Doing Business

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal

It is MTD’s policy to create a level playing field for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, ensure the program is narrowly tailored to applicable law, ensure that only firms that meet eligibility standards participate in the program, and assist in the development of firms so they can compete successfully in the marketplace outside of the DBE program.

MTD will take every necessary and reasonable step under 49 CFR Part 26 to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of Federal Transit Administration assisted contracts.

To qualify as a DBE a firm must meet the eligibility criteria stated in 49 CFR Part 26 and be certified through the California Unified Certification Program which is supervised by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).  General information and details about eligibility requirements and becoming certified as a DBE can be found by clicking on the following links:

• Final Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal FY 25-27
• MTD Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Plan
• California Unified Certification Program
• Caltrans DBE Federal Program Resources

Small Purchases

MTD carries out non-recurring small purchases on an as-needed basis. In these instances, MTD normally limits contact to 2 or 3 vendors for requesting quotes. MTD selects these vendors based upon internet or telephone searches, knowledge of the market or trade, past experience with vendors, and expediency. If you wish to be considered for obtaining a quote, contact the appropriate person shown below.

For the purchase of supplies and services needed on an ongoing basis (office supplies, bus parts, etc.), MTD typically establishes a “pre-approved vendor” list each calendar year. The competitive process for selecting such vendors takes place for a particular need occurs at least once every five years. To be considered for placement on a particular pre-approved vendor list, contact the appropriate person shown on this page.

Formal Solicitations

With respect to the larger, publicly-noticed IFBs, RFPs, etc., interested parties may obtain pertinent information about active solicitations on this page. Bidder lists are typically developed prior to issuance of the solicitation through internet or telephone searches, knowledge of the market or trade, and past solicitations. If you wish to participate in an upcoming or ongoing formal solicitation, contact Purchasing to be placed on the bidder list for that project in order to receive e-mail notifications regarding project requirements, activities and updates. Due to the limited number of formal solicitations, MTD does not maintain formal bidder lists or have a vendor registration database.

Protest Procedures

Procurement protest procedures have been established by MTD to ensure uniform, timely, and equitable consideration of any complaints received concerning procurement activities. A copy of MTD’s protest procedures is available at the following link: MTD Protest Procedures