Public transit bus services under federal and state transportation funding programs. Find active federal and state bus and other motor vehicle transit systems contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend under NAICS 485113 is approximately $1.5–2 billion, driven primarily by FTA grants to state and municipal transit agencies. DoD and VA also contract for shuttle and transit services on bases and medical campuses. Contracts are typically structured as fixed-price, multi-year IDIQs or task orders under agency-specific transit service contracts. Competition is moderate, with a mix of large private operators (e.g., Transdev, MV Transportation) and small businesses. Demand is fueled by federal transit formula grants, capital replacement cycles, and base realignment needs.
These agencies are the largest buyers of bus and other motor vehicle transit systems services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 485113 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
Focus on the FTA's Buy America requirements and DBE subcontracting goals—compliance is non-negotiable. Most contracts are set aside for small businesses at the state level, but federal IDIQs often use 8(a) or HUBZone preferences. The single highest-leverage move: get your transit agency pre-qualified on their vendor list before any solicitation drops. Build relationships with state DOT procurement officers and attend FTA regional workshops.
Buying is mostly LPTA (lowest price technically acceptable) for standard fixed-route services, but best-value tradeoff for complex paratransit or autonomous shuttle pilots. Common vehicles: GSA Schedule 541 (Transit Services), state DOT IDIQs, and FTA-administered grants. Evaluation focuses on past performance, safety records, and local workforce availability.
You need a valid DOT number, active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and proof of Buy America compliance. Many contracts also require a state-specific transit contractor license and evidence of DBE subcontractor utilization.
For federal IDIQs over $150,000, Miller Act bonds are required—typically 100% performance and 100% payment bonds. State and municipal contracts may require bonds up to 25% of the estimated contract value.
Moderately competitive. Small businesses win about 35% of FTA-funded transit service contracts, but face strong competition from large incumbents. Set-asides under 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB programs are common for route-specific or shuttle services.
Awards vary widely—from $500,000 for a single shuttle route to $50 million+ for a multi-year citywide transit system. Most small business awards fall between $1 million and $10 million.
Yes, but you must demonstrate relevant experience in transportation or fleet management. Many prime contractors seek DBE subcontractors for fuel supply, maintenance, or security services.