GRTC uses many vendors to meet its various supply and service needs. Since GRTC receives federal, state, and local assistance, we also follow a procurement process that ensures full and open competition and requires that prices be verified as fair and reasonable.
In accordance with this process, GRTC will formally solicit proposals or bids for large projects. Below you will find listings of projects that are currently being pursued. Please review the attached documents and, should you have any questions, please contact the individual as indicated in the solicitation.
Thank you for your interest in doing business with GRTC.
Open Solicitations
GRTC Transit utilizes Beacon to share solicitations with interested parties. To view specifications or receive updates, click a solicitation and fill out the free form on Beacon. You will receive an email with the link to download attachments. Please note that accurate contact information is required in order to receive any updates. Beacon is free for bidders.
Future Procurements
| Project Name | Estimated Issue Date |
|---|---|
| Hastus Training for Schedulers | 2025 |
| Paratransit Parts | FY 2025 |
| Motorized Entrance Gates | 2025 |
| General Printing Services | Summer 2025 |
| Hastus Software (Microtransit) | 2025 |
| Occupational Health Services | 2025 |
| Fleet Fixed Route Passenger Awareness Monitor | Summer 2025 |
| BRT Station Real Time Passenger Information Upgrade | Q3 2025 |
| ERP Implementation Services | Spring 2025 |
| ADP Software Upgrade and Process Improvement | Q2 2025 |
| GRTC Paratransit Lot Redesign | 2025 |
| Refuse Collection Services | Q2 2025 |
Supplier Diversity
GRTC strives for diversity in our procurement and contracting processes and is committed to providing opportunities for small, women, minority and disadvantaged businesses. Our Supplier Diversity program is designed to promote and increase the participation of diverse suppliers and includes two different types of small business programs. The Small, Women, and Minority Business Enterprise (SWaM) program is a state program of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The purpose is to enhance procurement opportunities for SWaM businesses participating in state-funded projects. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is a federally funded program intended to provide contracting opportunities to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Since GRTC receives federal, state, and local funding, it must follow a procurement process that ensures full and open competition.
How to Participate
Businesses qualify as a diverse supplier if they fall into one of the following categories:
- Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
- Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Those interested in doing business through the Supplier Diversity Program should become certified as a SWaM (Small, Women or Minority) or DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) through the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD).
If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact Antoinette Haynes, Supplier Diversity Liaison, at (804) 358-3871 or antionette.haynes@ridegrtc.com.
We aim to create equal opportunities on which all firms can compete successfully in the market place and ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of all contracts.
What We Buy
Advertising
Air Conditioning System (Bus)
Architectural
Audio Visual Equipment
Armored Car Delivery Service
Banking/Financial Services
Batteries
Bench Installations
Benches And Trash Cans
Brake System (Bus)
Building Maintenance & Repairs
Bus Inspections
Bus Painting
Bus Shelters
Buses
CAD
Cameras
Carpentry
Carpeting
Catering Services
Chemicals (LEED Certified)
Computer Equipment & Supplies
Computer Maintenance
Computer Upgrade Software
Construction Services
Consulting Services
Courier Services
Data Processing
Doors, Overhead, Rolling
Drafting
Electrical Services
Engineering/Design Services
Environmental Services
Fences & Gates
Fire Protection Services
First Aid Flooring
Fuel Graphic Art & Design
Hardware
Hazardous Material Abatement
HVAC Services
Industrial Equipment
Insurance
Interior Design
IT Consultants
Janitorial Services
Kits (Bus)
Landscaping
Legal
Uniforms
Lighting Equipment
Lubricants
Mailing & Postage System/Services
Media Relations
Office Furniture
Office Supplies
Painting
Parking Facilities/Services
Paving & Resurfacing Services
Personnel Services
Pest Control Services
Plumbing & Maintenance
Pre-Employment Screening
Printing Services
Radio Maintenance
Radios
Recycling
Safety Equipment
Security Equipment
Security Services
Shelter Installation
Signs
Sign Installation
Sign Maintenance
Supplies/Equipment
Surveying
Telecommunications Equipment
Tire Leasing
Tools
Training Services
Vehicle Parts
Video Production
Web-Based Services
Wireless Services
DBE Program
GRTC has submitted a DBE Program to the FTA, U.S. Department of Transportation that documents the specific policies GRTC has developed for the administration of the program and statewide overall goal. The overall goal is updated on a triennial basis.
DBE Eligibility Requirements
To participate as a DBE the firm must receive certification as a DBE.
Your firm must be an independent business owned (at least 51%) and controlled by a member or members of a socially or economically disadvantaged group.
Groups include:
- African Americans
- Native Americans
- Hispanic
- Asian-Pacific
- Asian-Indian Americans
- Women
- Individuals found to be disadvantaged as defined by the Small Business Act under the 8(a) program
Individual owners must have a personal net worth not exceeding $1,320,000 (excluding ownership interest in the firm, retirement fund assets, and equity value of primary residence). The firm’s average gross receipts over the last three years must not exceed $22.410 million. There are different size limits for various categories of businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept other types of certifications like MBE or DBE certifications performed by an agency other than VDOT?
No. Since GRTC receives federal funding from the DOT, only the VDOT DBE certification will be accepted. Further, if a company is certified as a DBE by another agency, that company must still go through VDOT’s certification process to be accepted by GRTC. A DBE certification from another agency may, however, speed up the certification process for VDOT.
What do I need to do to participate in GRTC’s DBE program?
To participate in GRTC’s DBE program, first get certified as a DBE through VDOT. Next, send GRTC’s DBE Liaison Officer information on your company for inclusion in our purchasing vendor database. Next, market your company to GRTC and also look in the Richmond area newspapers for solicitation advertisements. Finally, be persistent.
How will a DBE certification improve my opportunities to compete for business with GRTC?
A DBE status makes it easier to identify and ensure that minority and women owned firms are solicited for bids and proposals. Also, on applicable solicitations, a DBE subcontracting goal is assigned. Prime contractors must then seek to meet that DBE subcontracting goal or establish that good faith efforts were made to do so.
If my company is minority or woman owned, am I required to be certified as a DBE company to compete for/do business with GRTC?
DBE certification is not a requirement. Any minority or woman owned company can compete for and do business with GRTC, just like a majority owned company, without being certified as a DBE firm. The only requirement for any company is to be a responsible and viable company that can provide the goods and/or services solicited in a cost effectively and efficient manner.
Once I am certified, will that guarantee that I will get business from GRTC?
No. Even if you are certified, you must still market your business, offer competitive prices, and offer goods and services that GRTC solicits. Since GRTC is a small public transit agency, the amount and frequency of opportunities will be significantly smaller than the larger public agencies in the area and the competition will be greater.
How do I know if I qualify?
You must apply for and then go through a certification process. GRTC uses the certification service provided by the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) located in Richmond, Virginia. The certification service is free and an application can be obtained from that office at 1111 East Main Street, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23219, or (804) 786-5560. An application can also be obtained by contacting GRTC’s DBE Liaison Officer at (804) 358-3871.