How to Win Data Center Bids as an Electrical Contractor (And Why It’s Easier Than You Think)

Data centers are transforming the construction industry, with over $200 billion expected to be spent on their development in 2025. For electrical contractors, these projects are a big business opportunity—but they also require a unique approach to bidding. Here’s how to craft a winning proposal that meets the specific demands of data center construction.

What Makes Data Center Projects Unique

Data centers are not typical commercial builds. They require advanced power systems, efficient cooling, and robust security measures. According to Dgtl Infra and Accutech, electrical systems alone often account for 40-45% of total construction costs, making them a critical component of the project. This includes:

• Power distribution units (PDUs): Delivering electricity to servers and equipment.
• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS): Continuous power during outages.
• Backup generators: Redundancy in case of grid failure.

When you factor in labor costs for specialized installation and ongoing maintenance, the electrical portion of a data center project can easily exceed 50% of the total budget.

Key trends in data center construction:

• A focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, driven by client demands and regulatory requirements.
• Increasing construction in rural areas, where access to power and fiber internet is prioritized over workforce availability.
• Rapid project timelines, with clients prioritizing speed and safety over cost.

How to create a Winning Bid

While the fundamentals of bidding on commercial electrical projects apply here, data centers require specialized approaches:

1. Demonstrate Expertise in Advanced Power Systems

Data centers rely on complex electrical systems, including high-voltage power distribution, backup generators, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. Highlight your team’s experience with these systems, supported by case studies or testimonials from past projects.

2. Emphasize Speed and Safety

General contractors prioritize fast project completion and strict safety standards. Include details on how your team can mobilize quickly, meet tight deadlines, and maintain a strong safety record. Certifications such as NFPA 70E and Arc Flash training should be prominently featured.

3. Showcase Your Traveling Electrician Network

Many data centers are built in rural locations with limited local labor pools. If you have access to a network of traveling electricians, highlight this as a competitive advantage. Specify the number of workers available and their willingness to relocate.

4. Provide a Detailed Cost Breakdown

While cost is not the primary concern for data center clients, a transparent and comprehensive budget can build trust. Break down costs for materials, labor, and equipment, and explain how your approach delivers value without compromising quality.

5. Focus on Sustainability

Clients are increasingly interested in green technologies. Highlight your ability to incorporate energy-efficient systems, such as solar power or advanced cooling methods, into your proposals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Underestimating Labor Needs

Data center projects often require 300+ electricians at peak times—far more than typical commercial projects. Make sure your bid includes a realistic labor plan.

Ignoring Site-Specific Challenges

Rural locations may lack infrastructure, increasing logistical complexity. Address these challenges in your proposal to demonstrate preparedness.

Overpromising Capacity

General contractors value transparency. Avoid vague claims about workforce availability; instead, provide specific numbers and verifiable data.

How Buildforce Supports Your Bid Strategy

Buildforce connects electrical contractors with a network of 10,000+ skilled electricians, including those willing to travel. Our platform helps you:

• Access pre-vetted traveling electricians to meet project demands.
• Generate workforce capacity reports for inclusion in bid proposals.
• Demonstrate safety metrics, such as OSHA 300A rates, to build trust with GCs.

Next Steps for Electrical Contractors

1. Audit your team’s data center-specific skills, such as high-voltage systems and fiber optics.
2. Create a “Data Center Bid Package” template that highlights your strengths.
3. Create a free Buildforce account to view traveling electricians and see how our network can support your bid strategy.

Data center construction is a high-stakes, high-reward opportunity. By focusing on speed, safety, and scalability—and leveraging Buildforce’s resources—you can position your company as the go-to contractor for these datacenter projects that are becoming a larger portion of the overall construction section every day.