Intercity Transit (IT) commits to using disadvantaged and small businesses (whether or not included in the minority, women, or disadvantaged categories) to the maximum extent possible, as outlined in our most current Disadvantaged Business Enterprise plan and 2023- 2025 Goals (in effect until September 30, 2025).
We began using our updated overall goal on October 1, 2022, at the start of the 3-year fiscal period. Intercity Transit’s overall DBE goal for FFY 2023 - 2025 is 1.5%. For this program, Intercity Transit will use the rounded, weighted base figure of 1.5% of the federal dollar amount Intercity Transit expends for DOT-assisted contracts (Pattison Base Modernization project) excluding Department of Transportation (DOT) funds used to purchase transit revenue vehicles and offset Intercity Transit staff time.
August 1, 2025 – October 1, 2025
Intercity Transit’s updated DBE Program which reflects required DBE Tier 1 changes and new 2026 - 2028 goals are available on IT's website and for dissemination to partners and were finalized on August 1, 2025.
The new 2026 - 2028 goals will take effect from 10/1/2025 - 9/30/2027. IT will begin using our updated overall goal on October 1, 2025, at the start of the 3-year federal fiscal period. Intercity Transit’s overall DBE goal for FFY 2026 - 2028 is 1.38%. For this program, Intercity Transit will use the rounded, weighted base figure of 1.4% of the federal dollar amount Intercity Transit expects to expend for USDOT-assisted contracts (Pattison Maintenance Operations Administrative (MOA) Rehabilitation & Modernization project, Smart Corridors Phase 4, USDOT Smart grant and Electric Battery Chargers) excluding USDOT funds used to purchase transit revenue vehicles and offset Intercity Transit staff time.
We remind interested firms to afford potential business partners an equal, non-discriminatory opportunity to compete for business as joint venture partners or subcontractors. We are interested in firms that demonstrate a commitment to equal employment opportunity and encourage firms to employ a workforce that reflects the region's diversity, and practice non-discrimination. We encourage all such businesses to apply.
For more information on how to become certified as a disadvantaged business enterprise or small business enterprise, please contact the Washington State Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises. Feel free to contact our Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison Officer if you have any questions or comments.
If you feel your business has been denied a business opportunity with Intercity Transit based on discrimination, please complete our Discrimination Complaint Form.
Information for Minority Owned, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, or Small Businesses
Intercity Transit maintains a strong commitment to reducing barriers to DBEs or non-DBEs. All such businesses are encouraged to participate in the competitive contracting opportunities Intercity Transit offers.
All interested firms are reminded to afford all potential business partners an equal, non-discriminatory opportunity to compete for business as joint venture partners or subcontractors. Intercity Transit is interested in firms that demonstrate a commitment to equal employment opportunity and encourages firms to employ a workforce that reflects non-discrimination.
How to Submit Better Bids or Proposals
Request a copy of the bid or proposal package as soon as possible after it is released so you have ample time to develop a response. Thoroughly read the whole RFB or RFP and any accompanying documents. This explains the purpose of the project and the information required from interested vendors.
If you have questions about our solicitation, the correct format for your document, our selection process, or anything else, contact Procurement as early as possible in the process.
Most RFBs or RFPs have scheduled pre-bid or preproposal meetings so vendors can ask questions or get clarifications about solicitations. If possible, attend the meeting to learn as much as you can about the project. If you are unable to attend, a summary of the meeting plus any Addenda to the solicitation will be posted on the system used for official bid notification.
Carefully read these to see if any requirements have changed.
Specific bid selection criteria or proposal evaluation criteria will be described in the solicitation. Make sure you understand the criteria and project requirements, so your response fully addresses what is requested. Complete or provide all additional forms, certifications or paperwork requested in the solicitation.
Every RFB or RFP lists a date and time as its submittal deadline. Every RFB or RFP states the form, manner, and other instructions for submitting the bid response. We must receive your bid or proposal in the manner described in the solicitation before the deadline. We will not evaluate late bids or proposals. Whether you are using electronic mail, postal mail, a delivery service or hand-delivering your bid or proposal, as instructed in the solicitation documents, it is your responsibility to ensure it meets the submittal deadline. We cannot accept faxed submittals.