Small Business Program – Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Small Business Program at the Authority?  

The California High-Speed Rail Authority is committed to small, disabled, disadvantaged, and diverse businesses playing a major role in building the statewide high-speed rail project. The SB Program supports the economic vitality of Small Businesses by offering outreach, engagement, and supportive services that improve access to opportunities and increase competitiveness.  This commitment will serve to inspire business growth, job creation and workforce development opportunities while building the vitality of California’s high-speed rail program. Visit the Authority’s Small Business Program webpage for information including a program overview, certifications we recognize, how to get certified, access to our vendor registry, and more.

• Which certifications are considered for the Authority’s SB Program goals?  

The Authority’s Small Business Program has an overall 30 percent goal for small business participation that includes the certifications:  Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), Small Business Administration 8(a) Business Development Program, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Small Business (SB), Microbusiness (MB), and Small Business for the Purpose of Public Works (SB-PW) certifications.  Learn more about the High-Speed Rail Authority Small Business Program on our website at https://hsr-test.hsr.ca.gov/smallbusiness

• How do I get certified? 

While the Authority is not a small business certifying agency, it recognizes the federal and state small business certifications from the U.S. Small Business Administration 8(a), the California Unified Certification Program, and California Department of General Services.  Visit Get on Board and learn more about these certifications, how to get certified and how to become an Authority small business partner in four easy steps!

• How do I stay informed as an individual? 

Learn the various ways you can connect with the Authority by visiting, Get Connected.

Sign up and select to receive Small Business emails, workshop and event announcements, by visiting:  https://hsr-test.hsr.ca.gov/contact/ and selecting the “Small Business/ConnectHSR” Email Alert

Read more about the small businesses working on California’s High-Speed Rail Program in the latest issue of our Small Business Newsletter, Investing in California’s Small Businesses.

• How do I stay informed as a business? 

Businesses can stay informed by registering with ConnectHSR, the Authority’s free online vendor registry. ConnectHSR provides all businesses with a quick and easy way to stay connected to high-speed rail business opportunities. Participation in ConnectHSR is open to all businesses. Learn more about ConnectHSR by visiting, Get Connected.

Additionally, you can sign up for email notifications regarding HSR specific projects sections via HSR Contact Us. And, you can join us at any of our Small Business events and workshops to learn how to do business with the Authority, how to get certified, and more. Visit the HSR Events page for event dates and details.

Read more about the small businesses working on California’s High-Speed Rail Program in the latest issue of our Small Business Newsletter, Investing in California’s Small Businesses.

• How do I register with Connect HSR? 

Registering with ConnectHSR is a great way for your business to stay connected to the High-Speed Rail Small project. Learn more about ConnectHSR by visiting, Get Connected. For printable instructions on getting registered view our ConnectHSR Factsheet. Click on the following link to Register with ConnectHSR.

• How do I update Connect HSR with my new information?  

At any time, registrants can send a request to update their ConnectHSR profile via email: SBProgram@hsr.ca.gov. Additionally, ConnectHSR registrants are emailed annually a review of their business information. The Authority sends the designated Primary Contact an email, with your business information to verify the accuracy of your profile. At that time, your firm can reply to the email with any updated information.

• How do I get notified of jobs to bid on? 

When you are ready to look for High-Speed Rail contract and procurement opportunities, they can be found on the Authority’s Contracts Out for Bid webpage. Just like all state agencies, all Authority contracts and procurements opportunities can be viewed in detail on the California Department of General Services’ Cal eProcure webpage: www.caleprocure.ca.gov. To learn more about how to do business with High-Speed Rail Authority visit Get on Board.

• How do I bid on jobs?

The Office of Contracts and Procurement (Contracts Office) is responsible for procurement and contracting of Non-Information Technology (Non-IT) and Information Technology (IT) goods and services, including the development and processing of purchase orders service contracts, consultant service agreements, interagency agreement, public entity contracts, etc. Responsibilities include preparing all bid documents and awarding contracts, as well as assuring compliance with all legal requirements in the procurement process. To view all solicitations and addenda documents issued by the Contracts Office, or to learn more, visit: www.caleprocure.ca.gov.  Visit Get on Board to learn more about how to become an Authority small business partner in four easy steps!

• How do I connect with a Prime? Who are the Primes?  

Shown on the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s homepage is a link to the Authority Major Contractors Payment Report. This document provides a listing of the Prime contracts currently being paid by the Authority. The document is updated monthly. The Authority’s Small Business Program regularly holds Meet the Primes workshops.  These engaging “Open House” style workshops typically include guest speakers from our current HSR prime contractor and consultant firms. Attend one of these events to “Meet the Prime” and learn about their current project needs.

• How do I stay informed with Prime’s needs (i.e., Bid requests)?  

The Authority hosts pre-bid conferences and industry forums. These public forums highlight the proposed work outlined in a specific Request for Proposal or Request for Qualification. The Small Business Advocate educates potential prime contractors on the Authority’s SB Program and goals. For small and diverse businesses, who are interested in subcontract opportunities, these events provide information and an opportunity to meet and greet with potential primes.

• How do I stay informed on the status of the project?  ​​​​​​​

The Authority’s Build HSR website provides up to date information on the project. The website provides updates on active construction sites, current road closures and detours in construction zones, and an overview of the small business participation numbers. For more information, visit the Build HSR webpage: https://buildhsr.com/

For Small Business general inquiries and help, contact the High-Speed Rail Authority Small Business Program SBProgram@hsr.ca.gov or give us a call at (916) 431-2930.