This guidance document provides FTA grant recipients with detailed information about third-party procurement requirements to help improve internal processes and avoid pitfalls. The manual covers the entire procurement cycle: (1) Planning, (2) Selecting Type of Contracting Method, (3) Evaluation of Proposals and Contract Award, and (4) Contract Administration.

Derived from federal statutes, regulations, and guidance, the examples provided are not intended to be all-inclusive, given the many unique situations grantees face when undertaking third-party procurements. Rather, the examples are intended as a resource and a starting point for recipients to explore how other recipients have approached procurement compliance. Items in the table of contents link to the relevant sections.

The August 2026 version of the Manual makes updates to conform to changes in law since the last version and incorporates recommendations submitted to FTA from recipients and the passenger transportation contracting industry.