3 agencies release first RFP under FTA pilot project

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the City of Phoenix Public Transit Department have released the first Request for Proposal (RFP) under the FTA’s Cooperative Procurement Pilot Program (CPPP). The RFP details specifications for the joint procurement of up to 431 natural gas transit vehicles. The CPPP is intended to develop joint procurement practices for transit buses and other major capital equipment. Cost savings and increased efficiency for transit agencies is the overall objective for the CPPP. Participating agencies are eligible for 90% federal funding if they meet guidelines requiring them to use Internet technology to assist in developing specifications and procurement documents as well as evaluating proposals. The three transit agencies used Implicit PurchasePooling Solutions, which offers an Internet-based approach to capital procurement that allows each agency to keep its individual specifications, terms and conditions intact, while taking advantage of larger volume discounts.