RiSE Program2023-07-31T08:07:24-07:00
RiSE

If you’re the owner of a local small (LSB) or diverse business (LDB),  RiSE can connect you to RTC-funded contracting opportunities. By becoming RiSE-certified, your business will become more discoverable by agencies looking for firms that are ready, willing, and able to work on infrastructure projects. The mission is to expand business opportunities for small,  minority, and women-owned companies on RTC-funded infrastructure projects.

The goal is to award 10% of all RTC-funded projects to local small and diverse businesses.

RiSE will

  • Promotes economic opportunities for (LSBs) and (LDBs)
  • Help LSBs and LDBs become more competitive in the bidding process
  • Provides technical assistance to all certified firms

Small Business Top 10 Tips

  1. Get RiSE Certified (https://rtcsnv.diversitycompliance.com/)
  2. Register on Nevada Government eMarketplace (NGEM ngemnv.com)
  3. Be prepared with a capabilities statement
  4. Find your niche or specialty and pursue that work
  5.  Research your industry, know your customer and look for partnering
    opportunities
  6. Familiarize yourself with the solicitation documents, scope of
    work/services and specifications to ensure you can meet the
    requirements
  7. Maintain active certifications, insurance, contractor's and business
    licenses
  8. Take advantage of pre-solicitation meetings
  9. Know your capacity – stay in your lane
  10. Network, Network, Network

FOR MORE INFORMATION, email us at [email protected]

Certification Application

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the small business Personal Net Worth (PNW) annual not to exceed amount? What is the small business size criteria average gross receipt not to exceed amount?2023-07-31T07:42:41-07:00

To meet the personal net worth criteria, individual owners must have a personal net worth not exceeding $1.32 Million (excluding ownership interest in the firm, retirement fund assets, and quality equity value of primary residence). To meet the Small Business Administration criteria, The firm's average gross receipts over the las five years must not exceed $22.410 million. There are different size limits for various categories to businesses. 

What does being RISE certified mean for my company?2023-02-08T13:34:21-08:00

RiSE certification helps you compete for contracts on RTC-funded infrastructure projects. Your firm can also receive technical support at no cost to you.

What documents are accepted to validate local business residency?2023-07-31T07:44:56-07:00

A contractor’s license and local jurisdiction business license with a Southern Nevada address are accepted.

How often will I have to re-certify?2022-01-05T11:15:14-08:00

Re-certification is required every three years.

What opportunities are available to help me engage with contractors and jurisdictions interested in using RISE certified businesses?2022-01-05T11:13:44-08:00

The RTC and its community partners will help connect certified businesses with contractors and jurisdictions through  solicitation meetings and networking events.

Will the status on the goal be communicated publicly to keep the local small and diverse community aware of progress?2022-01-05T11:13:04-08:00

Updates on the RISE business participation goal will be reported  bi-annually to keep the community, jurisdictions, board members and  contractors current on program progress.

Will contractors be required to use RISE certified businesses on Southern Nevada infrastructure projects?2022-01-05T11:11:16-08:00

Contractors are strongly encouraged to u se the RiSE certified businesses. The participation goal for professional services is 2 percent, and 8 percent for construction projects. The goals apply to RTC funded projects.

Is there a program expert available to walk me through the process?2022-01-05T11:10:38-08:00

Yes! Call 702-676-1507 or email [email protected] and we are happy to walk you through the process.

How long will it take to complete the application including the certification process? What if I am unable to upload the required documents once the application is submitted?2022-01-05T11:09:45-08:00

Once the application is submitted, it will take approximately 30 days to review and process the certificate. If all required documents are not submitted at the time the application is reviewed, the applicant will have 10 business day to respond to an Request for Information (RFI).

How do I let contractors and jurisdictions know I am certified?2022-01-05T11:08:39-08:00

Once certified your company will receive a RISE certificate. The firms will be listed in the RISE database accessible to contractors and jurisdictions.

Will there be a published listing of RISE local small and diverse certified businesses for contractors and jurisdictions to access?2023-07-31T07:47:52-07:00

Yes. A database is maintained that includes all certified firms. 

You can access it here. 

https://rtcsnv.diversitycompliance.com/

If my firm is currently registered as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), do I still need to certify for the RISE Local Small & Diverse Business program?2023-07-31T07:50:39-07:00

Yes, all DBE's are required to submit an application for certification.

Download the rideRTC app

Plan your trips. Purchase your pass. Scan your phone. Hop on board.

Download the App

Receive the latest RTC news

Get news, updates and insider information from the RTC.

Subscribe to Our Blog

Plan your trip with us

Check out the latest schedule and route information.

Plan Your Trip