Contracting with the Department of Transportation

Learn about contracts for firms that can help rebuild our transportation infrastructure, available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

Quick takeaways

About contracting with the Department of Transportation

How SBA can help your small business

Certifications 

SBA provides socio-economic certifications for small businesses that want to do business with the federal government. These certifications enable small businesses to access specific set-aside contracts. Small businesses can be certified as: 

  • Veterans and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned
  • Woman Owned
  • Historically Underutilized Business Zone firm
  • 8(a) Participant firm

Coaching and training

SBA provides counseling, training, and technical assistance. These are meant to help businesses improve their contracting capabilities. 

Financing

SBA guarantees small business loans for payroll and contract start-up costs. These may be relevant for your small business. Ex: Federal contractors typically get paid 45 – 60 days after contract start. Employees are usually paid every 15 days. 

Surety bonds

Surety bonds provide the customer with a guarantee that the work will be completed. This helps small businesses win contracts. Many public and private contracts require surety bonds. Surety bonds are offered by surety companies. SBA guarantees surety bonds for certain surety companies. This allows these companies to offer surety bonds to small businesses that might not otherwise get them. Eligible businesses include: 

  • Small businesses according to SBA’s size standards
  • Small businesses with a small contract up to $9M for non-federal contracts and up to $14M for federal contracts
  • Small businesses that meet the surety company’s credit, capacity, and character requirements. 

Find surety bond agencies in your state. SBA also works with DOT on a Bonding Education Program(Link is external).

Last updated April 11, 2024