Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that have been collected from a survey of Materials Management buyer’s experience. If there is a question that you would like to see listed, please feel free to let us know.
How do I get a copy of a bid?
How do I get on a bid list?
How do I get pre-qualified as an MBTA vendor?
Why haven't I gotten paid?
What if my submitted bid is late?
What is the difference between an IFB and a RFP?
Who do I speak to regarding payment issues?
How do I get bid results for a bid I have submitted?
How can I get on the bid list once it goes electronic?
Where are bids opened? What is the location of the Materials Department?
Does the lowest bid price always win?
How do I get a copy of a bid?
All potential bidders need to be aware of the new Bid Advertising Registration to receive bids online.
The Materials Management Department has launched and is in the process of introducing a new on-line Materials Procurement Advertisement System. The system will give all potential vendors the opportunity to be aware of bids via broadcast email and an electronic copy of the Invitation for Bid (IFB) and Request for Proposals (RFP) within their Category of Goods and Services, after registering (logging in).
The Materials Management Department plans to no longer mail out hard copies of the IFBs and RFPs via US Mail, and we highly recommend that you register on-line as soon as possible in order to obtain copies of advertised IFBs and RFPs on-line.
Materials Management IFB and/or RFP documents may continue to be obtained at:
MBTA Material Management
10 Park Plaza, Suite 2810
Boston, MA 02116
How do I get on a bid list?
There are two ways to get on a bid list: The suggested way to get on a bid list is to register online at MBTA.com. You may also get on a bid list by contacting the listed buyer via email or telephone.
How do I get pre-qualified as an MBTA vendor?
There is no formal pre-qualification process in order to become an MBTA vendor.
Why haven’t I gotten paid?
You will need to contact the MBTA's Accounts Payable Department for information regarding payment status.
What if my submitted bid is late?
All late bids will be disqualified for consideration. All advertised bids have clearly referenced date and time deadlines for submittal.
What is the difference between an IFB and a RFP?
An IFB (Invitation for Bid) is issued for procurements where the lowest price is the key factor if all submitted proposals equally satisfy the listed specifications. The RFP (Request for Proposal) is issued for procurements where price is one of several factors considered in the awarding of those submitted proposals.
Who do I speak to regarding payment issues?
All procurement related payment issues should be directed to the MBTA's Accounts Payable.
10 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116
Tel. (617) 222-4392
Fax: (617) 222-3389
How do I get bid results for a bid I have submitted?
There are various ways to obtain Materials Management bid results, for example:
- Check the MBTA Awarded Contracts page
- Attend the bid opening on the date and time listed in the Invitation for Bids (IFB's). After the bid opening, the MBTA Materials Management Department must perform its due diligence to ensure compliance, so please be aware that information obtained during the bid opening may be different from contract award. Please note that there is no public opening in the Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
How can I get on the bid list once it goes electronic?
You can get on the bid list for one or more categories of goods and services that are procured by the MBTA Materials Management Department through the on line registration page. Please go to the registration page at MBTA.com and follow the instructions on how to register on line.
Where are bids opened? What is the location of the Materials Department?
Bids are opened on the date and time, as stated in the bid documents and online bid advertisement. The Materials Department is located on the second floor (room 2810) of the Transportation Building. Our address is 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA, 02116. Please go to MBTA.com for directions.
Does the lowest bid price always win?
Who is awarded the contract depends on many variables and on the procurement process that is followed, for example, IFB, RFP, Best Value, etc.
In the case of IFB's, where a vendor meets all qualifications and specifications, the lowest bid price is chosen if all submitted bid proposals satisfy all necessary requirements. The approach may vary depending on the variable of the procurement and the procurement method selected.
