Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. What is the Federal Transit Internet Procurement System (FTIPS)?

The Federal Transit Internet Procurement System (FTIPS) is a world wide web (www) service, from which industry has immediate access to current acquisition information over the Internet. FTIPSis intended to ease the vendor’s access to FTA acquisitions. In addition, FTIPS e-mail notification service enables a vendor to register for receipt of announcements of synopses, solicitations and other documents.

2. What do I get from FTIPS?

Vendors have access to synopses, solicitations, award notices, procurement forecasts, regulations, forms and small business information and assistance. FTA synopses and all competitive solicitations over $25,000 are posted on the Internet.

3. Can I find federal regulations to assist me in my business?

FTA’s FTIPS has links to Department of Transportation and other federal agencies procurement regulations.

4. Can I locate points of contact within the FTA Office of Procurement?

FTA’s points of contact within the Office of Procurement may be accessed via the Personnel Listing on FTIPS.

5. Can I find award descriptions and active contracts on FTIPS?

Yes. Contract awards are published on FTIPS by way of FedBizOpps.gov.

6. Does FTA accept unsolicited proposals?

Yes.  FTA accepts unsolicited proposals. The proposals should be sent to the Office of Procurement. However, FTA’s acceptance of the proposal does not guarantee that any award will result from this acceptance.

7. How would I select the appropriate classification when subscribing to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) notification service?

Vendors should match the services and supplies provided with the classifications listed and used by the Commerce Business Daily. A list of the NAICS, which will eventually replace SICs, can be found on the Internet at the U.S. Census Bureau website.

8. How long are old or outdated acquisitions on-line with the current acquisitions?

FTA will purge outdated information on an as-needed basis. However, circumstances may require expired solicitations remain on-line to serve as background for follow-on acquisitions.

9. Where can I find information on doing business with the Department of Transportation?

You can locate information regarding doing business with the Department of Transportation at [http://www.dot.gov/business.html].

10. FTA provides grant funding to transit agencies throughout the United States, if I wanted to subcontract with contractors doing business with the FTA and/or these grantees, how do I contact them?

FTA lists the official websites of public transit agencies having internet addresses. The list can be accessed by clicking here.