Qa Doing Business with the NFTA - A Guide for Suppliers and Contractors

Q: How can I find out about upcoming RFP/IFB opportunities and register my company as a supplier?

A: To reach as many potential suppliers, consultants, and contractors as possible, the NFTA uses several methods to announce procurement opportunities:

1. Bonfire Interactive

  • The NFTA has partnered with Bonfire Interactive to manage procurement opportunities.

  • Vendors must register on Bonfire to receive notifications of formal competitive procurements (Requests for Proposals & Invitations for Bids), download procurement documents, and submit bids/proposals electronically.

  • Registration is mandatory to participate.

  • Visit Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, then follow the link to the Bonfire vendor registration page.

  • Be sure to select the appropriate Vendor Type and NAICS Code Set for your business so you receive the right notifications.

2. Engineering and Construction Opportunities

  • For engineering and construction project opportunities, go to NFTA Engineering

3. Bonfire Portal

4. Newspaper Advertisements

  • Many of NFTA’s procurement needs are advertised in:

    • The Buffalo News

    • The Niagara Falls Gazette

    • The Buffalo Challenger

  • Other newspapers or periodicals may be used under special circumstances.

5. The New York State Contract Reporter

  • All procurements estimated at $25,000 and above appear in the New York State Contract Reporter.

  • Visit New York State Contract Reporter or call 1-888-697-7787 for subscription information.

Q: What types of goods and services does the NFTA procure?

A: The NFTA procures a wide range of materials and services, including but not limited to:

  • Airport Equipment and Services

  • Building Maintenance Supplies and Services

  • Bus, Truck, Automobile, and Rail Car Parts

  • Construction Services

  • Consultant Services

  • Equipment Repair

  • Firefighting Supplies

  • Fuel and Lubricants

  • Graphic Supplies

  • Industrial Supplies

  • Office Supplies and Equipment

  • Pest Control

  • Printing and Graphic Materials

  • Replacement Glass

  • Safety Supplies

  • Security Services

  • Uniforms

  • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

For questions about this list, contact the Procurement Department at procurement@nfta.com.

Q: How does the NFTA procurement process work?

A: The NFTA uses the following methods to solicit bids and proposals:

  1. Informal Bids

    • For procurements under $25,000.

    • NFTA staff may call or email potential suppliers for price quotations.

    • Registered Supplier Lists and other sources are used to locate qualified vendors.

  2. Invitation for Bid (IFB)

    • Used when a contract is competitively bid.

    • Bids are opened at a public meeting on the date, time, and location specified in the bid documents.

  3. Request for Proposal (RFP)

    • Used when a contract is competitively negotiated.

    • A selection committee evaluates proposals based on published criteria.

    • Negotiations are held with the most qualified proponent before awarding the contract.

Q: How does the NFTA decide who is awarded a contract?

A: The award process depends on the procurement method:

  • Informal Bids & Invitations for Bid (IFB):

    • Contracts or purchase orders are awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

    • NFTA considers delivery, performance, quality, and ability to meet bid specifications when determining responsiveness.

  • Requests for Proposal (RFP):

    • Awards are based on multiple factors, including:

      • Pertinent experience

      • Proven management skills

      • Qualified key personnel

      • Ability to perform within time constraints

      • Past performance on similar contracts

      • Quality of previous proposals

      • Professionalism

      • MWBE and SDVOB participation

      • Other criteria specific to the contract