SLED Opportunity · OHIO · SOUTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY
AI Summary
SORTA seeks qualified vendors to supply bus batteries for a two-year contract period. Bids are invited under an Invitation For Bid process.
The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) is seeking bids from qualified vendors to provide bus batteries, per the specifications provided in the scope of work, for a contract period of two (2) years.
The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (“SORTA”), commonly known as Cincinnati Metro, is a regional transit authority established pursuant to Section 306.30 et seq. of the Ohio Revised Code. As such, SORTA is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio.
SORTA delivers a range of public transportation services, including fixed-route mass transit, paratransit, and micro-transit. Its service area encompasses the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and portions of Butler, Clermont, and Warren Counties.
SORTA operates 48 fixed bus routes, utilizing a fleet of approximately 300 transit buses. In addition, it provides paratransit services with a fleet of 60 vehicles and micro-transit services with 30 vehicles, ensuring accessible and flexible transportation options across the region.
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Q&A Report
SORTA will not reimburse proposers for any costs incurred in the preparation and submittal of proposals or participation in the evaluation and negotiation process.
The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) is seeking a vendor to furnish three (3) models of bus batteries for a period of two (2) years.
MODEL #908D/T978:
The battery currently approved for use by SORTA is manufactured by East Penn Manufacturing Model #908D/T978.
Minimum Requirements:
MUST BE and/or HAVE THE FOLLOWING:
12V MAINTENANCE FREE ODYSSEY EXTREME ODX-AGM31:
Other battery names will be accepted as long as they are approved by SORTA, and the specifications are the same.
Minimum Requirements:
12V BBH8F001AA/49AGM:
Other battery names will be accepted as long as they are approved by SORTA, and the specifications are the same.
Minimum Requirements:
No other batteries will be accepted by SORTA, unless approved through a testing process to assure acceptable quality.
All samples must be furnished to SORTA within three (3) business days from SORTA’s request.
SORTA's decision on accepting the sample for approval shall be in its sole and uncontrolled discretion and shall be final.
EACH BATTERY SHALL HAVE A LABEL (OR ENGRAVING) PERMANENTLY AFFIXED TO IT WHICH IDENTIFIES THE NAME OF THE BATTERY MANUFACTURER AND MANUFACTURER’S DATE CODE.
Any questions regarding this solicitation shall be submitted through the e-Procurement Portal no later than 2:00 pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (EST). Telephoned questions will not be accepted. Proposers shall not contact any other SORTA personnel regarding any aspect of this solicitation. Any proposer found to have had such contact shall be barred from participation in this solicitation and any subsequent contract, either as a prime contractor or subcontractors.
SORTA anticipates that responses to questions submitted will be provided to all known proposers by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. If the responses materially alter the terms of this solicitation, they will be incorporated in an amendment to the solicitation. No communication by SORTA or any of its Trustees, officers, employees, agents or representatives shall alter the terms of this solicitation or bind SORTA in any manner, unless incorporated in such an amendment.
SORTA reserves the right in its absolute discretion to revise or amend this Solicitation, including the Scope of Work, up to the time set for receipt of Bids. Any such revision or amendment, if any, will be sent via email to all Bidders who have downloaded a copy of this Solicitation from the e-Procurement Portal. Bidders shall acknowledge any and all addenda electronically via the e-Procurement Portal as part of their bid package.
Vendor may deliver the quantity of batteries ordered at once; however, not less than 10% of estimated quantity MUST BE DELIVERED within seven (7) days from the order date.
The difference MUST BE DELIVERED within 14 days from the order date.
This is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity type contract (IDIQ). The quantities and deliveries cannot be determined at this time.
SORTA estimates approximate quantities to be ordered annually. Quantities are only an estimate and is not binding within the contract with the selected vendor.
Deliveries will be made to the below locations, purchase orders will identify delivery location and quantity.
Queensgate: 1401 Bank St., Cincinnati, OH 45214
Bond Hill: 4700 Paddock Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45229
Deliveries shall be made between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. (Excluding 11:30 A.M. to 12:00 Noon) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
The complete bid package for this solicitation consists of an electronically completed Bid Pricing Form together with the documents specified here:
Vendor shall warrant that the scrap batteries received from SORTA will be stored, transported, salvaged, disassembled, disposed of, and in every other respect handled by vendor or by any other person in full compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and administrative regulations which may be applicable.
