General Content
Unsolicited Proposals
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are FTA's rules and policies regarding unsolicited proposals for the rail transit industry? Specifically, the proposal would deal with the potential cost savings through the implementation of a modern, industry oriented reliability program that emphasizes cost saving...Transit Oriented Development Projects
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere can one get information on the process of selecting and contracting with private real estate developers to develop a mixed use residential/retail/commercial project on public owned land and adjacent to a transit facility?The Best Practices Procurement Manual (BPPM...
Transfer of Project Assets
Frequently Asked QuestionsIs a grantee authorized to purchase non-revenue vehicles such as light trucks and SUV's with Federal grant monies using the Invitation for Bid (IFB) process and then assign them for use by a contractor providing security services under another contract? The security...Time & Materials Contracts
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ. Could you tell me exactly what are Time and Materials and Fixed Price contracts?A. Time-and-materials (T&M) contracts may be used for acquiring supplies or services. These contracts provide for the payment of labor costs on the basis of fixed hourly billing...
Time Extension on Contracts
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat documentation is required for a time extension on contracts?Time of delivery is a cardinal element of the contract. With respect to delays, the general rule in public contracting is that the contractor bears the risk of both time and cost for delays that it causes...
Termination for Default
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen an A&E firm fails to perform after 18 months on the project, can the Agency select the firm originally ranked number 2 to replace the incumbent or must it conduct a new competition?There is no FTA general policy or rule in this matter. The answer may be...
Tag-Ons
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe most recent FTA document I can find addressing tag-ons is from 1998. In this "Dear Colleague" Letter dated October 1, 1998, it states: "Presently, that policy applies to rolling stock procurements only; however, consideration is being given to expanding the policy to...Subcontracts
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat requirements govern use of subcontractors in procurement?There are no requirements regarding subcontracting in the Best Practices Procurement Manual (BPPM) except those in Appendix A.1 dealing with contract clauses and flow-down requirements to subcontractors...
Statutes
Frequently Asked QuestionsClean Air Act Requirements: Are there “Clean Air” standards that apply to the procurement of vehicles under FTA Guidelines?The Clean Air requirements apply to all contracts exceeding $150,000, including indefinite quantities where the amount is expected to exceed $150,...