black ink only) and 11x17” in color.

Which projects have color plans?

The file name for color plans will end in “_C” or “_color."

If the plans are in color, do I need to print in color?

Yes. Some of the color plans have lighter colors. If you print them from a monochrome (black ink only) printer, the images may not print out on the plan.

What if I do not have a color printer?

Save the file on a USB drive, or forward your email from your download request to a local printer who can download the link and print them for you.

What dpi resolution should I use to print files?

• Previously, letting plans and cross sections were printed by the Iowa DOT at 600 dpi. If you lower the resolution on line art, you may lose some text or lines. It is recommended you print these out at 600 dpi.
• Previously, specifications and proposals were printed by the Iowa DOT at 600 dpi. If the file is all text, you may consider lowering the resolution to 300 dpi.

What if I send a file to my printer and it will not print?

• Check the file size. Your processor may not be able to accommodate file size. You can try sending it over in sections, as this will reduce the file size to print.
• Check your Internet connection to make sure it can accommodate the file size.
• Find a local printer that can print the file for you.