FAQs

Please click the on the questions below to jump to the answer.

General Questions

Bonding & Assessment Related Questions

Certification & Application Related Questions

GENERAL
1. How do I do business with RTD?
There are several ways to do business with RTD.

•   Check the Current Solicitations weekly. The Current Solicitations
is a list of all products and services RTD is looking to purchase.

You can bid on any RTD solicitation for which you feel you are able to
compete. The solicitation information on the web page provides:
    •    The name of the project
    •    The project number
    •    The name of the project manager
    •    The deadline for bid submittal

Contact Kathy Melluzo in Contracts and Procurement to receive a copy of
the project documentation, which provides a detailed description of the
required work and all applicable requirements.

•   Get on the RTD Bidders List.

For projects too small for the formal bid process, RTD buyers use the
Bidders List (an internal database) to find companies providing the
required products and services. RTD buyers contact these companies
directly to request bids.

2. What is the RTD Bidders List and how do I get on it?
The RTD Bidders List is an internal database used by RTD buyers to find and contact businesses for needed products and services.

Get on the RTD Bidders List.

3. How do I find out information on current and upcoming RTD projects?
Check the Current Solicitations regularly. This list includes
invitations for bids, requests for proposals, upcoming solicitations,
awarded contracts, and other pertinent information on participating in
projects and on contracts.

4. Whom do I contact to purchase used RTD buses?
RTD buses are sold at auction by Roller and Associates. Please contact
Dayton Roller at (303) 289-1600 or visit www.rollerauction.com.

BONDING & ASSESSMENT
1. Who can participate in RTD's Subcontractors Performance Self-Insured Program?
RTD's Subcontractors Performance Self-Insured Program is for companies that bid on West Corridor contracts of $500,000 or less. Before a company is awarded work under the bonding program, the company will need to be assessed by RTD.

2. How do I get assessed?
The Small Business Opportunity Office is currently scheduling assessments for firms which provide construction related services. Please check Contracting Opportunities - West Corridor to see if your type of service is listed, then contact the Small Business Opportunity Office at 303-299-2281 to sign-up for assessment.

3. Will collateral be required from my firm if we participate in the program?
At this time, requiring collateral is not a planned requirement within the Subcontractors Performance Self-Insured Program; however, small businesses wanting to participate in the program need to be financially stable. RTD will monitor program participants and track payments to suppliers and employees.

4. When will the bonding program be implemented?
The Subcontractors Performance Self-Insured Program is scheduled to be implemented prior to the start of construction on the West Corridor, sometime mid to late 2008.

5. What else should I know about the program?
More details about the program will be available after RTD selects a brokerage services firm. Currently, RTD is evaluating proposals from brokerage services firms that bid on the Small-Tier Bond Alternative Brokerage Services Request for Proposal (RFP). Check the Business Center regularly for updates on program details.
RTD Bonding Program News Release

CERTIFICATION & APPLICATION
1. If I am DBE certified, am I automatically certified with RTD?
No. RTD recognizes Unified Certification Program (UCP) for DBE firms (firms certified by either of Colorado's two certifying agencies: Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) or the City and County of Denver Mayor's Office of Economic Development CCD/MOED)) for work on federally funded projects. However, RTD administers its own Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification Program to certify firms for work on locally funded projects.

The eligibility requirements for certification in both programs are similar. Typically, DBE certified firms are eligible for SBE certification, but the firm must formally apply for SBE certification.

2. If I am certified as a DBE, why do I need to be certified as an SBE?
The Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification Program was designed by RTD to help small, minority, and women-owned businesses increase their participation on locally funded projects.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification Program was established by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in compliance with federal regulations. The DBE Certification Program was designed to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts in the department's highway, transit, and airport financial assistance programs and to create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts.

In both programs, small business (SBE/DBE) participation goals are established on projects with sub-contracting opportunities. By being certified, you qualify to fulfill participation goal requirements. If the project is federally funded, DBE goal requirements must be fulfilled. If the project is locally funded, SBE goal requirements must be fulfilled.

Having both certifications enhances your opportunity to participate on both locally and federally funded projects.

3. Can I get SBE certified if my company is a start-up?
Start-up companies are welcome to apply for certification. With your application, please provide documentation of proof of capability in the area(s) you are seeking certification. Such documentation can include resumes, references, other certification, certificates of completion for training programs, etc.

4. Why do I need to fill out a Personal Financial Statement?
All applicants are required to submit a Personal Financial Statement with their application. The Personal Financial Statement is necessary to determine if the net worth of the firm's owner falls within the guidelines of the program.

5. Who sees my application and Personal Financial Statement?
Your application and Personal Financial Statement will only be available to the Business Opportunity & Outreach Officer and the Certification Officer assigned to your certification.

6. How long does it take to process my application?
Every effort is made to process your application within 45 business days.

7. My SBE Certification is expired. How do I renew?
Your SBE Certification can be renewed by filing a new application and Personal Financial Statement for processing.

8. How long is my certification valid?
3 years.