Funding trigger
Does FTA transit funding trigger Davis-Bacon prevailing wage?
Yes. Construction financed with FTA capital assistance is subject to Davis-Bacon prevailing wages.
Short answer
Yes. Construction financed with FTA capital assistance is subject to Davis-Bacon prevailing wages.
How the requirement attaches
Federal transit law applies Davis-Bacon to construction of facilities and systems funded by FTA grants, so the locality's prevailing wage determination governs laborer and mechanic pay.
Bid-file implication
Treat FTA-funded transit construction as federal work: incorporate the wage determination and submit certified payroll to the grantee.
Guardrail
This page is an estimator aid, not an official determination. Confirm the wage determination incorporated into the specific contract, and any state schedule named by the owner, before submitting a bid.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does FTA transit funding require Davis-Bacon prevailing wages?
Yes. Construction financed with FTA capital assistance is subject to Davis-Bacon prevailing wages.
What happens when both federal and state prevailing wage apply?
When a project is covered by both the federal Davis-Bacon wage determination and a state prevailing wage schedule, the contractor generally must pay the higher of the two total hourly obligations for each classification.
Do I still need certified payroll?
Yes. Covered contractors and subcontractors must submit weekly certified payroll showing the classifications and rates paid.
Official sources