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Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority

Serving Buffalo Niagara

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Procurement

NFTA.com > Procurement > Doing Business with the NFTA

Doing Business with the NFTA: A guide for suppliers and contractors

The information provided is intended to help suppliers, consultants and contractors identify solicitations on which they would like to bid or make a proposal. It is not a substitute for the official procurement documents. All award decisions are based solely on the content of the official bid documents.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I find out about upcoming opportunities?

To reach as many potential suppliers, consultants and contractors as possible, the NFTA uses several methods, including this web site, to announce procurement opportunities.

How does the procurement process work?

We solicit bids and proposals in the following way. (All procurements over $15,000 are advertised):

  1. Informal Bids
    When buying materials and services for under $15,000, we telephone, e-mail or fax potential sources for quotations rather than advertise. We look at our Registered Suppliers List and other sources to locate qualified suppliers.
  2. Invitation for Bid
    An Invitation for Bid is used to obtain bids when a contract is competitively bid. Potential suppliers and contractors submit bids that are opened at a public meeting: at a location, date and time specified in the Bid.

    Invitations to Bid for contracts over $15,000 are advertised. Registered suppliers will be notified by e-mail.

    The NFTA does not maintain a solicitation list for engineering consultants or contractors.
  3. Request for Proposal
    We send Requests for Proposal when a contract is competitively negotiated. Requests for Proposals are advertised. Registered suppliers will be notified by e-mail. A selection committee evaluates the proposals and, based on the selection criteria set forth in the RFP, negotiates with the most qualified proposers before awarding a contract.
How does the NFTA decide who is awarded a contract?

The procedures for making awards differ depending on whether the contract is based on Informal Bid, an Invitation for Bid, or a Request for Proposal. For Informal Bids, solicitations and Invitations for Bid, contracts or Purchase Orders are awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The NFTA determines if the lowest responsive bidder can responsibly fulfill the contract or purchase order. Delivery, performance, quality, and ability to meet bid specifications are all important considerations when evaluation a bidder's level of responsiveness.

For contracts based on RFP's, a number of criteria are considered. Pertinent experience, proven management skills, qualified key personnel, ability to perform within given time constraints, past performance, quality of previous bid documents, demonstrated professionalism and other criteria specific to each contract may all become part of the negotiations that lead to the awarding of a contract based on an RFP.

If there are any more specific questions, please contact any Procurement / Contracting representative listed below.

How can I add my company to the Procurement Bid List?

You must register on-line. See Current Procurement Opportunities.

NFTA Contacts for Procurement Opportunities

Andrea Herald - Procurement Manager
Email: andrea_herald@nfta.com
Phone: (716) 855-7356
Fax: (716) 855-6676
Product Category Responsibility: Consultants, Computer Hardware and Software, Utilities and Telecommunications, Petroleum Products, Capital Equipment

Mary Gerwitz - Assistant Procurement Manager
Email: mary_gerwitz@nfta.com
Phone: (716) 855-7206
Fax: (716) 855-6676
Product Category Responsibility: Vehicles and Vehicle Parts, Office Supplies and Equipment, Facilities Maintenance Materials and Services, Printing and Graphic Supplies, Uniforms

Geri Richwalder - Senior Buyer
Email: geri_richwalder@nfta.com
Phone: (716) 855-7440
Fax: (716) 855-6676
Product Category Responsibility: Buses and Bus Parts, Rail Car Parts, Fire Fighting Supplies, Industrial Supplies

Shirley Whitcomb - Purchasing Specialist
Email: shirley_whitcomb@nfta.com
Phone: (716) 855-7222
Fax: (716) 855-6676
Product Category Responsibility: Safety and First Aid Supplies, Copy Paper and Copier Supplies, Pest Control, Miscellaneous Materials and Services