Local Force Account (LFA) agreements

Local project managers

Policy and process

Documents

Although WisDOT policy is to let construction agreements through a competitive bidding process, under special circumstances the department may negotiate directly with local governments for the performance of construction work. These negotiated agreements are allowed by Wisconsin Statute 84.06(3).

Local Force Account (LFA) agreements are used when a local unit of government works on its own local highway system or does work for the department on the state trunk highway system. The type of work associated with these projects may include traffic safety improvement and minor pavement/drainage improvements. It may also include pavement resurfacing, pavement replacement, reconditioning, and reconstruction. Under these agreements local governments are reimbursed for the actual costs incurred in performing the work, up to an agreement maximum (as amended by any change orders); however, the labor, material and machinery rates are projected in advance and must be determined to be cost effective. These agreements are to be based on the actual cost required to perform the work so that they cannot result in profit or loss for the unit of government performing the work. Any state, local or federal funding program for which the project is eligible may be used with this agreement type.

An overall summary of the recent history of LFAs on the local system of highways is available. Also available are recent and current LFA-local fiscal year programs. Note that not all of the projects in the current fiscal year program will be delivered. The current year program undergoes some changes as priorities are continually reassessed.

To better define allowable types of work, funding limitations, individual agreement limitations, etc., "A Policy on Construction of State and Federal Aid Highway Projects By Forces and Equipment of Counties or Other Local Governmental Units" has been developed by WisDOT. This policy also defines the items necessary to show that a negotiated agreement with a local unit of government is cost effective. Contact the WisDOT Region local project manager with questions about the policy.

Recent LFA policy and process changes have been reported on several memos to all local units of government. Additional policy and process changes will be reported on future memos.

E-mail questions about LFA policies and procedures.

You may also contact your local government organization representative with questions.

Wisconsin County Highway Association
Dan Fedderly, Executive Director
hwype@wwt.net

League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Dan Thompson, Executive Director
league@lwm-info.org

Wisconsin Towns Association
Rick Stadelman, Executive Director
wtowns@frontiernet.net

All external hyperlinks are provided for your information and for the benefit of the general public. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation does not testify to, sponsor or endorse the accuracy of the information provided on externally linked pages.

You will need the Adobe Reader (provided free of charge) to view PDF files. For more information about getting your free copy of the Adobe Reader, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

Questions about the content of this page:
Brian Edwards, brian.edwards@dot.wi.gov
Last modified: June 23, 2011