These laws and regulations include, without limitation, laws and regulations for the protection of the environment and laws and regulations governing possession, safeguarding, transporting, processing, and disposition of hazardous waste.
In addition, the vendor shall hold SORTA harmless from and indemnify it against any liability of SORTA arising out of all such laws and regulations, whether based upon negligence, strict liability, or any other legal theory.
Such liability includes, without limitation, all costs of defense, settlement of claims, costs of redemption, testing, and monitoring, and further includes without limitation, all costs of defense, settlement of claims, costs of remediation, testing, and monitoring, and further includes without limitation judicial and administrative liability under statutes and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, and in particular, liability under Section 107 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. 9607.
Within ten (10) days after each pick up of the scrap batteries from SORTA, vendor shall provide SORTA with a disposition manifest.
Bid package must be received by SORTA via the e-Procurement Portal website (https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/go-metro) no later than the bid submission due date and time specified in the Introduction section or as amended.
The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) will accept only electronic submittals through the e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/go-metro in response to this solicitation. No hard copy submittals will be accepted. Any required notarizations shall be by a licensed notary or an online notary pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 147.60 et seq.; a listing of such notaries may be found on the Ohio Secretary of State website:
Proposals must be received no later than 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 2, 2026 (EST). Late proposals will not be accepted, except as described below.
NOTE: PLEASE READ THIS SECTION VERY CAREFULLY. INFORMATION BELOW IS VERY IMPORTANT
ACCEPTABLE BATTERY TEST RANGE:
Hydrometer Test: 1.260-1.280 Specific Gravity (<25 gravity point variation)
Voltmeter Test: 12.6 Volts Minimum
Carbon-pile Load Test: 9.6 minimum after 15 seconds
Prior to the bid submission due date, Bids may be modified or withdrawn by the Bidder electronically via the e-Procurement Portal. Any such modification must be delivered in the manner for submission of Bids as set forth above, and received by SORTA by no later than the bid submission due date and time specified in the Introduction Section. If withdrawal is timely received, SORTA shall acknowledge the request for withdrawal of Bid. If a modification is timely received by SORTA prior to the date and time set for the receipt of Bids, then that modification will be considered by SORTA as a part of the original Bid.
Any bid modification, or revision, that is received through after the exact time specified for receipt of bid is “late” and will not be considered.
Any submission received after the exact date and time specified will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the contracting officer determines that accepting the late proposal would not unduly delay the acquisition; and there is acceptable evidence to establish that an error occurred while attempting submission prior to designated time for receipt of bids; or it was the only bid received. However, a late modification of an otherwise successful bid that makes its terms more favorable to SORTA, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.
Any bid that is received outside of the e-Procurement portal https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/go-metro. for the receipt of such bids after the exact time specified is will not be considered, unless:
Bidders may withdraw a bid or modification thereof electronically via the e-Procurement Portal at any time prior to the time specified for receipt of proposals or modifications. A bid or modification may be resubmitted prior to the time specified for receipt.
All batteries must include a warranty that covers a minimum of two (2) years.
The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) has established a Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program that encourages diversity and inclusion on all contracts. It is the policy of SORTA to promote equal opportunity and fairness in all its procurement matters, in accordance with state and federal laws, so that small and disadvantaged businesses have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in all contracts. It is also our policy to:
SORTA is committed to fostering small and disadvantaged business participation in contracting opportunities. As such, bidders/proposers are expected to make reasonable efforts to support inclusivity in staffing and subcontracting, to support SORTA’s mission.
SORTA may undertake such investigations as it deems necessary to determine the ability of each Proposer to perform the work, and the Proposer shall furnish to SORTA all such information and data as SORTA may request for this purpose. SORTA reserves the right to reject any proposal if the evidence submitted by, or investigation of, such proposer fails to satisfy SORTA that such proposer is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the contract and to complete the work required, hereunder. SORTA may require the proposer to submit any of the following information as part of the evaluation process:
(1) proposer’s performance record;
(2) proposer's certified, audited financial statements for up to three (3) prior years; and
(3) such additional information as will satisfy SORTA that the Proposer is adequately prepared to fulfill the contract.
