Frequently Asked Questions

What does the New York State Bridge Authority buy? Whom does it buy from?
Will I be paid promptly for my work?
How will I hear about upcoming opportunities?
How does the procurement process work?
How does NYSBA decide who gets a contract?
Are there any special rules?
Who is my contact at the NYSBA?

What does NYSBA buy? Whom does it buy from?

The New York State Bridge Authority purchases a variety of goods and services from vendors all over New York State.  While we do purchase a variety of items like office supplies and even clothing, nearly 90% of our contract expenditures are construction and engineering related.  For more information on the types of firms NYSBA does business with please see the attached document – NYSBA Contract Expenditures 2010.  If you have questions or a good or service you think NYSBA should consider, please contact us at 845-691-7245 or send an email to procurement@nysba.ny.gov

Will I be paid promptly for my work?
In accordance with the New York State Public Authorities Law and our own Prompt Payment Guidelines, contractors will be paid within 30 calendar days (and usually faster), excluding holidays, after receipt of invoice.  For more on our policy regarding payment please see – NYSBA Prompt Payment Guidelines

How will I hear about upcoming opportunities?
To reach as many potential vendors as possible, NYSBA has recently updated how we will be reaching out to prospective contractors and vendors.  The links below will provide you with the most up to date information on doing business with NYSBA.

• Bid and Proposal Reporting - Current requests for  Bids, Proposals, Contracts and other business opportunities
• Bidders and Vendor contact list – If you wish to be informed of upcoming opportunities via e-mail please follow the link above to sign up for our distribution list.
• The New York State Contract Reporter – New York’s official publication of state procurement opportunities from state agencies, public authorities and public benefit corporations.

How does the procurement process work?
The New York State Bridge Authority solicits business opportunities in a variety of ways.  Below are a few of the more common ways we contract for goods and services.  For more information please refer to our Procurement Guidelines  

1. Informal Solicitation
For goods and services less than $300, we seek the best price through an informal process.
For goods and services valued between $500 and $14,999, at least three potential suppliers will be contacted to provide us with quotes.  Depending on the nature of the good or service sought, we may also list these opportunities on our web site for a period of time in order to generate more options for procurement.  To get on our list of potential vendors please contact us.

2. Request for Bids and Proposals
Prior to requesting bids or proposals for supplies or services that are estimated to amount to $15,000 or more, an advertisement must appear in the New York State Contract Reporter and will appear on our website.  These proposals will be evaluated in a competitive process according to established procurement policy.
From time to time, we may also list “requests for proposals “for goods and services that total less than $15,000 on our web site to generate additional interest in doing business with NYSBA.

How does NYSBA decide who gets a contract?
NYSBA selects the bidder with lowest price to the Authority in almost all cases.  Variations are allowed only in certain cases and must be properly justified based on superior service or value to the Authority.
Depending on the contract, professional services or specialized work may require pre-qualification in order to establish proper credentials and the ability to complete the work required.

Are there any special rules?
For contracts and purchases greater than $25,000, the Authority requires the bidder(s) to submit a M/WBE Participation Plan for achieving a goal for participation of certified minority and women owned businesses.  More information on becoming a certified M/WBE can be found here.

Who is my contact at NYSBA?
For information regarding our procurement process or upcoming opportunities please call
(845) 691-7245, sign up for our email list here or email your questions to procurement@nysba.ny.gov