Federal Transit Procurement Branch
Program Overview
As a recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Office of Transit Grants and Contracts (OTGC) is responsible for providing project oversight to maintain compliance with federal statutes and regulations. Therefore, subrecipients of this funding must demonstrate to the OTGC that all procurement and third-party contracting activities comply with: 2 CFR Part 1201 – Uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for federal awards; FTA Circular 4220.1F – Third Party Contracting Guidance; and the State Management Plan (SMP).
In addition to compliance oversight the procurement program provides eligible FTA Section 5310 and 5311 subrecipients the opportunity to purchase ADA compliant transit vehicles at the lowest possible price. Governmental bodies empowered to spend public funds pursuant to California Public Contract Code Section 10298 and 10299 are eligible to purchase from the State's paratransit vehicle contracts. These contracts are administered by the Department of General Services (DGS). Full contract language and local procurement purchasing procedures are available on the DGS website.
Procurement Guidance
Detailed procedures and guidance concerning Caltrans OTGC FTA Programs Procurement Oversight system is available on the electronic grants management system, BlackCat, located under the Resources tab -> California Department of Transportation, Global Resources -> Procurement.
Information includes procedures for conducting third party procurements for services and other equipment, and transit vehicle purchasing.
Policy, Requirements and Resources
- Senate Bill 3 - CA Minimum Wage Increases (PDF)
- FTA Procurement Circular 4220.1 F (PDF)
- FTA Best Practices Procurement Manual (BPPM)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Economic News Release; CPI