SORTA also reserves the right to verify a proposer’s indirect cost rates, such as provisional overhead (burden) and General & Administrative (G&A) rates, before or after award of a contract. In this connection, SORTA may request the proposer to provide copies of undisputed audits of the proposed by
(1) other FTA grantees;
(2) the federal government; or
(3) state government.
The Contract will be awarded to the responsible Bidder(s) submitting the lowest offer. SORTA reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids in their entirety or in part, to waive informalities and minor irregularities and to contract as the best interest of SORTA may require.
Bids will be evaluated on vendor’s responsiveness and responsibility. A responsive bid conforms, in all material respects, to the requirements of the solicitation. Bids will be evaluated to determine the responsible bidder submitting the lowest responsive bid. In determining responsibility, the following elements shall be given consideration in addition to price:
SORTA’s policy and procedure for the administrative resolution of protests is set forth in §3.10 of SORTA’s Procurement Procedures Manual (PPM). The PPM contains rules for the filing and administration of protests. SORTA shall furnish a copy of §3.10 upon request. The policy and procedure is available on SORTA’s website at
Microsoft Word - Metro Protest Procedure (9.23)
An interested party wishing to protest a matter involving a proposed procurement or contract award, shall file a written submission with the Director of Procurement by certified mail or other delivery method by which receipt can be verified. Electronic submission of protests is not acceptable unless an original signed copy of the protest is received by the Director within 24 hours (not including weekends and holidays) after receipt of the electronic copy.
The Director may, however, permit the electronic provision of supplemental information after the initial protest submittal. The protest shall include, at a minimum:
The name and address of the protesting party and its relationship to the procurement sufficient to establish that the protest is being filed by an interested party;
The protestor is solely responsible for the completeness and validity of the information provided. Any documents relevant to the protest should be attached to the written submission. Documents which are readily available on the Internet may be referenced to an appropriate link.
All proposals and documents submitted in response to this IFB are subject to the disclosure provisions of the Ohio Public Records provisions of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 149.43. Proposers should be mindful to avoid providing proprietary information such as trade secrets copyrighted material, or other information of a sensitive or confidential nature. Any such information that is determined to be necessary in order to respond adequately and competitively must be placed at the end of the designated section of the Proposal for easy reference and removal. Any blanket claim of exemption from disclosure or inclusion in a claim for disclosure of information, which is patently subject to disclosure, or any other such claim which may constitute an abuse of the right of exemption may, at SORTA’s sole discretion, render the entire proposal subject to disclosure.
The cone of silence prohibits any communications regarding a specific RFP, RFQ, or IFB between:
Any Board Member, Procurement Specialist, or other SORTA employee receiving communications from potential respondents and their representative(s) must be reported to the Procurement Department staff responsible for administering the solicitation. Failure to report such communications may result in a nonresponsive response submission or voided contract award.
Unless specifically exempted by SORTA, any contractor, subcontractors, subsidiary, or other entity which experiences an organizational or personal conflict of interest (Conflict”) is precluded from participation in any procurement affected by the Conflict. This prohibition also applies to any contractor, subcontractors, subsidiary, or other entity which is legally related to such entity or party.
If a bidder or proposer is uncertain whether or not a conflict exists, it should promptly contact SORTA’s Director of Procurement for a determination. Such inquiries and responses will not be published to other potential bidders. FTA Circular 4220.1F ¶VI.2a (4) (h) defines prohibitions on personal and organizational conflicts of interest, which are further discussed in §2.6 of FTA’s Best Practices Procurement & Lessons Learned Manual (2016). In general, a personal conflict of interest reflects an individual’s ability to influence the award of a contract and to profit from the result of that award. An organizational conflict exists when any of the following exist:
(1) a firm has access to non-public information as the result of performing a government contract and can use that information to advantage in competing for another government contract;
(2) a firm influences the ground rules (specification or contractual terms) for a government solicitation, potentially biasing those ground rules in its own favor; or
(3) a firm’s work under one government contract requires it to evaluate itself or its work product under another contract, impairing its objectivity.
Should a potential bidder or proposer be aware of a potential Conflict, it shall identify the potential Conflict in its proposal, together with measures it proposes to remove or mitigate the Conflict. Should any person or entity planning to submit a bid or proposal hereunder be aware of any situation which may fall under the above prohibitions, it shall, no later than the time of submittal of its offer, identify in writing to SORTA’s Director of Procurement
(1) the nature of the potential conflict;
(2) steps it may take to mitigate the conflict; and
(3) request a waiver of the conflict.
