Doing Business with us

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Porterville Transit's aim is to deliver projects and services using streamlined, cost-effective business practices. We provide a level playing field for businesses to compete for work on transit projects.

Reflecting the region, responsibility

Porterville Transit is funded by public tax dollars and it's critical that all contracts are awarded through a fair, legal and thoughtful process.

We're also committed to working with a workforce that reflects the region's diversity and that employs local businesses - including small, minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses.

Procurement & Contracts

The City of Porterville's Finance Department, Purchasing Division, is Porterville Transit's method through which public solicitations are issued and procurement contracts are awarded for all of the agency's capital, operating and administrative requirements including architectural and engineering services, construction, equipment, materials, technology and professional, technical and support services.

Because Porterville Transit offers a range of contracting opportunities for suppliers, service providers and contractors, we publish all upcoming and current solicitations on-line using Public Purchase. Vendors and Contractors registered with Public Purchase receive automatic notifications about upcoming solicitations and allows for the download of solicitation documents and associated addenda. Information on bid results and awards can be found there as well.

Simply visit http://www.ci.porterville.ca.us/depts/Finance/CurrentProposalsBids.cfm

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Small Business Development and Labor Compliance

Porterville Transit works to ensure the businesses and working force building our transit system represent the demographics of our region. Our mission is to influence stakeholders so that Porterville Transit improves mobility for Porterville in ways that include diverse people of the region.

As a recipient of Federal funds, Porterville Transit implements a Disadvantaged Business Program (DBE) and a Title VI Program compliant with Federal regulations.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

Here is a copy of Porterville Transit's DBE Program

The objectives of the DBE Program are:

1. Ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of federally-funded contracts.
2. Create a level playing field where DBEs can compete fairly for federally-funded contracts.
3. Help remove barriers to DBE participation in the bidding, award, and administration of Porterville Transit contracts.
4. Assist in the development of DBEs so they can compete successfully in the market outside of the DBE program.
5. Ensure that only firms that fully meet the eligibility standards of 49 CFR Part 26 are permitted to participate as DBEs.
6. Ensure that the DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law.
7. Identify qualified DBEs that can provide Porterville Transit with required materials, equipment, supplies, and services and develop good rapport with the owners and managers of said companies.
8. Develop programs that will introduce prospective DBEs to Porterville Transit's contract procedures, activities, and requirements.
9. Encourage DBEs to provide Porterville Transit with feedback on existing barriers and how to eliminate those barriers.
10. Administer the DBE Program in close coordination with other City departments to ensure its success.

What is a DBE?

A DBE is a for-profit small business that is at least 51% owned by individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged.

How does my business become a DBE?

In California, you must be certified through the California Office of Business & Economic Opportunity (OBEO). Please visit OBEO's website for additional information:

http://dot.ca.gov/obeo/dbe.html

What is Porterville Transit's DBE Goal?

Porterville Transit's FTA DBE goal for fiscal year 2017-2019 is 16.12%.

Here is a copy of Porterville Transit's DBE Goal

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Small Business Resources

Porterville Transit also supports local small businesses to help them succeed in their work by connecting them with certification resources and prime contractors in the area.

Please see below our Small Businesses Resources.

Small Business Administration

• Starting Your Business
• Launch Your Business
• Manage Your Business
• Grow Your Business  
• Loans and Grants
• Government Contracting
• Local Assistance  

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Title VI Program

Porterville Transit's Title VI Program ensures that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, creed, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

You can read Porterville Transit's Title VI Complaint Process here. You can access a printable copy of the Title VI Notice here. You can also access a printable copy of the Title VI Program here.

Title VI complaints can be filed in any of the following methods:

1. Fill out the complaint form and submit by email, mail or person:

 

Fill out the printable complaint form in English or in Spanish.

and mail/take to: City of Porterville, Attn: Porterville Transit

291 N. Main Street, Porterville, CA 93257.

Email the form to: rtree@ci.porterville.ca.us

 

1. Directly with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) within the 180-day timeframe.

Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

Attention: Title VI Coordinator

East Building, 5th Floor - TCR

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590