When you start your application, you must select what type of vendor:

There are two types of vendors that do business with NCDOT:
Contractors -- perform construction or maintenance on transportation facilities, including highways, airports, ferries, etc,
Central-Let Contracts (Bidder)
May bid on Central Let Contracts. You are also granted PO Contractor and Subcontractor status with this option.
Division-Let Contracts (Purchase Order (PO) Prime Contractor)
May bid on Division Let Contracts (Contracts less than $5 million). You are also granted Subcontractor status with this option.
Subcontractor Works under the direction of the Prime or PO Contractor.
Private Consulting Firms -- perform services such as engineering design, research, studies, etc.
Private Consulting Firms May submit Letter of Interest (LOI) for advertisements.
Note: Small Business Enterprise contracts do not require prequalification, but do require SBE certification to bid.
For more information:
SBE certification guidelines.