The information provided here is intended to help suppliers, consultants and contractors identify solicitations on which they would like to bid on or make a proposal. It is not a substitute for the official procurement or bid documents. All award decisions are based solely on the content of the official bid documents.
Q: How can I find out about upcoming procurement opportunities?
A: To reach as many potential suppliers, consultants and contractors as possible, the NFTA uses several methods, including our website, www.nfta.com
- Register on-line Anyone can register as a potential supplier with the NFTA. Go to www.nfta.com, select NFTA Departments and scroll down to "Bids" where you will be guided through the supplier registration process. You will select the category or categories that match the materials and/or services that you are able to supply. You will be notified by e-mail when a bid opportunity is available in the categories for which you have registered. Only registered suppliers will be notified. Bids must be downloaded directly from the website. For engineering and construction project opportunities, go to www.nfta.com/departments/engineering
- Check the Newspapers Advertisements announcing many of our procurement needs appear in the Buffalo News, Niagara Falls Gazette and the Buffalo Challenger. Other newspapers and periodicals may be used under special circumstances.
- The New York State Contract Reporter All advertised procurement solicitations which are estimated to exceed $25,000 appear in the New York State Contract Reporter website at https://ny.newnycontracts.com/ or call 1-518-292-5266.
Q: How does the NFTA procurement process work?
A: All procurements estimated to exceed $25,000 are advertised. We solicit bids and proposals in the following ways:
- Informal Bids
When buying materials and services for under $25,000, we telephone or e-mail potential sources for quotations. We look at our Registered Supplier List and other sources to locate qualified suppliers.
2. Invitation for Bid
An Invitation for Bid is used to obtain bids for purchases estimated to exceed $25,000. Potential suppliers and contractors submit bids that are opened at a public meeting: at a location, date and time specified in the Bid. Invitations for Bid are advertised in the New York State Contract Reporter as well as Buffalo News, Niagara Falls Gazette and Buffalo Challenger. NFTA Registered Suppliers are notified via e-mail.
3. Request For Proposal (RFP)
We send Requests For Proposals when a contract is competitively negotiated. Requests for Proposals estimated to exceed $25,000 are advertised in the New York State Contract Reporter as well as Buffalo News, Niagara Falls Gazette and Buffalo Challenger. NFTA Registered Suppliers are notified via e-mail. A selection committee evaluates the proposals and, based on the selection criteria set forth in the RFP, negotiates with the most qualified proponent before awarding a contract.
Q: How does the NFTA decide which firm is awarded a contract?
A: The procedures for making an award differ depending on whether the contract is based on an Informal Bid, Invitation for Bid or Request for Proposal. For Informal Bids and Invitation for Bids, contracts or purchase orders are awarded to the vendor with the lowest priced responsible and responsive bidder. The NFTA determines if the lowest responsive bidder can responsibly fulfill the contract or purchase order. Delivery, performance, quality and ability to meet bid specifications are all important considerations when evaluating a bidder's level of responsiveness.
For contracts based on RFP's, a number of criteria are considered. Pertinent experience, proven management skills, relevant MWBE and SDVOB utilization, qualified key personnel, ability to perform within given time constraints, past performance on similar contracts, cost and other criteria specific to each contract, are all part of the evaluation that leads to a contract award.