Fourth Annual Regional Transit Conference Succeeds
August 15, 2007

For the fourth year in a row the “How to Do Business with Regional Transit” small business outreach conference, present­ed by the Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) and The Federal Technology Center (The FTC), received outstanding reviews. Geared specifically to small business vendors, the event teaches how RT purchases and provides the op­portunity to meet key decision makers at RT. Ray Tretheway, member of the Sacramento City Council and Chair of the RT Board of Directors, welcomed the full-house and provided in­sight into future transportation plans for the Sacramento Re­gion. Dr. Beverly Scott, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer for RT, appearing by video, emphasized the agency’s open door and vendor friendly policy. Special guest, Derrin Jourdan, from the Federal Transit Administration Region 9 Office of Civil Rights, discussed the role of his federal agency relative to RT and praised RT’s vendor notification system as one of the best he has seen. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) representatives, Ann Blazina and Veronica Wogec, demonstrated how to use their website and discussed the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.

The RT Executive Panel, comprised of the Senior Executive team at RT, discussed upcoming plans for RT and how each of their areas of responsibility play into contract opportunities. Moderated by Fernando Barcena, Senior Procurement and DBE Administrator, and led by Michael Wiley, Deputy General Manager, the team reinforced their commitment to small business.

A highlight of the day, from the perspective of those in attendance, was the RT Contracting Panel. Moderated by Carol Bowyer, of The FTC, and led by Randy Miller, Procurement Services Manager, the panel members are all lead procurement officials. Each of the twelve panelists discussed what they purchase and provided key tips for the business owners to keep in mind. Issues discussed ranged from maintaining a current profile to ensuring invoices are accurate and com­plete. Following the panel discussion, the attendees had an opportunity to meet and network with panel members.

Another highlight was a one-hour class, “Doing Business with Regional Transit,” offered by Bill Teeple, Senior Coun­selor and Instructor for The FTC. Those in attendance were invited to apply the key tips provided by the RT contracting panel to the explanations of how RT registers vendors, advertises projects, and awards contracts.

Commendations are due to all who participated, and special thanks to Fernando Barcena who has been the coordinator with The FTC in planning and conducting this highly successful annual event.

Plan now to attend the 4th Annual RT Primes &Subcontractors Conference and Golden Spike Awards Luncheon on January 17, 2008. For details as they become available, go online to: www.TheFTC.org/rt2008 or call The FTC at 916.334.9388.

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