Consultant Corner

MnDOT strongly supports our TGB program – it brings tremendous value to the work we do, and we remain committed to this program. We’ve been assessing impacts of legal challenges around the country to programs like this and the potential impacts to us, to our important TGB community and the future of the TGB program here in MN. At this time, we are not making changes to the program, and we plan to engage with our stakeholders moving forward ahead of making any changes. We are committed to keeping you informed as we move forward.

Questions can be directed to Danielle Plocher at Danielle.plocher@state.mn.us.

This Consultant Corner page provides important information to the consultant community regarding Professional/Technical (PT) contracting with MnDOT.

Notable Updates

Safe Harbor Rate Program

Effective 6/26/2025 MnDOT increased the Safe Harbor Rate from 110% to 115%. Moving forward, for contracts with a ‘Contract Process Start Date’ of 6/26/2025 or later, 115% Safe Harbor Rate should be utilized when developing your fixed hourly rates. This change will only apply to new contracts.

AASHTOWare Access Provisions

P/T contracts that include AASHTOWare activities must adhere to the following agreements:

AASHTO License Software Supplemental Agreement (PDF)
AASHTO Master Software Agreement (PDF)

Document Requirements

Work Force and Equal Pay Declaration Page and Resident Vendor Form

In an effort to reduce the redundancy of forms being submitted during the solicitation process, consultants can now submit the Work Force and Equal Pay Declaration Page and Resident Vendor Form to Consultant Services. Consultant Services will save the forms so that they are accessible to all MnDOT contract administrators for review during a solicitation process. The forms may be submitted to Consultant Services at ProfessionalTechnicalContractForms.dot@state.mn.us.

Workforce and Equal Pay Declaration Page MnDOT Consultant Services will only store this document if a firm is a Certificate Holder or Exempt. Must identify the certification end date on the document. If at any point there is a status change, you submit an updated declaration page. Please note, if the information on file is not up to date, it may impact payments or contract executions. If you are unsure of your certification end date visit Contractor Status / Minnesota.gov (mn.gov).
Resident Vendor Form Form must be submitted every 12 months OR if Resident Vendor status changes.

Insurance Certificates

Please email the insurance certificates (identifying the MnDOT Contract Number) to: professionaltechnicalcontractforms.dot@state.mn.us (copy the State’s Authorized Representative). When submitting electronically, hard copies are not necessary.

Accessibility Requirements and Standards

Questions on accessibility requirements for deliverables provided under a MnDOT contract? Visit MnDOT's Design System website to learn more.

Plain Language

All deliverables must be provided in “Plain Language,” as defined in Governor Mark Dayton’s Executive Order 14-07 which requires the Office of the Governor and all Executive Branch agencies to communicate with Minnesotans using Plain Language. As defined, Plain Language is a communication which an audience can understand the first time they read or hear it, providing Minnesotans better state services by reducing confusion, saving time, and improving customer satisfaction. To achieve that, the following steps must be taken:

Use language commonly understood by the public;
Write in short and complete sentences;
Present information in a format that is easy-to-find and easy-to-understand; and
Clearly state directions and deadlines to the audience.

For guidance read the Federal Plain Language Guidelines.

ADA

Consultants must ensure that all documents and content provided to MnDOT, for posting on MnDOT’s public website, or shared electronically, meet the provisions of the State of Minnesota’s Accessibility Standards: including Minnesota’s accessibility standard for electronic documents.

Both state and federal ADA law requires that all documents posted online must be ADA compliant, which ultimately helps improve understanding among all audiences. MnDOT will provide consultants with access to resources for accessible documents, emails and webpages.

Reference Documents/Information

Following are a few key reference documents that are beneficial for the consultant community. Contact information can be found under the Contacts tab.

Performance Evaluation Work Flow

Performance Evaluation Application for Professional/Technical can be accessed as follows:

Direct access to application: https://perfeval.dot.state.mn.us
Through MnDOT's website: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/(MnDOT A to Z under Performance Evaluation Application)
Consultant Guide: MnDOT P/T Contract Performance Evaluation Process (.DOCX)
Automated Performance Evaluation Process Instructions (.DOCX)

Progress Report Form

Instructions on how to fill out the Progress Report Form: Progress Report Form Instructions (Word 20KB)

MnDOT Audit

Details on MnDOT's audit process can be found at: mndot.gov/audit.