Announcements

FTA Issues Dear Colleague Highlighting Tools to Improve Bus Procurement and Manufacturing

Published on: February 12, 2024

FTA is taking actions to strengthen the American bus manufacturing industry, reduce vehicle contract costs, and shorten vehicle delivery times, all of which is described in a Dear Colleague letter posted today. The guidance comes as transit agencies seek to procure buses using the historic investment provided by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The Dear Colleague letter consolidates FTA’s existing guidance and highlights tools available to transit agencies​ to address trends and challenges in federally funded bus procurements, including information about managing component prices, modifying contracts, lowering vehicle contract and production costs, and reducing unnecessary customization.

Actions and technical assistance resources include:

• A new bus procurement webpage, with updated FAQs
• New priority considerations in the FY24 Buses and Bus Facilities and Low or No Emission Notice of Funding Opportunity
• An FTA-hosted bus procurement best practices webinar
• National Transit Institute procurement courses
• Formation of a new FTA Acquisition Oversight Division

Links:
Dear Colleague Letter
FTA Bus Procurement Webpage
FTA Bus Procurement FAQs
FTA Bus Procurement Best Practices Webinar Registration
National Transit Institute Procurement Courses