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Frequently Asked Questions about Procurements

Q. What does MTA Bridges and Tunnels buy?

A. We buy the following goods and services, as well as many others that are not listed:

Q. How do I become a vendor with MTA Bridges and Tunnels?

A. The first step is to get on our vendors list, a computerized listing of vendors who supply the goods and services we often need. You can get on the vendors list by calling or writing us and requesting an application. When you complete the application just return it to us. If you have already done business with us before or answered a Request for Proposal or Invitation for Bid, you're probably already on the list. We'll be happy to check for you to be sure your firm's name is listed. Just give us a call.

Q. How will I hear about upcoming opportunities?

A. We try to get the word out to as many potential vendors as possible. We advertise most of our purchasing needs in newspapers, trade publications, the NYS Contract Reporter, and the City Record. If you're on the vendors list, we may contact you directly.

Q. How does the procurement process work?

A. We solicit bids and proposals in four (4) ways:

  1. Telephone Solicitations

    When we're buying goods and services for under $ 15,000, we telephone vendors to ask for verbal or written bids rather than advertise. We turn to our vendors list and other sources to locate qualified vendors.

  2. Invitation for Bid (IFB)

    An IFB is used to obtain bids when a contract is competitively bid. Vendors submit bids that are opened in a public meeting at MTA Bridges and Tunnels headquarters, located at 2 Broadway. The contract is awarded to the qualified responsible vendor submitting the lowest responsive bid.

    IFB's are usually for goods or trade services (such as computer hardware or construction). Bids for services over $ 15,000, supplies/commodities over $ 15,000, and construction contracts over $ 25,000 are formally advertised; suppliers on the vendors list are generally notified by mail.

  3. Request for Proposal (RFP)

    We send our RFP's to obtain proposals when a contract is competitively negotiated. A MTA Bridges and Tunnels committee chooses the best proposals and then negotiates with those proposers before making a selection and awarding a contract. RFP's are typically for professional services and usually advertised.

  4. Request for Expression of Interests (RFEI)

    For architectural/engineering services, we invite firms to submit expressions of interests for each advertised procurement. These firms are then pre-qualified by a MTA Bridge and Tunnels Committee and RFP's are requested from the most qualified firms. Thereafter, the RFP process is used to select a firm.

Q. How does MTA Bridges and Tunnels decide who gets a contract?

A. Although the procedures for telephone solicitations, IFBs, RFEIs and RFPs differ somewhat, in all cases we're looking for vendors able to carry out the contract's requirements at competitive prices. We depend on the respondent to prepare your documents carefully when they respond to an IFB, RFEI, or RFP. You should read thoroughly all sections of the solicitation material and include all the requested information in the bid or proposal.

Q. Who is my contact at MTA Bridges and Tunnels?

A. Your contact for making bids, getting on the vendors list, or discussing opportunities with the MTA Bridges and Tunnels is a member of the Procurement and Materials staff. Only the Procurement and Materials staff can award contracts to vendors or buy goods and services. If you require services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, please call our TTY/TDD number (656) 252-7089 or email us at vprocure@mtabt.org for further assistance.

Q. How do I become a vendor for the MTA Bridges and Tunnels?

A. Contact the Procurement Department directly

MTA Bridges and Tunnels
Contracts Division
2 Broadway, 23 Floor
New York, N.Y. 10004
vprocure@mtabt.org

Q. How do I become a vendor for the MTA and its other operating agencies?

A. See the MTA Procurement section for full details.

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