Massachusetts has no minimum dollar threshold for prevailing wage requirements. The law applies to all public construction projects regardless of cost. Awarding authorities must request prevailing wage schedules from DLS before advertising for bids.
Massachusetts has an active prevailing wage law (Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Law (M.G.L. Chapter 149, Sections 26-27H)). Administered by Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS). Certified payroll is required. Federal Davis-Bacon applies to all federal projects.
The federal Davis-Bacon Act applies to all federally funded or federally assisted construction contracts over $2,000 in Massachusetts. This includes projects funded by federal agencies, FHWA highway projects, HUD housing, and projects receiving federal grants.
Contractors may face treble damages (3x the underpayment), debarment from public works for up to 3 years, and criminal penalties including fines up to $25,000 and imprisonment.