The transportation industry is already huge. For example, the road network within the United States is the largest in the world. In 2019, Americans utilized public transportation over 9.9 billion times (about 34 million each weekday!). With nearly 332 million people living in the US and using the road system, there is a lot of potential business for companies that handle transportation or other transit infrastructure. By responding to transportation RFPs or transportation RFIs, your company can secure opportunities to sustain your business for years. Additionally, government contracts are a great way to legitimize your business and can serve as a feather in your metaphorical cap.
However, getting started can be daunting. This is especially true if you tackle this process without prior experience. This guide will help set you on the right path and lead you toward vital tools to help simplify the process.
Why You Should Complete Transportation RFPs
If you have heard of the RFP or RFI process but aren’t sure what it is or why it matters, do not fear! Here is an explanation of the benefits of going through the process.
Private sector business comes in waves. There are high and low seasons that can impact the flow of business and can make funding difficult. Therefore, securing a transportation contract with an entity can be a source of consistent business for years. Having this business guaranteed can help carry you through the lows and help you soar through the highs.
Second, having experience securing, delivering, and fulfilling contracts is a great feather in your cap. Contract experience can bolster your business and grant your company legitimacy in the eyes of other entities. That experience will only help strengthen the potential of future partnerships.
In short, there are plenty of contracting opportunities within the transportation sector. Finding the right bidding opportunities will strengthen your chance of securing high-value contracts. Passing up transportation RFPs means missing out on plenty of potential opportunities.
How to Search for Public Transportation RFPs
Did you know that there are search engines and sites dedicated to specifically searching for RFP opportunities? Well, to put it bluntly, yes, there are. So, let’s start with RFP search engines!
RFP search engines compile RFPs and bidding opportunities from major industry and government sites. One example is The Bid Lab’s user-friendly RFP search engine, Bid Banana. With Bid Banana, you can search and save specific opportunities by tailoring searches by industry and location. Bid Banana will also notify you when new opportunities match your search terms. To sign up, click here.
Other great RFP resources are official government or organizational sites. For example, Sam.gov is a public US government site where you can see contracting opportunities. You may need an account to access some of the features within this site.
Additionally, you can also visit state-specific and local sites to see location-specific opportunities. There are many state-specific portals where local RFPs are posted. Cities or municipalities may also post their transportation RFPs and contracting opportunities for area opportunities. If your services are only offered in select areas, looking at more focused platforms can help reduce the noise and find what works best for your team.
Finally, some professional experts offer services that help simplify the search process. You can utilize The Bid Lab’s Bid Finder service via Bid Manager! Our dedicated experts can actively search, find, and present bidding opportunities. Unlike other services, we have real humans sifting through RFPs to deliver you only the most strategic bids.
Find Transportation RFPs Using Search Terms and Keywords
Ok, you’ve decided to take the leap and try bidding on transportation RFPs. You have even found the site that works best for you to find the right opportunity. How do you find what you are looking for on these platforms?
Well, it depends on what sort of work your business does. Different things go into creating a healthy, functioning transportation system. With some guidance, you can further hone your search to get a more precise one.
Here are some keywords and terms to factor into your search:
“Transportation” is a general term that will fetch results relating to all types of transportation.
“Transit” or “Public Transportation” or “Mass Transit” will return results specifically related to public transportation.
“Transportation Infrastructure” will return results relating to building or maintaining larger transportation infrastructure projects.
Finding ways to support your searches and narrow them down with terms will make the process easier and faster overall. Experiment with different terms to spend less time searching and bidding and more time submitting. Soon, you’ll be working on the projects you love.
Best Practices to Follow
You found the right transportation RFP. Well, now what?
Well, you want to make the best transportation proposal possible and send it in with all the requirements met and the fine details that make your team stand out! But how do you know exactly what to do?
It is important to gather as much information as possible on the agency you are bidding with and the current situation. Is there an existing provider or someone that is phasing out? Or are you the first in the door setting up a new system?
Next, it is vital to read through the entire transportation RFP. Can you meet all of the requirements that the RFP is asking for? Something as simple as one detail being gone can disqualify you immediately. Before you dedicate any substantial time or effort, ensure you are the right fit for the bid.
Keep an eye out for any updates or addenda to the proposal. There may be evolving information that can help you form your proposal. In some cases, there are updates to the submission guidelines that you want to fulfill. Many RFPs have a Q&A process. Even if you have missed the deadline to submit your questions, you can get helpful information from the answers provided.
Then, create a comprehensive, professional response. The proposal should emphasize what your team can do and why you are the best option for the contract. Make sure to address all of the requirements and desired points the agency seeks. Review the evaluation material to develop your response.
Finally, and second most importantly, keep at it! Bidding for transportation RFPs can be a numbers game. Keep applying and watch for opportunities that will fit your team. You miss all of the shots you don’t take!
End of the Road
Nobody said bidding for transportation RFPs was easy, but it is worthwhile. It is a great way to develop your business and establish a consistent level of business that will last through the high and low seasons.
There are many places to look to find contracting opportunities that fit your team well. Finding the right places that work best for your team can reduce the time you spend looking for business. Additionally, transportation RFPs have intense details and document requirements for your response. So, answering all questions and addressing all points is vital when creating a successful bid.
Finally, if you need help at any stage in the RFP process, The Bid Lab is here to help. So, contact us today to sign up for a free consultation!
Good bidding and good luck!