Doing Business with the NFTA - A guide for suppliers
and contractors
The information provided is intended to help suppliers, consultants
and contractors identify solicitations on which they would like
to bid or make a proposal. It is not a substitute for the official
procurement documents. All award decisions are based solely
on the content of the official bid documents.
Most frequently asked questions:
How can I find out about upcoming opportunities?
To reach as many potential suppliers, consultants and contractors
as possible, the NFTA uses several methods, including this web site,
to announce procurement opportunities.
- Register
on-line as a potential supplier
Anyone can register as a potential supplier with
the NFTA. Select the category or categories which match
the materials or services you provide. You will be notified
by e-mail when a bid opportunity is available. Only registered
suppliers will be notified.
- Check the NFTA web site
Bids can be downloaded directly from this web site.
See Current Procurement Opportunities.
- Check the Newspapers
Advertisements announcing most of our procurement needs appear
in the Buffalo News, The Niagara Falls Gazette and The Buffalo
Challenger. Other newspapers and periodicals may be used under
special circumstances.
- The Primary Source: The New York State Contract
Reporter
All procurement solicitations that are anticipated to exceed
$15,000 appear in the New York State Contract Reporter. For
subscription information,
contact the New York State Contract Reporter at www.nyscr.com
or call
1-888-697-7787
How does the procurement process work?
We solicit bids and proposals in the following way. (All procurements
over $15,000 are advertised):
- Informal Bids
When buying materials and services for under $15,000,
we telephone, e-mail or fax potential sources for quotations
rather than advertise. We look at our Registered Suppliers List
and other sources to locate qualified suppliers.
- Invitation for Bid
An Invitation for Bid is used to obtain bids when a contract
is competitively bid. Potential suppliers and contractors submit
bids that are opened at a public meeting: at a location, date
and time specified in the Bid.
Invitations to Bid for contracts over $15,000 are advertised.
Registered suppliers will be notified by e-mail.
The NFTA does not maintain a solicitation list for engineering
consultants or contractors.
- Request for Proposal
We send Requests for Proposal when a contract is competitively
negotiated. Requests for Proposals are advertised. Registered
suppliers will be notified by e-mail. A selection committee
evaluates the proposals and, based on the selection criteria
set forth in the RFP, negotiates with the most qualified proposers
before awarding a contract.
How does the NFTA decide who is awarded a contract?
The procedures for making awards differ depending on whether the
contract is based on Informal Bid, an Invitation for Bid, or a
Request for Proposal. For Informal Bids, solicitations and Invitations
for Bid, contracts or Purchase Orders are awarded to the lowest
responsive and responsible 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
evaluation a bidder's level of responsiveness.
For contracts based on RFP's, a number of criteria are considered.
Pertinent experience, proven management skills, qualified key
personnel, ability to perform within given time constraints, past
performance, quality of previous bid documents, demonstrated professionalism
and other criteria specific to each contract may all become part
of the negotiations that lead to the awarding of a contract based
on an RFP.
If there are any more specific questions, please contact any Procurement
/ Contracting representative listed below.
How can I add my company to the Procurement Bid List?
Register on-line. See
Current Procurement Opportunities.
NFTA Contacts for Procurement Opportunities
Andrea Herald, Procurement Manager
e-mail: andrea_herald@nfta.com
phone: 716-855-7356
fax: 716-855-6676
Product Category Responsibility: Consultants, Computer Hardware
and Software, Utilities and Telecommunications, Petroleum Products,
Capital Equipment
Mary Gerwitz, Assistant Procurement Manager
e-mail: mary_gerwitz@nfta.com
phone: 716-855-7206
fax: 716-855-6676
Product Category Responsibility: Vehicles and Vehicle Parts, Office
Supplies and Equipment, Facilities Maintenance Materials and Services,
Printing and Graphic Supplies, Uniforms
Geri Richwalder, Senior Buyer
e-mail: geri_richwalder@nfta.com
phone: 716-855-7440
fax: 716-855-6676
Product Category Responsibility: Buses and Bus Parts, Rail Car
Parts, Fire Fighting Supplies, Industrial Supplies
Shirley Whitcomb, Purchasing Specialist
e-mail: shirley_whitcomb@nfta.com
phone: 716-855-7222
fax: 716-855-6676
Product Category Responsibility: Safety and First Aid Supplies,
Copy Paper and Copier Supplies, Pest Control, Miscellaneous Materials
and Services
NFTA
Contacts for Engineering Consultants and Contracting Opportunities
|
