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 Contract Award
On April 15, ATP selected Kiewit Austin Partnership (KAP), a joint venture between Kiewit and Austin Commercial, as the design-build contractor for the system’s Operations and Maintenance Facility—a critical component of Austin Light Rail that will support daily operations and long-term system performance.
KAP will lead the design and construction of the Operations and Maintenance Facility, where Austin’s light rail vehicles will be stored, serviced and dispatched. The facility will also serve as a workplace for operators, maintenance crews and support staff who will keep the system running safely and efficiently.
KAP was identified as the highest-ranked firm following a rigorous, competitive procurement process that evaluated elements including firms’ experience, personnel qualifications, technical approach and design innovation and demonstrated ability to collaborate with ATP.
Light Rail Vehicles Contract Award
On July 15, ATP selected Stadler U.S. to provide light rail vehicles for the Austin Light Rail system. Having the vehicle manufacturer under contract will now allow for timely coordination with the teams that are currently designing the overall light rail system and Operations and Maintenance Facility.
The Austin Light Rail vehicles will be based on Stadler’s service-proven model, CITYLINK, which features a modern and sleek body and interior with design features to create an open, passenger-friendly experience. The design process will include opportunities for the Austin community to provide input on elements such as vehicle color schemes, seating configurations, accessibility features and wayfinding elements to benefit customer experience.
Stadler was identified as the highest-ranked manufacturer following a rigorous, competitive procurement process that evaluated elements including a manufacturer’s light rail vehicle technical specifications; technical approach to designing, manufacturing, testing and commissioning their proposed light rail vehicles; organization and past performance; schedule credibility and manufacturing capacity; light rail vehicle technical support and training; approach to safety and security; and price. The company has extensive experience designing light rail vehicles and other trains globally and has provided vehicles for multiple projects nationally, including in Texas.
The light rail vehicles contract award marks the conclusion of a series of major procurements over the past 18 months, outlined in ATP’s delivery plan and keeps Austin Light Rail on track.
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
Email: SBE@atptx.org