| Q. Can an RFP be conducted for the repowering of older buses, replacement of older route signs with All LED signs and installation of voice annunciation system? Where can I find a sample RFP for such a procurement or one for engine repowering?
A. You must first determine that your State procurement statutes allow for the use of RFP's and do not require sealed bidding for this type of procurement. State laws vary on this point.
Federal requirements as published in FTA Circular 4220.1E require full and open competition as a principle, but you can satisfy that requirement with RFP's (negotiated procurements) as well as sealed bidding. So the answer is that FTA would have no problem with an RFP as long as your State laws allow it also.
As you may know, FTA has published a "Best Practices Procurement Manual (BPPM)" for grantees, and the subject of Negotiated Procurements is covered in Section 4.5 "Competitive Proposals (Request for Proposals)" of the manual.
One transit agency we know of that uses RFP's for bus procurements is New York City Transit. You may call Mr. Ira Tillman at (718) 694-4218 to discuss that agency's experience with RFP's on bus- related procurements. Another source of information would be Mr. Rocco Rutledge, Purchasing Manager at PACE Bus in Chicago. His number is (847) 228-2493.
Other Relevant Contact information is as follows:
- Contact John Baumer of Inland Detroit Diesel at 630-871-1111, and
- Bill Griffin of Jimmy Diesel 708-482-4500 on engine rebuilds.
Contact the following for total bus rebuilds:
- Blitz: Barry Hornecker 312-762-7600
- Hauseman: Bob O'Brian 708-299-9900
- TSG: Len Armstrong 219-932-3000
- ABC: Harry Powell 847-824-9460
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