geoffselby Posted April 13, 2010 Report Share Posted April 13, 2010 Does anybody know the process for selling to the CTA? I've filled out their vendor registration forms, but I'd like to try to get in touch with buyers in charge of supplies for the various garages. I'm a manufacturer that produces a product for use on vehicles with an air compressor. Essentially, it purges the moisture and contaminants from the compressor tank every 5 minutes to maintain optimal performance of the brakes and other air-powered equipment. I sell to Nova Bus which installs the valves on all of their new buses so the product likely is already installed on a good number of CTA buses. So I'd like to try to make contact with the CTA maintenance staff who likely understand the product already. Thank you for your assitance. Also, I'm new to this forum so if my post somehow violates the spirit I apologize in advance . GS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted April 13, 2010 Report Share Posted April 13, 2010 Basically, you have to follow all the directions on the Procurement Information page of the website and links on that page, including download the RFP for the specific procurement, accessed from the Contract Opportunities page. You may have to register with CTA, but they certainly aren't going to give you any business unless you submit a bid, in accordance with the bid documents for the RFP, which you have to download. There are reports of lobbyists for big procurements, such as for the 706 railcars, and maybe contacts in the garage might help, but even then it is necessary to go through the procurement process. Pace doesn't seem much different. BTW, both the CTA and Pace contract awards sites indicate that parts are often purchased through the assemblers (i.e. Prevost's (for Nova), NABI's, or New Flyer's parts operations) and not the component manufacturers.You might have better luck starting there. Update: The final thing to consider is that many of the CTA's parts contracts are "requirements" contracts, such as this request "to be released as required for a period of thirty-six (36) months from date of contract execution." While such a contract does not commit the CTA to purchase any given quantity, it does lock in the particular contractor for the specified 24 or 36 month period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffselby Posted April 14, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2010 Busjack- Thanks for your very helpful reply. GS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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