The decision of the Director of Procurement regarding such potential conflicts and possible mitigation measures shall be final. Failure to submit such as statement before or with an offer shall be deemed a certification by the bidder or proposer that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, no such Conflict exists. In the event that a bidder or proposer fails to disclose such Conflict as required herein, its offer may be rejected. Should a bidder or proposer become aware of a potential Conflict after the submittal of an offer, it shall promptly notify the Director of Procurement in writing, providing the information required above together with a statement of why the Conflict could not have been identified prior to submittal of the offer.
All required fields must be completed, including all documents. Please read the instructions on the documents for instructions on filling out required forms. Failure to submit required forms may result in being deemed non-responsive.
Enter full name of the authorized company representative certifying and submitting this bid
Any electronic confirmations herein shall be as binding as a signature from the authorized representative.
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Please enter a CAGE Code if applicable.
CAGE stands for Commercial and Government Entity, and a unique CAGE code is assigned to all businesses and individuals that complete their System for Award Management (SAM) registration. This “system” is a database that contains information about all active government contractors.
Enter your Legal Entity Name for Verification in the Ohio Auditor of State Website.
Please type in the following format: Name, Address, City, State, Zip code, Phone Number, Email.
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Is the Prime Contractor a DBE firm?
Upload DBE certificate from certifying agency
Is the Prime contractor a certified small business?
Upload XBE certificate from certifying agency
Please upload copies of the following certificates below:
As an authorized representative of the company, hereinafter called the "Company", I agree to all of SORTA/Metro's Terms & Conditions (T&C's), which are included in the attached solicitation package.
The acceptance of SORTA/Metro's T&C's is required in order to provide goods and/or services to SORTA/Metro.
It is the Company's responsibility to verify SORTA/Metro's current T&C's at the time of services and/or goods are provided.
I understand that all applicable proof of insurance will be required before goods and/or services are provided. It is also understood that the Company is responsible for ensuring compliance of all state regulations
As an authorized representative of the company, hereinafter called the "Company", I agree to all Federal Terms & Conditions (T&C's), which are included in the attached solicitation package.
Confirm all technical specifications and requirements can be met
Offeror can meet the required delivery/completion date as required in this solicitation.
This Acknowledgment is required to be submitted to SORTA on behalf of the principal bidder/proposer and all Subcontractors whose subcontracts are reasonably anticipated to exceed $25,000 in value.
"Principals", for the purposes of this acknowedgment, means officers, directors, owners, partners, and persons having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager, plant manager, head of a subsidiary, division, or business segment, and similar positions).
This acknowledgment concerns a matter which may be within the jurisdiction of an agency of the United States and the making of a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the maker subject to prosecution under Section 1001, Title 18, United States Code.
If the Attester is unable to acknowledge to any of the statements in this certification, it shall attach an explanation to this acknowledgment.
Please download the below document, complete, and upload. This document needs to be notarized.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
Acknowledging the Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements
The undersigned Contractor certifies, to the best of his, her or its knowledge and belief, that:
This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by 31, U.S.C. § 1352 (as amended by the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995). Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.
[Note: Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. § 1352(c)(1)-(2)(A), any person who makes a prohibited expenditure or fails to file or amend a required certification or disclosure form shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such expenditure or failure.]
The Contractor, certifies or affirms the truthfulness and accuracy of each statement of its certification and disclosure, if any. In addition, the Contractor understands and agrees that the provisions of 31 U.S.C. A 3801, et seq., apply to this certification and disclosure, if any.
The Standard Form--LLL can be found at the following:
The Bidder guarantees that the Bid submitted is not a product of collusion with any other Bidder, and no effort has been made to fix the Bid price of any Bidder or to fix any overhead, profit, or cost element of any Bid price.
If SORTA determines that collusion has occurred among Bidders, none of the Bids from the participants in such collusion shall be considered. SORTA’s determination shall be final.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
The undersigned Bidder agrees to execute a contract for this work in the above amount and to furnish a 10% Bid Bond.
Upload proof of bonding from your bonding agency here.
