Is it true that FTA funds over $2,500 to be used for consultant services cannot be sole sourced?
A. The FTA Procurement Circular 4220.1F requires competition for all procurements above the micro-purchase threshold, which is currently set at $3,000 maximum (although your agency procurement procedures may currently establish a lower threshold for micro-purchases). Above the micro-purchase threshold, and up to the small purchase threshold (currently $100,000), you must compete the award by soliciting proposals from an “adequate number of qualified sources. Beyond the small purchase threshold, you must advertise the procurement on the basis of “full and open competition. Thus your procurement for consulting services, if above the micro-purchase threshold of $3,000, but not exceeding $100,000, must be competed by soliciting proposals from an “adequate number of qualified sources. The requirements for “Small Purchases” are discussed in Circular 4220.1F, Chapter VI, paragraph 3.b. – “Small Purchases. The Circular may be found online: http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Circular_4220.1F_
A. The FTA Procurement Circular 4220.1F requires competition for all procurements above the micro-purchase threshold, which is currently set at $3,000 maximum (although your agency procurement procedures may currently establish a lower threshold for micro-purchases). Above the micro-purchase threshold, and up to the small purchase threshold (currently $100,000), you must compete the award by soliciting proposals from an “adequate number of qualified sources. Beyond the small purchase threshold, you must advertise the procurement on the basis of “full and open competition. Thus your procurement for consulting services, if above the micro-purchase threshold of $3,000, but not exceeding $100,000, must be competed by soliciting proposals from an “adequate number of qualified sources. The requirements for “Small Purchases” are discussed in Circular 4220.1F, Chapter VI, paragraph 3.b. – “Small Purchases.
