Certification Guidance and Forms

The Oregon Department of Transportation Certification Program issues policies and guidance for certified local public agencies, or LPAs. This guidance is primarily housed in the Local Agency Guidelines, or LAG, Manual. The manual provides guidance to help LPAs access Federal Highway Administration funding for local transportation-related projects through the Federal-aid Highway Program. Additionally, ODOT issues bulletins to supplement LAG Manual guidance as needed. Bulletins provide temporary guidance on certification process and policies. Bulletins are cancelled when no longer applicable or once they are incorporated into permanent guidance.

The Oregon Department of Transportation Certification Program issues policies and guidance for certified local public agencies, or LPAs. This guidance is primarily housed in the Local Agency Guidelines, or LAG, Manual. The manual provides guidance to help LPAs access Federal Highway Administration funding for local transportation-related projects through the Federal-aid Highway Program. Additionally, ODOT issues bulletins to supplement LAG Manual guidance as needed. Bulletins provide temporary guidance on certification process and policies. Bulletins are cancelled when no longer applicable or once they are incorporated into permanent guidance. The Certified LPA Bulletins have moved to their own page. A link to the bulletins has been added to the quick navigation menu in the left column of this page. Compliance - Forms & Guidance The Certification Program Office maintains forms and guidance for certification compliance and oversight. Approval Authorities Certified LPA Approval Authority Matrix Program Compliance Forms and Reports Cities and Counties: Certified Local Public Agency Self-Audit (Cities/Counties) (734-5152A) Metropolitan Planning Organizations: Certified Local Public Agency Self-Audit (MPO) (734-5151B) Self Audit Tips and Instructions 2026 Compliance Review Guides Certification Program Core Question Guide Project Core Question Guide Consultant Selection Review Guide Right of Way Review Guide Utility Relocation Review Guide Project Civil Rights Review Guide Material Quality Review Guide Work Zone Safety and Mobility Review Guide Indirect Cost Rate Plans Guidance and Templates Local Government Indirect Cost Rate Plans Frequently Asked Questions De Minimis Rate Certification template Quarterly Reports Certified Local Public Agency Quarterly Report (734-5034) - Sample Quarterly Report Form Tutorial Quarterly Report Form Demonstration Consultant Bridge Design Consultant Bridge Design Requirements Utilities and Railroad - Guidance, Templates & Samples UtilitiesODOT Utility Relocation Manual ODOT Utility Relocation Guide Project Notification (No Conflict) Sample Letter (form 734-5418) Utility Conflict (Non-Reimbursable Work) Sample Letter (form 734-5419) Utility Conflict (Reimbursable Work) Sample Letter (form 734-5420) Time Requirement Letter Sample (form 734-5421) Checklist for Utility Agreements Reimbursement Information Form Sample Reimbursement Certification Form Utility Billing Memo Sample Utility Certification (form 734-5162) Railroad ODOT Railroad Manual Railroad Agreement Assurance (form 734-5285) Example - Railroad PE Agreement - Notice to Proceed Example - Railroad C&M Agreement – Notice to Proceed Example - Railroad Construction – Notice to Proceed Example - Rail Crossing Order - RX 1985 (Single, Alteration SE Wilson Ave Bend/BNSF) Example - Rail Crossing Order - RX 1972 (Multiple, Alteration & New, Corvallis, OSU/UPRR, PNWR) Example - Rail Crossing Order - RX 1910 (Multiple, Closure & New, Klamath Falls/BNSF) Construction Related - Templates & Samples Specifications Templates and Resources Generally, Certified LPAs are required to use the Oregon Standard Specifications for Construction on their federally-funded projects. The General Conditions found in the section 00100 of the Oregon Standard Specifications must be modified for use by Certified LPAs and approved by ODOT. A committee of ODOT and American Public Works Association members developed a template as a starting point for certified LPAs. Most recently, ODOT consulted with Oregon Department of Justice and the Certification User Group Standards Subcommittee in the development of the 2024 update. 2024 Certified LPA Construction Contracting Templates Checklist 2024 Certified LPA General Conditions Template (with redlines as of 12/01/2025) 2024 - 2021 Certified LPA General Conditions Comparison (redline) Sample Contract for Certified LPAs Sample Performance & Payment Bonds for Certified LPAs Sample Project Wages Rates for Certified LPAs Sample Liquidated Damages Calculator Sample Certified LPA Special Provision 00180.85(b) Liquidated Damages Other Sample Bid Book Documents for Certified LPAs (not linked in the checklist) Sample Civil Rights Bidding Documents Checklist Form FHWA 1273 (6/25/2026) FHWA Memorandum Re: Form FHWA 1273 (June 29, 2026) Form FHWA-1273 Summary of Changes (June 25, 2026) No Approved Equal Sample Exemption Order When No Approved Equal Allowed Bridge Specification Bridge Hydraulics Performance Specification Construction Contract Administration Resources The forms below are ODOT construction administration forms that have been modified for CLPA use. Certified Local Public Agency Labor Compliance Certification Certified Local Public Agency Quality Assurance & Contract Administration Plan