The undersigned Bidder agrees to execute a contract for this Work in the above amount and to furnish a 100% Performance & Payment Bond as specified within 10 days after a written Notice of Award, if offered within 60 days after receipt of bids.
For all prime construction, alteration or repair contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by FTA, the Contractor shall comply with the Davis-Bacon Act and the Copeland “Anti-Kickback” Act. Under 49 U.S.C. § 5333(a), prevailing wage protections apply to laborers and mechanics employed on FTA assisted construction, alteration, or repair projects. The Contractor will comply with the Davis-Bacon Act, 40 U.S.C. §§ 3141-3144, and 3146-3148 as supplemented by DOL regulations at 29 C.F.R. part 5, “Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction.” In accordance with the statute, the Contractor shall pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, the Contractor agrees to pay wages not less than once a week. The Contractor shall also comply with the Copeland “Anti-Kickback” Act (40 U.S.C. § 3145), as supplemented by DOL regulations at 29 C.F.R. part 3, “Contractors and Subcontractors on Public Building or Public Work Financed in Whole or in part by Loans or Grants from the United States.” The Contractor is prohibited from inducing, by any means, any person employed in the construction, completion, or repair of public work, to give up any part of the compensation to which he or she is otherwise entitled. Wage rates can be found at www.sam.gov
Please upload the current Prevailing Wage Rate Sheet. Please specify each labor category used for the project.
Please use the link below:
If you are submitting a SORTA approved equal, selecting YES will allow you to upload your documents.
Please upload your SORTA approved equal request documentation.
Please upload a detailed cost breakdown for this project.
Please upload a detailed cost breakdown for this project.
The undersigned hereby offers to provide SORTA with services in accordance with the Scope of Services outlined in this solicitation at the prices quoted within the bid table attached, in accordance with the terms of the IFB
The pricing proposed shall be firm-fixed price and include all costs, including labor, materials, programs, transportation, specified presentations etc. required to perform the appropriate portion of the Scope of Services.
It is the proposer’s responsibility to complete and verify this Price Proposal Form, and shall be responsible for any errors or omissions therein. The pricing is being requested in this format for evaluation purposes. Failure to comply may result in the proposal being deemed non-responsive.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. This form must be completed and include prime firm and all subcontractors regardless of Small and Disadvantaged Business status.
MetroMAX Goal for this Project:
TBD% Percent
The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) has established MetroMAX, a small business program designed to encourage participation by small businesses in all contracts. The mission of MetroMAX is to uplift small businesses and strengthen our region by expanding access to meaningful opportunities at Metro and beyond. Through this program, SORTA is committed to fueling local economic growth by providing procurement opportunities, training, and resources that empower small, emerging, and disadvantaged businesses to grow, compete, and thrive.
SORTA has identified subcontracting opportunities that may be suitable for small businesses under this solicitation. SORTA has established a participation goal of TBD% Percent to help promote meaningful opportunities on this project. Accordingly, each bidder/proposer is expected to make meaningful efforts to engage small and disadvantaged businesses in the performance of this contract.
Only firms certified as small businesses by a recognized third-party certifier will count toward the participation goal. Proof of certification must be submitted with the bid or proposal; self-certification will not be accepted.
It is the policy of SORTA to promote equal opportunity and fairness in all its procurement matters, in accordance with state and federal laws, so that small businesses have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in all contracts. SORTA will never exclude any person from participation in, deny any person the benefits of, or otherwise discriminate against anyone in connection with the award and performance of any contract on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin.
It is also our policy to:
Good Faith Efforts
Bidders/proposers are strongly encouraged to make good faith efforts to include small businesses in the performance of this contract. Where required, Bidders/Offerors must document sufficient small business participation to meet the above goal or, alternatively, document adequate good faith efforts made to do so.
Good faith efforts are those that could reasonably be expected to result in small and disadvantaged business participation attainment by a bidder or proposer who aggressively and actively seeks to obtain certified small and disadvantaged business participation.
It should be noted that only firms certified as small and/or disadvantaged businesses by a third-party certifying entity will count toward small and diverse vendor participation. Proof of certification must be provided at the time of bid/proposal submittal. Self-certification will not be accepted.
