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
- 
Check the Bonfire portal regularly for Current Procurement Opportunities - Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority 
- 
Bids must be downloaded directly from this 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:
- 
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. 
 
- 
- 
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. 
 
- 
- 
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 
 
- 
 
-