SF Bay VTA Opens Doors to Transit Contractors

VTA hosts free contractor networking event June 18 with procurement officials and lunch

VTA Sets June 18 Date for Contractor Event

Contractors and businesses interested in working with Santa Clara County's transit system can connect with procurement officials at VTA's second annual networking event. The Valley Transportation Authority will host Contracts & Contacts on June 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Santa Clara Convention Center, transit officials said. Registration's free and includes lunch, though officials haven't said whether there's a capacity limit or registration deadline.

Building Business Relationships

The event aims to help businesses of all sizes learn about VTA's procurement processes and connect with agency staff who manage contracting opportunities. "This event is about building relationships and opening doors for businesses of all sizes to work with VTA," Stacey Hendler Ross, Deputy Director of Communications and Community Engagement, said in the agency's announcement. VTA held its first Contracts & Contacts event in 2024, though specific attendance figures from that inaugural gathering weren't available. Transit agencies across California increasingly host similar contractor outreach events to expand their vendor pools and improve procurement transparency.

Procurement Opportunities Available

The June event will feature information sessions about doing business with VTA and opportunities to meet key procurement staff, according to the agency. Officials didn't specify which types of contracts or service categories they'll highlight at the event. VTA regularly procures goods and services to support its bus and light rail operations throughout Santa Clara County, though the agency hasn't disclosed the total annual value of contracts available to vendors. Federal Transit Administration guidelines encourage agencies to engage small and disadvantaged business enterprises in contracting, making networking events like this part of broader supplier diversity efforts.

Event Details and Registration

The four-hour event runs from mid-morning through early afternoon, giving attendees time to network with VTA representatives and other contractors. Registration is available through VTA's website, though officials haven't announced when registration closes or whether attendance will be capped. The Santa Clara Convention Center location provides space for the expanded second-year event, which VTA describes as "bigger and bolder" than the 2024 edition, though specific details about what's new this year weren't provided.

Connecting with Transit Opportunities

Contractors attending the event will gain insights into VTA's operations and upcoming projects that require vendor support. The networking format lets businesses ask questions directly to agency staff and learn about procurement timelines. Moovit provides real-time updates and service information for VTA's bus and light rail routes throughout Santa Clara County.