Thank you for your interest in doing business with LBT. We are committed to providing an equal opportunity for all businesses to participate in our purchasing and contracting opportunities. To facilitate this commitment, we use a web-based procurement system hosted by PlanetBids.
PlanetBids allows interested suppliers, contractors, and service providers to register online and to receive automated email notifications of opportunities.
To begin, visit PlanetBids to register and find current opportunities.
Both formal and informal solicitations may be available through PlanetBids. All responses are due at or before the time shown. Late responses cannot be accepted. It is the bidder’s/proposer’s responsibility to ensure that the most complete and current version of the solicitation, including addenda, has been downloaded.
Vendors/contractors are solely responsible for maintaining up-to-date and accurate information and may edit their profile at any time.
The contracting process is easy, secure and reliable. However, if you need help or have questions concerning the features available to our bidders/proposers please contact PlanetBids directly for technical assistance.
If you have any questions, please call 562.591.8753 or visit contact us.
For information about LBT’s Civil Rights programs, please visit Regulatory Compliance and Civil Rights.
Bid Appeal & Protest Procedures
Procurement Department of the Long Beach Public Transit (also LBT) under the guidelines set forth by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical standards when transacting business with the supplier community. It is the intent of the Procurement Department to treat suppliers and potential suppliers fairly, equally, and without discrimination. However, should an occasion arise whereby a supplier or potential supplier feels these goals have not been met, the supplier may submit a formal protest for review and determination. These protest procedures shall apply to all types of procurement activities, including formal competitive bidding and requests for proposal. Potential bidders/proposers will be advised of LBT’s protest procedures in its solicitations for bids and requests for proposals. Failure to follow LBT’s protest procedures may result in the rejection of a protest. LBT shall notify the FTA of all protests involving FTA funding.
The Chapter 13 Protest Procedure is available here.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Update
DBE Program Resumption Following the October 2025 Interim Final Rule
On Oct. 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) DBE IFR Published 10-03-2025 modifying the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program under 49 CFR Parts 23 and 26. The IFR made significant changes to DBE certification and participation requirements, including eliminating race- and sex-based presumptions of social and economic disadvantage and requiring an individualized assessment of disadvantage.
The California Unified Certification Program (CUCP) has completed the required reevaluation process. Accordingly, LBT is resuming its DBE program in accordance with the revised requirements of 49 CFR Part 26 and applicable USDOT and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidance.
Key Changes Under the New DBE Requirements
The October 3, 2025 IFR made significant changes to the DBE Program, including:
- Elimination of race- and sex-based presumptions: Race and sex are no longer automatic presumptions of social and economic disadvantage for purposes of DBE certification.
- Individualized determination of disadvantage: DBE eligibility is based on the individual’s circumstances and the applicable requirements under the revised 49 CFR Part 26.
- Reevaluation of existing DBE firms: Existing DBE firms were subject to reevaluation by the applicable UCP under the revised certification standards.
- Updated requirements for new applicants: Firms seeking DBE certification must satisfy the revised certification requirements, including providing information necessary to establish the owner’s individual circumstances of disadvantage.
- Updated DBE goal-setting and participation requirements: LBT may resume establishing DBE goals for applicable federally funded contracts and counting eligible DBE participation toward those goals following completion of the applicable UCP reevaluation process and in accordance with the revised federal requirements.
For additional information regarding the federal DBE changes, please refer to the USDOT DBE Interim Final Rule and USDOT DBE IFR FAQs.
What This Means for LBT?
With the completion of the California UCP reevaluation process, LBT is resuming implementation of its DBE Program under the revised federal requirements.
- Establish DBE goals in accordance with the revised requirements of 49 CFR Part 26 and applicable FTA guidance.
- Apply the revised DBE certification standards when determining whether a firm is eligible for DBE participation.
- Count eligible DBE participation toward applicable DBE goals in accordance with federal requirements.
- Apply applicable DBE contract provisions and monitoring requirements consistent with the revised regulations.
- Continue to administer the DBE Program in a manner consistent with USDOT and FTA requirements.
DBE firms must maintain current recertification through the applicable CUCP entity and must satisfy the certification requirements applicable to the work being performed.
Current DBE Certification
Firms interested in participating as DBEs on LBT federally assisted contracts should recertify through a CUCP certifying agency.
CUCP certifying agencies include:
- Caltrans
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro)
- City of Los Angeles
Firms should contact the applicable CUCP certifying agency for current recertification requirements, application procedures, and status information.
Existing Contracts and DBE Commitments
DBE requirements applicable to contracts executed before October 3, 2025 may be subject to specific transition provisions under the IFR and subsequent USDOT guidance.
For existing contracts, contractors and subcontractors should continue to comply with applicable contractual requirements, including requirements concerning DBE subcontractor substitutions or reductions in scope. Any questions regarding the applicability of the revised requirements to a specific contract should be directed to LBT’s Procurement Office at (562) 591-8753 or the Regulatory Compliance & Civil Rights Office at 562.599-8564.
Public Notice and Opportunity for Comment
LBT’s DBE Public Notice and opportunity for public comment remains in effect. Interested parties are encouraged to provide comments and information regarding LBT’s DBE Program, including information concerning the availability and capacity of DBE firms to participate in federally assisted contracting opportunities.
Public comments and information received by LBT may be considered as part of the agency’s DBE goal-setting and program administration processes.
DBE Public Comment Notice (2025-2027 Goal Setting)
For questions regarding LBT’s DBE Program or specific LBT procurement opportunities, please contact the LBT’s Regulatory Compliance and Civil Rights Office at [email protected] or 562.599.8564.