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Trinity Metro

FAQs

Contract and Procurement FAQs

 

Trinity Metro purchases everything from specialized transportation equipment and services to general office supplies.  We purchase from multiple sources, including small suppliers and large corporations.  The products and services may include Business Services:  Contract labor for special projects, uniforms and uniform rental, advertising, security, consulting, legal services, drug, and alcohol testing, auctioning services, background checks, and information services. Capital Improvements:  Construction, architects, engineers, appraisals, environmental, and survey admin & IT:  Software applications, office equipment, furniture, copiers, computers, shelter and bus stop cleaning, pest prevention and repair and maintenance of passenger shelters.Insurance:  Workers compensation, risk management, and health benefits.Operational Parts:  Buses, vehicles, trucks, bus tires, bearings, filters, fuels, oils, grease, antifreeze, batteries, reupholstery, electronics, rebuild engines, transmissions, and radiators, radio equipment, fasteners, parts washers, and bus parts.Printing & Signage:  Printed items, banners, signs, and signage installation.

                                                              

Doing business with Trinity Metro is no more difficult than any other public agency.  Trinity Metro must adhere to Federal Transit Administration rules and regulations (Circular FTA C 4220.1F).  Furthermore, each contract is detailed and contains specifications and requirements that potential suppliers must meet.

Yes.  Generally, Trinity Metro pays within 30 days for approved services and received goods.  We understand how important cash flow is to a business, and we want to make doing business with us as efficient as possible.

                                                                

Download the Vendor Data Form and ACH Authorization Form.

Submit the Vendor Data Form and ACH Authorization Form along with the additional required documents to VendorData@ridetm.org

                                                      

To reach potential suppliers, Trinity Metro uses several different ways to include suppliers in opportunities: You may be contacted directly when you complete the NIGP Code listing, which provides Trinity Metro with a list by commodity for the types of goods and services needed.  Being on the list does not guarantee that you will receive all bids and RFPs, but it does increase the ability to review suppliers by commodity codes for upcoming solicitations. View the website for procurement opportunities.  All formal solicitations are posted to the website and can be downloaded.

Trinity Metro’s preferred method of issuing solicitations is electronically through our Bonfire Portal. Review of the solicitations, all addendums, forms, instructions, and question submittal can be completed through Bonfire. Here is the link to the Bonfire Portal.  https://ridetm.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

                                             

The procedures for making contract awards differ, depending on whether the contract is based on an informal solicitation, an Invitation for Bid (IFB), or a Request for Proposal (RFP).  Informal solicitations usually are awarded based on the lowest quote but may specify another basis for the award.  IFBs are awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.  This means that while the competitive price is the critical factor, Trinity Metro will also determine if the lowest bidder can responsibly fulfill the contract.  Delivery performance, quality, and ability to meet bid specifications are all important considerations in evaluating a bidder's level of responsiveness. For contracts based on RFPs, a number of established criteria are considered.  These are specific for each contract and may include competitive pricing, demonstrated ability to fulfill the contract, quality of samples, previous experience, and contract performance.  Trinity Metro may choose to negotiate with one or more suppliers as part of the RFP process. Trinity Metro Procurement is responsible for conducting the procurements and generally, a conference is scheduled in advance of the bid/proposal deadline so that suppliers can visit and obtain clarifications regarding the solicitation from Trinity Metro.  Procurements conducted for contracts in excess of $50,000 require approval by the Trinity Metro Board prior to award.