AC Transit PURCHASING

Frequently Asked Questions

 What is PMM?
  PMM is the Purchasing and Materials Management Department within AC Transit. PMM is responsible for the purchase and sale of all goods and services at AC Transit. All correspondence and negotiations of a contractual nature with vendors, suppliers and contractors are coordinated through and conducted by PMM.


  What is AC Transit?

  Click here to learn more about the Alameda Contra - Costa Transit District (AC Transit).


  What is ACT Online Purchasing?

  ACT Online Purchasing is the web-enabled procurement system initiated by AC Transit to bring the procurement process on-line; to increase competition in its solicitations; and to develop a more accurate vendor database.  


  Where do I begin?

  AC Transit has developed the Online Purchasing User Guide to help vendors become familiar with Online Purchasing. If you have previously downloaded Adobe Systems Incorporated’s free Acrobat Reader, version 4.0, you may view the Online Purchasing User Guide on line. If you don’t have the Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download it free from Adobe here. 

Download Acrobat Reader

If you would like to receive a printed Online Purchasing User Guide, E-Mail your request to ac-pronet@actransit.org.


  What goods and services does AC Transit buy?

  AC Transit contracts for the purchase of goods and services necessary to sustain its operation. This is everything from office supplies, buses, bus parts, automobiles and trucks, shop equipment and supplies, consultant services, employee benefits to construction work. AC Transit’s commodity code list provides a broad range of goods and services we buy.

 

  What goods and services will AC Transit buy using this web-site?

  AC Transit will conduct its “Informal” Procurements on Online Purchasing. “Formal” Procurements will not be conducted on the web-site, but information on these procurements and the procurement documents can be obtained using AC Transit’s Online Purchasing. For definitions of “Formal” and “Informal” procurement, see Doing Business with AC Transit.


  Where can I find AC Transit’s “Terms and Conditions”?

  AC Transit’s Terms and Conditions are specific for each type of contract but fall into three broad areas: materials, supplies and equipment; services (including professional and A&E services); and public works/construction. Terms and Conditions are appended to each solicitation. For general guidance, AC Transit is required by state law to require payment bonds (contracts over $25,000) and prevailing wage (contracts over $1,000) compliance on many public works/construction contracts. It is also AC Transit’s policy to require insurance on all public works/construction contracts, most services contracts, and some contracts for materials supplies and equipment.


  Do I have to be a registered vendor before I can bid on an AC Transit solicitation?

  Yes, you must be a registered vendor in AC Transit’s Online Purchasing to obtain specific information regarding solicitations, receive addenda, and submit bids. You do not have to register in AC Transit’s database to view open solicitations, receive information about upcoming events, obtain Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification information or a DBE directory, view FAQs, and read AC Transit’s terms and conditions.


  What is a vendor Profile?

  A Vendor Profile is information provided by companies when they register with Online Purchasing, which identifies their business name, address, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address. It also describes their business type, ownership information as well s the commodity or services they perform. Companies register and create a Vendor Profile in AC Transit’s database to obtain specific information regarding solicitations, receiving addenda and submitting bids.


  What if I have more than one sales office?

  The vendor registration allows you to identify the address for only one corporate office and another for a mailing address, if it is a different location. 


  What is a commodity code?

  A commodity code is a classification system that identifies, by categories, the primary services or products offered by a company.


  How do I choose commodities for my Vendor Profile?

  Start with the categorical tables that list all the commodities within that topic. Choose a category or categories that describes what you sell. Then select the commodities which best describe the goods and services you provided.


  What is a solicitation?

  A solicitation is the request or invitation by AC Transit to vendors registered within a specific commodity code(s) asking them to submit a bid/offer to perform a particular work or service.


  Will AC Transit post all solicitations on Online Purchasing?

  Yes, all solicitations will be posted on Online Purchasing. Initially only Informal Procurements will be available for bidding on the Internet. Formal Procurements will be posted on the Internet. Vendors will be provided directions for obtaining a Request For Proposals (RFP) or Invitation For Bids (IFB) package.


  How do I obtain an addendum to the solicitation package?

  Addenda to solicitations that are available for on-line bidding will be sent via e-mail to all registered companies whose vendor profile includes commodity codes applicable to the solicitation.


  How do I add or change the commodities I have selected for my Vendor Profile?

  To make a change to the commodity codes as well as any change to a vendor profile, you must access the Update Profile screen in the Vendor Registration Section. Once in the update section, change the appropriate fields, selecting the NEXT buttons and then the FINISH button. You will then be able to review a summary of your vendor profile. If your profile is correct, select the REGISTER button and your vendor profile will be updated.


  Can I change my quote/bid once I’ve submitted it?

  Yes, you may change your quote/bid and resubmit it as often as you wish prior to the closing deadline stated on the solicitation. Once the closing date and time occurs, the last bid you submitted will be locked in the system and can only be retrieved by the Buyer upon opening quotes/bids.


  I’m not awarded procurement and want to know who won the award, how can I get this information?

  AC Transit will post in Online Purchasing information regarding the company that was awarded the contract or purchase order. In addition, you will be able to view the award price.


  How do I change my password?

  To change your password, a company will need to enter the Update Profile screen on the vendor registration page and enter a new password in the appropriate field on page 3 of 3. Remember to select the FINISH button after you have changed your password, you will be able to review a summary of your vendor profile. If your profile is correct, select the REGISTER button and your vendor profile will be updated.


  What do I do if I can’t remember my password?

  If you forget your password, you can go to the Update Profile screen and select “CLICK HERE”. You must enter either your Federal Tax ID Number or Social Security Number. You will be asked to type the answer to the Clue Question which you entered when you first registered on-line. Once the answer is typed in, you will receive the last password submitted.


  What is a Clue Question/Answer?

  A Clue Question/Answer is a question and answer that you provide as part of the vendor registration which is specifically unique to you and your password. The question acts in a similar manner to an ATM PIN. It should be a statement that would not be available or known to others outside of your company. Its purpose is to protect you from someone else accessing you vendor profile. For Example:

Clue Question: What is your favorite color?
Clue Answer: Blue

  What will be the benefits to AC Transit and vendors using Online Purchasing?

  Both AC Transit and vendors will save time, money and paperwork by the implementation of Online Purchasing. Vendors will be able to access the system at their convenience, making AC Transit’s procurement process a 24-hour operation.


  Is there a phone number of fax I can contact for help?

  AC Transit has made every effort to make this web-enabled procurement system as user friendly as possible. For questions regarding Online Purchasing, interested parties can call (510) 577-8823, fax us at (510) 577-8839 or e-mail us at ac-pronet@actransit.org.

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