Release of Bid Information by Grantees

Q.  Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) I have always believed that once an award is made the results become public record. If someone wants the results and the proper channels are followed, that they have to be provided. I recently asked a property for contract bid results. I was told that it was a private entity hired by the county to manage the transit system for the county. FTA funds are used to purchase the parts on the contract. My question is does a property like this still have to provide the results?

A.  There is nothing in the FTA regulations or policies that would require a grantee to make bid information available to the public after contract award, unless required by State or local law.  FTA expects its grantees to comply with State and local public information laws. We would note that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) apply only to actions of the Federal government, and not to State or local government activities, including those of FTA grantees. (Revised: May 2010)