Regional Transit Leaders: We Want Small Business Vendors

Regional Transit Leaders: “We Want Small Business Vendors”
July 19, 2006

Roger Dickinson, of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and Chair of the Sacramento Regional Transit ( RT) Board of Directors, welcomed a full house at the How to Do Business with Regional Transit small business outreach conference on July 19, 2006. Dickinson provided insight into future transportation plans for the Sacramento Region. Dr. Beverly Scott, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer for RT told attendees, “We want small business vendors,” emphasizing the agency’s open door and vendor friendly policy. The conference, which has garnered increased interest each year from the small business community, is presented by RT and The Federal Technology Center (The FTC). Geared specifically to small business vendors, the event educates them about how RT purchases good and services, and provides the opportunity to meet key decision makers at RT.

Special guest, Derrin Jourdan, from the Federal Transportation Region 9 Office of Civil Rights, discussed the role of his federal agency relative to Regional Transit.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) representatives, Janice Salais and Maria Rodriguez, discussed certification procedures that are used by both Caltrans and RT.

The RT Executive Panel, comprised of the entire Senior Executive team at RT, discussed upcoming plans for RT and how each of their areas of responsibility play into contract opportunities, clearly demonstrating their commitment to small business.

Bill Teeple, Senior Counselor and Instructor for The FTC, presented Doing Business with Regional Transit, a one-hour class that explains how RT registers vendors, advertises projects, and awards contracts.

For many in attendance, the highlight of the day was the RT Contracting Panel, comprised of RT’s lead procurement officials. Each panelist 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 audience was able to meet and network with panel members.

Don’t miss the Third Annual Regional Transit Primes & Subcontractor’s Conference and Golden Spike Awards Luncheon on January 24, 2007 where RT will offer another opportunity to network with their buyers and prime contractors.