BID REQUIREMENTS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) has established MetroMAX, a small business program designed to encourage participation by small businesses in all contracts. The mission of MetroMAX is to uplift small businesses and strengthen our region by expanding access to meaningful opportunities at Metro and beyond. Through this program, SORTA is committed to fueling local economic growth by providing procurement opportunities, training, and resources that empower small, emerging, and disadvantaged businesses to grow, compete, and thrive.
SORTA has determined that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not available under this solicitation. Therefore, a formal small business participation goal is not recommended. While not mandatory, bidders/proposers are strongly encouraged to make efforts to include small and disadvantaged businesses in the performance of contracts when feasible to maximize participation of certified small businesses as subcontractors, subconsultants, and suppliers where subcontracting opportunities are available.
It is the policy of SORTA to promote equal opportunity and fairness in all its procurement matters, in accordance with state and federal laws, so that small businesses have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in all contracts. SORTA will never exclude any person from participation in, deny any person the benefits of, or otherwise discriminate against anyone in connection with the award and performance of any contract on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin.
It is also our policy to:
SORTA has determined that small and disadvantaged business opportunities are available for this solicitation. SORTA has set a goal of 100 percent (100%) for small and disadvantaged business participation for this project. As such, only certified small and disadvantaged businesses may participate in this solicitation. This goal is formally referred to as a small and disadvantaged business opportunity, or “set-aside”.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. This form must be completed and include prime firm and all subcontractors regardless of Small and Disadvantaged Business status.
Bidders/offerors are expected to make good faith efforts to maximize socially and economically disadvantaged businesses as subcontractors, subconsultants and suppliers in the performance of this contract. Bidders/Offerors must document sufficient small and disadvantaged business participation to meet the above goal or, alternatively, document adequate good faith efforts made to do so.
Only firms certified as small and/or disadvantaged businesses will count toward small and diverse vendor participation. Proof of certification must be provided at the time of bid/proposal submittal. Self-certification will not be accepted.
The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) has established a Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program that encourages diversity and inclusion on all contracts. It is the policy of SORTA to promote equal opportunity and fairness in all its procurement matters, in accordance with state and federal laws, so that small and disadvantaged businesses have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in all contracts. It is also our policy to:
SORTA is committed to fostering small and disadvantaged business participation in contracting opportunities. As such, bidders/proposers are expected to make reasonable efforts to support inclusivity in staffing and subcontracting, to support SORTA’s mission.
Only firms certified as small and/or disadvantaged businesses will count toward small and diverse vendor participation.
Proof of certification must be provided at the time of bid/proposal submittal. Self-certification will not be accepted.
Is the subcontractor(s) a certified small business enterprise?
If a Prime or Subcontractor is a Certified Small Business Enterprise, upload a copy of the certificate(s) from the certifying agency for prime contractor and all subcontractors. You may not be self-certified.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. This form must be completed and include prime firm and all subcontractors regardless of DBE status.
DBE Goal for this project: TBD% percent
It is the policy of the U.S. Department of Transportation that socially and economically disadvantaged businesses (DBEs), as defined in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 26, shall be afforded an opportunity to participate, to an extent reflective of their availability in the performance of contracts financed in whole or part with Federal funds under this agreement.
This contract is subject to the requirements of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 26, Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in Department of Transportation Financial Assistance Programs. The national goal for participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) is 10%. SORTA has specified a DBE goal as stated above for the work to be performed under this contract.
Bidders/offerors are required to make diligent efforts to maximize participation of DBE firms and other small and disadvantaged businesses, as subcontractors and suppliers, and shall report its participation so obtained throughout the period of performance. Bidders/Offerors must document sufficient DBE participation to meet the above goal or, alternatively, document adequate good faith efforts to do so, as provided for in 49 CFR 26.53.
The contractor shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or sex in the performance of this contract. The contractor shall carry out applicable requirements of 49 CFR Part 26 in the award and administration of this contract. Failure by the contractor to carry out these requirements is a material breach of this contract, which may result in the termination of this contract or such other remedy as the municipal corporation deems appropriate. Each subcontract the contractor signs with a subcontractor must include the assurance in this paragraph (see 49 CFR 26.13(b)).
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. This form must be completed and include prime firm and all subcontractors regardless of DBE status.
