NRMCA Offers Guidance on Earning Walmart Parking Lot Projects

NRMCA often receives inquiries regarding upcoming Walmart projects from members requesting information on the parking lot specs, reports Senior National Resource Director Amy Miller. After much work through a pilot project, all Walmart supercenter stores as of August 2012 were required by Walmart to have a dedicated plan sheet for concrete in the parking lot. The general contractor holds the contract with Walmart so all bids ultimately end up being represented to Walmart through the general contractor. Walmart then reviews each bid and does review the paving number for both concrete and asphalt on each bid. Sometimes concrete may be lower, but that bidder may not be the lowest bidder overall.

Establishing relationships with the concrete contractor and the general contractor is an imperative step in assuring your company gets the work, Miller said. NRMCA can work to create the opportunity, but relinquishing of the bid to the concrete industry has to be done at a local level between contractors and suppliers. Also, NRMCA is often asked if it can help get the concrete cross-section changed. Currently, Walmart's minimum standard is 5" concrete over 4" rock in the standard-duty section and 6" concrete over 4" rock in the heavy-duty section; as of now, the retailer will not allow a lesser section. When the bidding starts, it is nearly impossible to get consideration of an altered cross-section, Miller noted. The best time for discussion is during the planning stage with the local civil engineer.