Lincoln South Beltway

Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT)

Mercator worked with NDOT to develop innovative contract provisions that enabled potential bidders for a major construction contract to incorporate TIFIA credit assistance in their Design-Bid-Build proposals. This successful engagement demonstrated the value provided by Mercator’s knowledge and expertise in municipal finance, Federal credit assistance, and alternative project delivery.

Mercator assisted in the development of Deferred Payment Contract Certificates issued by NDOT to facilitate contractor financing for the Lincoln South Beltway project. This major project procurement required the winning bidder to arrange external financing to be repaid with fixed quarterly payments from NDOT over an eight-year period that were subject to the appropriation of funds to NDOT by the Nebraska State Legislature. Mercator developed the financial model relied upon by rating analysts and the USDOT’s Build America Bureau during the process to confirm project eligibility and creditworthiness. Mercator subsequently assisted NDOT with reviewing the bidder’s financial submissions and providing technical support through financial close. The Lincoln South Beltway project was named The Bond Buyer’s P3 Deal of the Year 2020.