States from around the country are reporting that bids on stimulus-funded projects are coming in far lower than expected, according to the latest report from AEC industry analysts ZweigWhite.

The low-bidding is leaving a surplus of funds that states may use to fund projects which were initially deemed to be lower priority or less than "shovel ready."

With new projects becoming available and only 14 percent of the $787 billion stimulus package spent so far, A/E and environmental firms still have a chance to go after work funded by this historic initiative, the report, 120 Days Later: How the Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is Impacting the AEC Industry, stated.

"This money will be spent. Our analysis suggests that firms planning to pursue these new projects shouldn’t sit still, waiting for the government to release requests for proposals," said Elaine Howley, editor of the report. "We’re advising our clients to invest in developing strategic partnerships now, in order to be ready the moment states decide to move forward with additional jobs.Tactics may include identifying public sector decision-makers and forming alliances with other professional services firms."