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| Q. Does FTA require any Altoona testing of automobiles, and is there any prohibition against this type of purchase with Federal funds??
A. Altoona testing does not apply to automobiles. There is no prohibition of using Federal funds to purchase autos as long as it is consistent with your grant terms. You can check with your grant manager to be sure. Remember that the Buy America requirements (certification, contract clause, etc.) will apply if the procurement exceeds $100,000.
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Q. Is it possible for bus manufacturers to perform the "Altoona" testing at proving grounds of their choice if the requirements can be met? The Bosch Automotive Proving Grounds in New Carlisle, IN, has the capabilities required to meet the Altoona Bus testing requirements. What would we need to do to become an alternate source for this testing?
A. FTA thanks you for your interest in offering an alternative site for bus testing. However, the Program is constrained by statute from conducting testing of new transit bus models at another facility. Federal Acquisition Regulation 49 U.S.C. Sec. 5318(a) states, "The Secretary of Transportation shall establish one facility for testing a new bus model for maintainability, reliability, safety, performance (including braking performance), structural integrity, fuel economy, emissions, and noise."
Q. Has the Dodge Sprinter bus been Altoona Tested?
A. The Dodge Sprinter bus has completed testing at the Altoona Bus Testing Center. It finished quite recently, and the database hasn't yet been updated to show the report, but a copy of the report is attached.
Q. Do "TRAMS" used by the National Park Service at the Cape Cod National Seashore need to be Altoona Tested IAW the Bus Testing Regulation (49 CFR Part 665)? The Trams System consists of a Power Car and Trailing unit. The Power Car is a Ford E-350 DRW cutaway chassis-Minimum GVWR: 10,000 lbs at 20 MPH, Capacity: 20 Adults, Maximum speed: 25 MPH. The training unit(s) - GVWR 8,700 lbs at 20 MPH, Capacity: 28 Adults, Length 25 ft, and Width 9 ft. This is competitive, firm fixed price acquisition with NO Altoona testing requirement. The firm whose tram is Altoona tested asserts, "All federally funded vehicles are required to be tested to ensure the vehicle meets government requirements." Our government position is that the "TRAM" is not covered by the Bus Testing Regulation (49 CRF 665) and that since funding is supplied by the Interior Department, National Park Service and NOT by the Federal Transit Authority, Title 49 USC 665 does not apply.
A. The FTA Bus Testing Regulation (49 CFR Part 665) only applies to buses acquired with FTA funding. Therefore, FTA ("Altoona") Bus Testing is not required for vehicles purchased with non-FTA funding, such as the NPS funding you have referenced in your question.
Note: This Q/A was posted the month of: 02-2009.
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