Recognizing that traditional procurement methods were not designed for early-stage innovations, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) launched “Vendor Day” – a $96,000 initiative to connect agency leaders with a diverse range of vendors, including small and emerging businesses. The event created a space for showcasing tools and technologies that align with Caltrans priorities like safety, equity, climate resilience, and multimodal transportation. By offering a faster, more flexible way to explore new ideas, Vendor Day allowed Caltrans to identify scalable solutions and assess how to work within existing contract frameworks. It also opened direct communication between vendors and decision-makers, helping both sides better understand each other’s needs. Many of the innovations highlighted focused on improving access and safety in underserved communities. To build on this progress, Caltrans launched a Vendor Portal for continued collaboration, and several ideas from Vendor Day are already moving toward implementation – advancing innovation while supporting local businesses and more equitable transportation solutions across California.
America's Transportation Awards 