Grow your business with Sound Transit’s Technical Assistance Program
Sound Transit’s Technical Assistance Program (TAP) is a free, on-demand resource designed to help small businesses build capacity, navigate procurement, and compete for Sound Transit contracting opportunities.
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to pursue your next contract, TAP provides customized, one-on-one support and practical tools to help you grow.
How to apply
Start by completing our online intake form:
Intake information may be subject to public disclosure under the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56).
Participation does not constitute a promise or guarantee of business with Sound Transit.
More information about Sound Transit's Technical Assistance Program
What TAP offers:
1:1 customized business support
When you submit an intake form, our Economic Development Engagement Specialists (EDES) review your needs and connect you with a professional consultant who will work with you to build a personalized roadmap.
Your support may include:
1:1 tailored consulting.
Group workshops and business trainings.
Guidance on Sound Transit’s procurement process.
Capability statement and marketing readiness advising.
STEEL (Sound Transit Equitable, Empowerment, Loan) Program readiness (coming soon).
Connections to Mentor-Protégé and other growth pathways.
And more based on your needs.
All services are free to businesses. Sound Transit pays the consultant fees.
What makes TAP unique?
- Meet-you-where-you-are approach: Our support is customized to your business stage.
- Warm hand-off: introduction from EDES to your consultant within one month of your intake.
- Skilled consultants, competitively selected through a formal procurement process.
- Phased model that helps you move from immediate needs to long-term growth.
- Commitment to equity, including the Equity Infrastructure Pledge.
- Completely free – no cost to participate.
Who can participate?
TAP is open to businesses that are:
Interested in doing business with Sound Transit – either as a prime contractor or subcontractor
and
Registered as a small business OR interested in pursuing small business certification.
Eligible certification types include: DBE, FSBE, MBE, MWBE, PWSBE, SBE, SEDBE, WBE, or King County SCS.
Not certified yet? You can still apply. Our consultants can help you understand the certification process.
TAP process:
Intake submission
Confirmation email (within 1–2 business days)
You’ll receive a confirmation email from our Economic Development Engagement Specialist (EDES) team.
Initial review and consultation (within 3–7 business days)
An EDES team member will review your intake and contact you with clarifying questions.
Vendor match (within 1 month)
You are matched with a professional consultant who specializes in your service area.
Note: One intake is for one vendor, for one phase of support.
After the introduction: Your Consulting Partner will contact you directly to begin your project.
Engagement phase
Each phase includes:
Scope of work.
Defined number of consulting hours.
1 mid-point check-in.
Deliverables tailored to your needs.
Businesses may receive up to 3 phases of support within a 12-month period.
Post-phase evaluation
You’ll complete a brief evaluation to help us improve program quality.
Implementation period
After finishing 3 phases (up to 12 months of support), businesses must take a 3–6 month implementation period before requesting new services.
What types of support are available?
TAP draws from six service categories:
Contracting with Sound Transit
Finding Sound Transit opportunities, understanding solicitation, proposal readiness, and Biddingo/MRSC registration.
We can help you:
- Connect and navigate Sound Transit contracting opportunities.
- Understand the process for becoming certified as a DBE or other small business type.
- Learn how to register your business on Sound Transit’s procurement portal.
- Explore how to join Sound Transit’s small business roster through MRSC.
- Strengthen the quality of your bids by understanding core requirements and best practices.
- Understand and manage your Sound Transit contract, including change orders.
- Learn about the Mentor-Protégé Program.
- Develop strategies to grow from subcontractor to prime contractor.
- Plan for next steps when your business graduates from DBE or small business programs.
- Access guidance and resources to strengthen your business capacity.
Accounting and finance
Financial systems, job costing, estimating, prompt payment, STEEL loan readiness (coming soon!).
We can help you:
Find support for invoicing, ACH setup, and prompt payment for Sound Transit contracts.
Learn how to find and pursue Sound Transit contracting opportunities.
Receive financial literacy guidance to strengthen your business.
Understand how to estimate costs for Sound Transit bids.
Get assistance obtaining a Safe Harbor rate for Sound Transit contracts.
Coming soon:
Access Sound Transit’s STEEL Program to grow your business.
Learn how to qualify for STEEL and prepare your application.
Reviewing your STEEL loan application before submission.
Understand your STEEL loan terms and responsibilities.
Plan for success after completing the STEEL Program.
Business development – Construction industry
Workflows, teaming with primes, Progressive Design-Build, Project Labor Agreements (PLA), Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP).
We can help you:
Get guidance on best practices for managing workflows and administrative tasks.
Learn how to team up with prime contractors on Sound Transit projects.
Understand subcontractor roles on Design-Build and Progressive Design-Build contracts.
Navigate participation in Sound Transit contracts with PLA (Project Labor Agreement) provisions.
Non-construction industries
Teaming structures, Joint Venture (JV) readiness, marketing your expertise.
We can help you:
Get guidance on best practices for managing workflows and administrative tasks.
Learn how to team up with prime contractors on Sound Transit projects.
Understand how to collaborate with other businesses to pursue Sound Transit contracts.
Develop strategies to grow from a subcontractor/subconsultant to a prime contractor.
Bonding and insurance
Understanding coverage requirements for public works.
We can help you:
Get support understanding Sound Transit bonding and insurance requirements.
Marketing and branding (advisory only)
How to market to public agencies, strengthen your brand, and prepare outreach materials.
We can help you:
Learn best practices for marketing your services to Sound Transit.
Get guidance on building a strong brand for your business.
What TAP does not provide:
We do not provide the following services:
Documentation completion of solicitations, program applications, certification support or similar.
Invoice preparation or bookkeeping.
Graphic design or marketing production.
Legal services or advocacy.
Administrative support services.
Acting as an agent for your business.
Program cost and timeline:
Free to all eligible businesses.
Applications accepted year-round.
Warm hand-off introduction within one month.
Up to 3 phases of consulting in a 12-month cycle.
3–6 month integration period after Phase 3.