Procurement FAQs

What does MTS buy?

We contract for the purchase of goods and services necessary to sustain our whole operation. That means everything from office supplies, buses, bus parts, light rail vehicles (LRV), LRV parts, shop equipment and supplies, and consultant services to construction work. Our commodity list on PlanetBids provides the broad range of the goods and services we buy.

How do I bid?

We use a fully automated web-based vendor registration and bid management system. This system allows vendors to register online, receive solicitations via email, and use additional automated services. All you need to do is complete the online registration form and submit your bid. You will automatically be included in our vendor database.

Is there a fee to register and become a vendor for MTS?

No, it is free to register.

Do I have to be a registered vendor before I can obtain specific information regarding upcoming solicitation?

Yes, you must be a registered vendor in our system to obtain specific information regarding solicitations, receive addenda and submit bids. You do not have to register to view open solicitations.

What is a Vendor Profile?

A Vendor Profile is information provided by companies when they register with our online system. Your profile should contain your business name, address, telephone number, fax number and email address. You will also be asked for your business type, ownership information as well as the commodity or services you provide.

What if I have more than one sales office?

You will be able to provide the address for one corporate office and a separate mailing address if it is a different location.

What is a commodity code?

We use commodity codes to identify the categories your primary services or products fit into.

How do I choose commodities for my Vendor Profile?

Choose a category or categories that describe what you sell. Then select the commodities that best describe the goods and/or service you provide.

How do I add or change the commodities I have selected for my Vendor Profile?

To make a change to the commodity codes or any other part of  your vendor profile, you must access the “Edit Profile” screen in the Vendor Registration Section.

What is a solicitation?

A solicitation is the request or invitation to vendors registered within a specific commodity code asking them to submit a bid/offer.

How do I obtain an addendum to the solicitation package?

Addenda to solicitations available for online bidding are sent by email to all registered companies with vendor profiles that include relevant commodity codes.

Can bids be faxed?

All bids must be returned as described in the bid document instructions.

What is the difference between Informal and Formal Procurements?

Formal Procurements
Purchases and services in excess of $150,000 or Public Works/Construction contracts in excess of $50,0000
Publicly advertised for bid on PlanetBids and other print media
Public Works/Construction Procurements that exceed $50,000 in aggregate
Labor (wages) must be bid by the Contractor in accordance with the most recent State and Federal prevailing wage rates. In addition to Insurance requirements, performance and/or payment bonding may also be required.
Informal Procurements
Purchases under $150,000 in value

Where can I find MTS’s Terms and Conditions?

MTS Terms and Conditions are specific for each type of contract but fall into three broad areas:

  1. Materials, supplies and equipment
  2. Services (including professional services)
  3. Public works/construction

Terms and Conditions are appended to each solicitation.

For general guidance, MTS is required by state law to require prevailing wage (contracts over $1,000) compliance on many public works/construction contracts. It is also MTS policy to require insurance on all public works/construction contracts, service contracts, and some contracts for materials supplies and equipment. More information can be found on our Terms and Conditions page. [LINK]

More information regarding Public Works/Construction