RTD small business open house connects vendors with contracting opportunities and resources
On Tuesday, July 14, the Small Business Opportunity Office (SBO) partnered with the Contracting and Procurement (C&P) Division to host RTD’s first in-person vendor open house at Blake Street. The event brought together 171 representatives from local, small, and disadvantaged businesses for a morning of guidance, networking, and agency updates designed to help businesses learn about opportunities to work with RTD.
Attendees participated in one of two sessions, featuring welcome remarks from General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson and Deputy CEO Angel Peña. Presenters provided actionable insights into OpenGov bidding practices, maximizing the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification program, obtaining SBE certification, and leveraging the EcoPass program.
Following the presentations, participants met directly with project managers at 11 departmental information tables to discuss upcoming solicitations across departments such as Bus and Rail Operations, Facilities Maintenance, Infrastructure Delivery, Finance, and more. The opportunity gave small businesses a chance to learn more about RTD’s contracting needs, connect with agency staff, and identify leads to compete for RTD work.
SBO and Contracting & Procurement thank all the vendors who attended, the project managers who shared their expertise, and Safety and Environmental Compliance, Facilities Maintenance, and RTD Transit Police for helping make the event a remarkable success.
Learn more about DBE/SBE Program
RTD’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/Small Business Enterprise (DBE/SBE) Program helps create a level playing field for small and disadvantaged businesses by removing barriers, connecting them with certifications, and supporting business development. The program is focused on helping businesses access contracting opportunities, comply with requirements where necessary, and build the knowledge and resources needed to grow and compete in the industry.
RTD’s Small Business Opportunity Office is part of the agency’s Civil Rights Division. RTD certifies firms as Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), while Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification is administered through the Colorado Unified Certification Program. Click here to learn more about doing business with RTD.