Frequently Asked Questions

FTA Cooperative Procurement Pilot Project
Heavy Duty Bus Pool Led by Implicit PurchasePooling Solutions

1. What are the benefits of joining this project?

First, your agency becomes eligible for a federal share of 90% of the total vehicle procurement cost. This represents a 50 percent reduction of the non-federal match required under current law (currently, all federally-assisted bus procurements offer no more than 80% of the total procurement cost).

This revolutionary approach to capital procurement enables each agency to keep its individual specifications, terms and conditions intact. Plus agencies often reap additional savings through volume discounts available with larger pooled purchases.

Agencies that use Implicit's patented PurchasePooling Solution system can also:

Reduce time and effort spent in the purchasing process
Create and review RFPs--and other important documents-- from anywhere they have an Internet connection
Quickly make changes and communicate updates to RFPs
Effectively share information, expertise and knowledge with other team members and agencies
More easily develop accurate RFPs using APTA's Standard Bus Procurement Guidelines as a starting point
Evaluate the cost of each biddable option on a base transit vehicle and decide whether or not it is worth the extra expense.

2. Will we need special software, hardware or training to participate in this pilot program?

All you do is log onto the application via your web browser to create and view specifications as well as to communicate with other pool participants and vendors. Because it is web-based, there is no affect on IT systems currently in place at your agency. Implicit PurchasePooling Solutions (IPPS) will host the application and provide you with an ID and login.

3. How can we receive more information about the pool?

Contact Steven Day (972)421-2841; steven.day@implicits.com

4. Trying to get members of a pool to agree on specifications, terms and conditions can be such a hassle. How is this approach to pooling different?

One of the biggest challenges to successful pooling has been the time it takes to form a consensus among multiple agencies about vehicle specs, terms and conditions. PurchasePooling Solutions is unique because it allows each agency to keep their individual specs, terms and conditions intact. Once the base vehicle specs are established, other components (i.e. Loading systems, instrumentation, arrangements and set style, front axle, tire size, etc.) can be incorporated into the RFP and priced by the vendor as a biddable option.

PurchasePooling Solutions' approach is also unique because it provides all of the tools needed to successfully organize and run a cooperative procurement project. Participants will appreciate PurchasePooling Solutions' online tools that help them take action quickly to

Schedule important events
Store crucial information in one central location
Work together to create an RFP that meets each agency's needs
Receive and process "approved equals" requests from bidders
Evaluate vendor pricing on each biddable option
Make decisions about whether or not an option is worth the expense

5. Can the online PurchasePooling Solutions application make building our specs for transit vehicles & capital equipment easier?

Yes, it has helped other transit agencies simplify the building of their capital equipment specs. PurchasePooling's online tools make it easy for agencies to complete thorough equipment specs that meet FTA guidelines. The tools also help reduce the time and expense for developing capital equipment specifications while preserving each agency's ability to customize the equipment for their needs. Over $50 million has been invested in the development of PurchasePooling Solutions Software. It was launched in collaboration with Deloitte Touche Consulting, i2 Software, Booz Allen, and various public sector procurement consultants.

6. When will approved pool members begin entering their specifications?

As soon as an agency signs up to join the pool, they will receive login information and can begin posting their specifications.

7. Is there someone at the FTA who we can contact for confirmation of this project?

Bruce Robinson
Strategic Analysis Team Leader
Office of Research, Demonstration & Innovation
USDOT -- Federal Transit Administration
Phone: 202-366-4209
Email: bruce.robinson@dot.gov

Here are some additional sources of information about the CPPP

The FTA site url for Federal Register Publication that outlines the Cooperative Procurement Pilot Program is as follows: http://www.transitpool.com/FTA-166.pdf

8. How long will it take for someone to be trained on the software?

Users can train to use the software in one day. Ongoing product support is offered by Implicit PurchasePooling Solutions.