This page is a dedicated resource for industry to seek out open bid opportunities, register as a vendor and access Austin Transit Partnership's vendor portal.
Procurement Opportunities
Light Rail Design-Build Contract Award
On February 18, ATP awarded a final design and construction contract to Austin Rail Constructors (ARC) a joint venture between Stacy Witbeck Inc. and Sundt Construction, Inc. for design and construction services for the civils, rail, stations, and system elements of Austin Light Rail.
The contractors will help shape and build nearly every aspect of the system including the transitway, tracks, systems, stations, bridges, traffic signals, utilities, drainage structures and streetscape. The agreement authorizes the commencement of work to advance the design and plan for construction. The contract is expected to extend through the duration of design, construction and opening for service, planned for 2033.
ATP undertook a rigorous evaluation process that included firm and personnel qualifications, proposed workplans and approaches, certain costs, and demonstrated ability to collaborate with ATP. After completion of the evaluation, ARC was identified as the highest-ranked proposer.
Operations and Maintenance Facility Design-Build Request for Proposals (RFP)
As part of the Design-Build Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Operations and Maintenance Facility Design-Build Construction Contract for Austin Light Rail launched in October 2025, ATP evaluated three proposals and has identified the highest-ranked firm. ATP has entered the negotiation phase, and the procurement will remain active until the Board approves a final contract. ATP will not be commenting during the negotiation phase.
Upon award, the contract will include all work within the Operations and Maintenance Facility site, excluding rail systems elements.
Light Rail Vehicles Request for Information (RFI)
ATP is seeking a Light Rail Vehicle manufacturer to join us in stewarding a vibrant culture of transit so that the people and places of Austin are more deeply connected.
In October 2025 ATP released the RFP for the procurement of Light Rail Vehicles. The deadline to respond to the RFP is March 2026.
Additional Procurement Opportunities
To learn about the current and upcoming contracting opportunities, visit the Vendor Portal and register as a vendor.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
The primary goal and objective of the DBE program is to level the playing field for businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and create a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded transportation contracts.
On October 3, 2025, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) updating language around the qualifications to receive a DBE certification. To ensure a level playing field between existing participants and new applicants, while also eliminating the effects of the presumptions and reliance in whole or in part on claims of disadvantage based on race or sex, this IFR requires each Unified Certification Program (UCP) to reevaluate any currently certified DBE, to recertify any DBE that meets the new certification standards, and to decertify any DBE that does not meet the new certification standards.
The IFR includes certain requirements that apply during the reevaluation process, such as pausing DBE goal setting on new solicitations and pausing the enforcement of DBE goals on existing contracts.
ATP is making the necessary changes to remain in full compliance with federal regulations and continue to support a fair, transparent and legally sound procurement process. As a result, no new DBE goals will be identified on new or existing solicitations. ATP will continue to update our DBE program to align with changes made by the IFR.
DBE Eligibility
For-profit, small businesses are eligible to become a DBE if socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least 51% of the firm and control and manage the firm’s daily business operations. All firms must meet the requirements for certification under 49 CFR Part 26 and be certified as a DBE in the state of Texas to participate as a DBE firm on ATP contracts with established DBE goals.
DBE Certification
The Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP) is responsible for reviewing the eligibility of small businesses for certification as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise in Texas. ATP will accept DBE certifications from the following TUCP members:
- City of Austin
- City of Houston
- Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority
- North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency
- South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency
- Texas Department of Transportation
Questions?
Visit ATP’s DBE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page for additional information.
Bid Opportunities
ATP encourages all businesses to register as a vendor and review current opportunities by visiting our PlanetBids Vendor Portal page for more information.
Contact Info
Brad Cummings, Senior Vice President, Procurement & Contract Management
Erick Wilkes, Vice President, Small Business Enterprise
Keisha L. Gash, Manager, Small Business Enterprise Compliance
Email: SBE@atptx.org