GETTING STARTED

RTA's Purchasing and Materials Management Department is responsible for handling all purchases of goods and services needed by the Agency.  RTA is pleased to announce its new web-based procurement system hosted by PlanetBids.  PlanetBids allows interested vendors to register online and receive automated e-mail notifications of procurement opportunities.

To begin, click the button below to register and find current procurement opportunities.  All responses are due at or before the deadline time shown for each procurement.  Late responses cannot be accepted.  It is the bidder’s/proposer’s responsibility to ensure that the most complete and current version of the solicitation, including addenda, has been downloaded.  Vendors/contractors are solely responsible for maintaining up-to-date and accurate information and may edit their profile at any time.

You must be registered in the Riverside Transit Agency Vendor Portal to access the procurement.  Once the below link is accessed, you will be redirected to the vendor portal where you click on ‘New Vendor Registration’ to register.  You will receive an e-mail via PlanetBids to verify your e-mail address; click ‘Verify’ and you will be redirected to complete your vendor profile.

REGISTER/VIEW OPEN OPPORTUNITIES

When registering your firm, please ensure that you select the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) category codes that applies to your firm.  If you are unsure of your category code, visit https://www.census.gov/naics/ and do a keyword search “2022 NAICS Search” pertaining to your business (such as janitorial, construction, engineering services, etc.) to receive all codes containing that keyword in the title/description.  Click on the specific category code to further see all corresponding entries applicable to this code.  Once your registration is complete, you can then search for the procurement in ‘Bid Opportunities’.

If you need help or have questions, please access HELP CENTER or reach out to RTA procurement staff for assistance.

RTA'S COMMITMENT TO FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

RTA is dedicated to ensuring full, open competition and that all vendors are given an equal opportunity to participate. The Purchasing Department is responsible for the procurement of equipment, bus parts inventory and supplies as well as all professional and technical services. 

TYPES OF SOLICITATIONS

Depending on the type of project, RTA will develop an Invitation for Bids (IFB), Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Quotations (RFQ) or Statement of Qualifications (SOQ).

IFBs are used when there is a clear understanding of the project requirements, scope of work and/or technical specifications and the criteria for award is based solely on price. IFB results will be posted and made available to the public through PlanetBids.  Each bidder's name and the total amount bid will be posted. Award is made to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder.

RFPs are used when the specific requirements and/or technical specifications of a project are unclear and evaluation criterion in addition to pricing is needed. RFPs are evaluated by an evaluation committee based upon the evaluation criterion identified in the RFP. Award is made to the vendor whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the Agency. 

RFQs are used for procuring materials, equipment and supplies and some types of professional services. Award is made to the lowest, responsive and responsible vendor. 

SOQs are used for engineering, architectural and related services contracts, and consider only technical factors and qualifications in the evaluation process. 

PROCUREMENTS GREATER THAN $100,000

Procurements greater than $100,000 require a formal procurement process. Vendors that have registered through PlanetBids will receive a formal procurement solicitation. The procurement is advertised at least once in a newspaper of general circulation. The procurement may also be advertised in industry specific and/or M/W/DBE publications. The award is subject to approval by the RTA Board of Directors.

PROCUREMENTS LESS THAN $100,000

Procurements less than $100,000 may be solicited formally through PlanetBids or informally by obtaining quotations from qualified vendors depending upon the dollar value of the item being purchased. Competitive bids are not subject to negotiation. When a company is contacted for a quote, they must provide a firm price, including any charges for delivery and installation (if applicable), and lead-time. Award is made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

QUESTIONS?

Firms or individuals requesting further information about doing business with RTA can e-mail their requests to RTA.

LEGAL NOTICE FOR RIVERSIDE TRANSIT AGENCY DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GOAL

Gentlemen/Ladies:

The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) has proposed an overall goal of 2.1% for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation in contracting opportunities during the 2022-2024 Federal Fiscal Year period beginning October 1, 2021, pursuant to 49 CFR Part 26. Documentation on the methodology of the DBE goal and the recently revised DBE plan are available for inspection for 30 days from the date of this notice, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the offices of RTA located at 1825 Third Street, Riverside, California 92507. Comments regarding the goals and the plan will be accepted for 30 days from the date of this notice. Anyone wanting to request further information or to discuss RTA’s DBE program should contact Melissa Blankenship at the address listed or by calling (951) 565-5192.

DOWNLOAD DBE GOAL METHODOLOGY FFY 2022-2024

DOWNLOAD DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM FFY 2022-2024

OBJECTIVES/POLICY STATEMENT (26.1, 26.23)

Riverside Transit Agency ("RTA") has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. RTA has received Federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation, and as a condition of receiving this assistance, RTA has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26.

It is the policy of RTA to ensure that DBEs, as defined in part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT-assisted contracts. It is also our policy:

1. To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT assisted contracts;

2. To create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT assisted contracts;

3. To ensure that the DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law;

4. To ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs;

5. To help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT assisted contracts; and

6. To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the market place outside the DBE Program.

To ensure adherence to this policy, the RTA Board of Directors, who are ultimately responsible for establishing the Agency’s policy, has assigned the coordination of the DBE Program to the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer has delegated the responsibilities of DBE Liaison Officer to Chief Procurement & Logistics Officer. In that capacity, the DBELO is responsible for implementing all aspects of the DBE program. Implementation of the DBE program is accorded the same priority as compliance with all other legal obligations incurred by RTA in its financial assistance agreements with the Department of Transportation.

This policy statement is available to the Board of Directors, vendors, staff and general public via the Agency website.

GUIDANCE

RTA Opening "DOORS" Program

• How Do I Get Certified? | PDF

For certification inquiries for Imperial, Riverside, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Diego counties, contact one of the agencies listed below:

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS)
Office of Business and Economic Opportunity
1823 14th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 324-1700
Fax: (916) 324-1862
www.dot.ca.gov

CITY OF LOS ANGELES*
Bureau of Contract Administration
Centralized Certification Section
1149 S. Broadway Street, Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Phone:(213) 847-2684
Fax: (213) 847-2777
bca.lacity.org
*Only firms located in the City of Los Angeles may apply.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO)
Diversity and Economic Opportunity Department
One Gateway Plaza, MS 99-8-4
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 922-2600
Fax: (213) 922-7660
 

For additional listings, download the California UCP Roster of Certifying Agencies at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/bep/documents/Roster_of_Certifying_Agencies.pdf