It is the policy of the U.S. Department of Transportation that socially and economically disadvantaged businesses (DBEs), as defined in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 26, shall be afforded an opportunity to participate, to an extent reflective of their availability in the performance of contracts financed in whole or part with Federal funds under this agreement.
This contract is subject to the requirements of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 26, Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in Department of Transportation Financial Assistance Programs. The national goal for participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) is 10%. SORTA has NOT specified a goal for the work to be performed under this contract.
Contractor shall make diligent efforts to maximize the participation of DBE firms and other small and disadvantaged businesses, as subcontractors and suppliers, and shall report its participation so obtained through race-neutral means and participation by other small and disadvantaged businesses throughout the period of performance, utilizing the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Plan attachment, as contained in the solicitation.
The contractor shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or sex in the performance of this contract. The contractor shall carry out applicable requirements of 49 CFR Part 26 in the award and administration of this contract. Failure by the contractor to carry out these requirements is a material breach of this contract, which may result in the termination of this contract or such other remedy as the municipal corporation deems appropriate. Each subcontract the contractor signs with a subcontractor (if applicable) must include the assurance in this paragraph (see 49 CFR 26.13(b)).
Please upload a copy of the certificate from the certifying agency for participating DBE prime and/or subcontractors. If no DBE participation, please upload a document stating there is no DBE participation.
1. Prompt Payment Requirements
In accordance with 49 CFR § 26.29 and FTA Circular 4220.1F, the Contractor shall pay each subcontractor (including DBE subcontractors) for satisfactory performance of its contract no later than ten (10) calendar days from the date the Contractor receives payment from the Recipient for the work performed by that subcontractor. Satisfactory performance includes completion of the subcontractor’s designated work items in accordance with the contract, verified by the Recipient.
2. Delays and Withholding
Any delay or postponement of payment from the above-referenced time frame may occur only for good cause and with prior written approval from the Recipient. The Contractor shall provide written notice to both the subcontractor and the Recipient outlining the reason for the delay or withholding.
3. Retainage Requirements
The Contractor shall return any retainage withheld from subcontractors (including DBEs) within thirty (30) calendar days after the subcontractor’s work is satisfactorily completed. For purposes of this clause, "satisfactorily completed" means that all the tasks called for in the subcontract have been accomplished and documented as complete, and any required inspections and approvals have been obtained.
4. Compliance and Reporting
Failure by the Contractor to comply with the prompt payment and retainage provisions may result in sanctions, including but not limited to withholding of payments, contract termination, or disqualification from future FTA-assisted contracts. The Contractor shall report prompt payment compliance as required by the Recipient and must cooperate with any compliance reviews or audits.
5. Flow-Down Requirement
The Contractor shall include this clause in all subcontracts with DBE and non-DBE subcontractors performing work under this contract.
Sections 26.53(c)(1) of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations requires recipients to make a preliminary counting determination for each DBE listed as a regular dealer or distributor to assess its eligibility for 60 or 40 percent credit, respectively, of the cost of materials and supplies based on its demonstrated capacity and intent to perform as a regular dealer or distributor, as defined in Circular 49 CFR part 26 section 26.55(e)(2)(iv)(A),(B),(C), and (3). The regulation requires SORTA’s preliminary determination to be made based on the DBE’s written responses to relevant questions and its affirmation that its subsequent performance of a commercially useful function will be consistent with the preliminary counting of such participation. This form must be used by each DBE supplier whose participation is submitted by a bidder for regular dealer or distributor credit on a federally-assisted contract with a DBE participation goal. This form must be accompanied by the bidder's commitment, contract, or purchase order showing the materials the DBE regular dealer or distributor is supplying. Bidders are responsible for verifying that the information provided by the DBE supplier is consistent with the counting of such participation toward the contract goal.
Enter length of contract.
Formatting example: "fifteen (15)"
Formatting example: "fifteen (15)"
Select Yes if this is a 100% Set Aside
NOTE: LOCALLY FUNDED PROJECTS ONLY
Have vendor upload specifications
Q (Cores): Will the Sorta be returning cores? How often?
A: Cores are available for pickup when deliveries of new batteries are made.
Q (Core Billing): I don't see a place to add core charges to the bid, Will this be added?
A: The Bid Pricing Form has been updated with a "Notes" column and instructions to list any additional charges (i.e., core charge) should be listed in the "Notes" section.
SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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