Caltrans Plans Virtual Vendor Day, Lays Out Five Challenges

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced a virtual Vendor Day, an opportunity for tech vendors to learn about the department’s needs.

These virtual events, which have gained popularity since they replaced live events during the pandemic, have been hosted by departments including the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Financial Information System for California. The California Department of Technology and the Department of General Services usually play a role in the events, as well. City Innovate coordinates the announcements and the events.

Caltrans’ Vendor Day will run from 1 to 3 p.m. March 5 (registration is limited; information is here), and this one will feature Marcie Kahbody, the deputy secretary for technology and agency information officer for Caltrans’ parent entity, the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA). Kahbody is also the agency information officer for CalSTA and the chief information officer for Caltrans.

According to the event announcement, “Leaders across Caltrans will present on specific challenges that we’re seeking the vendor community’s help with solving. Participants will be briefed on our five problem statements and requirements for our one wild card and given instructions on how to respond and move forward.”

The “problem statements,” for which the department seeks vendor proposals and solutions, are:

• Contracting and Procurement Processes
• Hiring Processes, Recruitment, and Retention
• Safety Enhancements in Disadvantaged Communities
• Multimodal Travel Experience
• Climate Impacts on Transportation Assets

Vendors usually have an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Stay tuned to Industry Insider — California for coverage of the event.