When you collaborate with MARTA, you're not just securing a deal; you're embracing an opportunity to touch the lives of millions of riders every week. Imagine the impact and the immense satisfaction of knowing that your organization is playing a pivotal role in connecting dreams, destinations, and communities across metro Atlanta.
High-value contracts? Absolutely! But beyond that, it's the value of being a part of a larger mission. A mission to ensure that every individual in metro Atlanta has access to dependable and top-notch transit services.
So, let's make a difference together! We warmly invite you to be a part of our journey, to co-create a future where transit isn't just about moving from point A to B, but about enriching lives and fostering connections. Partner with us and let's drive a brighter, more connected Atlanta!
Contracts & Procurement
MARTA's procurement method, which primarily revolves around a competitive quote or bid process, is a strategic approach designed to uphold both fairness and efficiency. By casting a wide net and inviting submissions from various vendors, we aim to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the market's offerings.
This inclusivity guarantees that every interested party, regardless of size or stature, has the opportunity to present their proposal. It is our way of promoting diversity, encouraging competition, and ensuring that innovation and value propositions are not overlooked.
Once all submissions are received, they undergo a thorough evaluation. Beyond just the cost, we consider other vital factors such as quality, vendor experience, timeline feasibility, and post-sales support. This holistic evaluation ensures that the selected option isn't just the cheapest, but rather the one that offers the best overall value and compatibility with MARTA's operational requirements and long-term goals.
By adopting this approach, MARTA reaffirms its commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and its pursuit of partnerships that are beneficial not just for the organization but also for the communities we serve.
Contact information for CPM
- Jacqueline Holland(Sr. Director)
- Malcolm A. Whichard(Manager of Purchasing) -
mwhichard@itsmarta.com
- Djuana Herron(Manager of Contracts)-dherron@itsmarta.com
- Peris Cannon(Manager of Contracts)-pcannon@itsmarta.com
- Rickey Beasley(Manager of Contracts)-rbeasley1@itsmarta.com
- Roderick Lyles(Sr. Manager of Materials)-rlyles@itsmarta.com
Solicitation Methods
There are a few ways we solicit goods and services from potential vendors:
- Request for Quotations (RFQ)
- Sealed Bids (IFB)
- Request for Proposals (RFP)
- GSA/State Procurements
- Emergency Procurements
Vendor Selection
Along with general solicitation, there are also a few ways we select vendors to solicit directly:
- Using our vendor database
- Soliciting planholders from prior contracts
- Following leads from requester recommendations
- Following leads from DEO recommendations
- Using industry publications
- Using other transit properties
- Conducting market research online
Directly Notifying Vendors of Solicitations
In certain cases, preferred vendors will receive direct or early notice of upcoming solicitations. For solicitations greater than $100K:
- Solicitations are advertised in the AJC Legal Notice section
- Recommended vendors receive advanced notice
Bid Package Content
Every solicitation comes with five key components that help prospective vendors work through the bidding process thoroughly and accurately.
- Instructions for bidders/proponents/quoters
- Terms and conditions of the contract
- Scope of work or technical requirements
- Forms for bidding and submitting proposals/quotes
- Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Goal
Invitations for Sealed Bid (IFB)
In these cases, bids are actively and transparently sought from the public. After careful assessment, a firm-fixed price contract, which may be a lump sum or based on unit price, is awarded. The chosen bidder is not just selected based on price alone, but also on their ability to adhere to the essential terms and conditions outlined in the Invitation for Bids.
Submitting Your Information
A completed bid requires the following:
- Bid/Proposal/Quote Form
- Certification of No Conflict of Interest
- Statement of Business Qualifications
- List of Proposed Subcontractors
- DEO Requirements and DBE Participation Certification
- Any other Required Information requested in the instructions
Time
Processing for sealed bids takes approximately 120 days.
Sealed Bid Evaluation
Evaluation always starts with the lowest bid. Responsibility is determined by MARTA’s requesting office and whether the vendor is capable of performing the contract. Responsiveness is determined by MARTA’s Legal Department, and bid submittals must:
- Meet all material terms and conditions
- Take no exceptions
- Acknowledge all addenda
Request for Proposal (RFP)
When engaging in procurement, there are instances where the decision isn't solely based on price. Instead, we utilize negotiated procurements, a comprehensive method that evaluates various factors in addition to the price. Factors such as the quality of the goods or services, the reputation of the provider, and their track record in the industry are taken into consideration. Typically, this method is favored by us, especially when procuring professional services, as it provides a more holistic assessment of potential vendors.
Evaluation Factors
The requesting office is responsible for identifying the evaluation factors and their relative importance. These factors are tailored to each procurement and may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Quality and responsiveness of proposal
- Approach
- Organization, personnel and facilities
- Cost
Time
Processing for proposals takes approximately 180 days.
Request for Proposals Evaluation
Request for Proposals are reviewed by evaluation teams and are awarded based on pre-established criteria. The RFPs are negotiable.
Other Matters
Conflicts of Interest
Depending on their roles and connections, certain individuals are prohibited from having an interest in MARTA's procurement. These individuals include:
- Members of the Board of Directors
- Officers
- MARTA employees
- Elected, appointed and employed officials or employees of the State of Georgia or of a governing body, instrumentality or political subdivision within the territory comprising the Counties of Fulton, Dekalb, Clayton and Gwinnett
- Relatives of a person described above
- Members of or delegates to the Congress of the U.S.
- People who are or who, during the past 12 months, have been members of the Board of Directors, officer, MARTA employees or employed by or on behalf of the bidder