R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-8-13: Contractors’ bond — Forfeiture.

The person whose proposal or bid is accepted by the department of administration, shall be required to give bond, in a sum not less than fifty percent (50%) of the contract price, to indemnify the town or city where the road lies against damage while the road is being constructed or improved, and the state shall not be liable for any damage occasioned thereby; and every contract made for the construction or improvement shall provide for a forfeiture of such sum or sums as the department may deem proper, for failure to complete, according to contract, the road construction or improvement within the specified time.