Purchasing

An Introduction to HART

In October 1979, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) was created to plan, finance, acquire, construct, operate and maintain mass transit facilities and supply transportation assistance in Hillsborough County.

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority procures various goods and services for its transit operation which serves Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, and the City of Temple Terrace. This is accomplished through a comprehensive system of specifications and competitive bidding procedures. This process allows a contract to be awarded to the lowest responsive qualified bidder who meets the specifications, complies with all the terms and conditions of the proposal and has the capacity to deliver the service or product within the designated time frame.
HART purchases the basic goods and services required for transit activities and associated administration. These goods and services include:

• Parts, supplies, services and equipment to run the buses and administrative offices;
• Construction, buses, and equipment to continue developing the bus system;
• Professional Services.

For Consideration As A Vendor

To be placed on HART's vendor list, a vendor must complete a W-9 form and a vendor application, indicating the commodity codes in which the vendor qualifies to supply products or services. Once your firm has been qualified, you will be added to the vendor list as an approved firm.

For Consideration As A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

HART is a designated recipient of funding from the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA). In order for a business concern to participate in FTA assisted contracts as a DBE firm, the firm must be certified by the Florida Unified Certification Program (UCP) for DBE status. The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, located at Tampa International Airport, is the certifying agency for Tampa area businesses. To download an application, go to the website www.tampaairport.com/airport_business/dbe. The application link is listed near the bottom of the page under “Other DBE Documents”.

Policy Statement

It is the policy of HART that small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals referred to by Congress as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (“DBEs”) shall have the maximum opportunity to compete for and participate in the performance of contracts or in the purchase of goods and services procured by HART. In addition, all contractors performing work for HART shall ensure that DBEs have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin or sex. This policy is intended to comply with 49 CFR Part 26 and all subsequent revisions thereto.

Objectives

1. Ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted and other contracts;



2. Create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted and other contracts;



3. Ensure that the HART’s DBE program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law;



4. Ensure that only firms that fully comply with 49 CFR part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs;



5. Remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted and other contracts;



6. Assist the development of firms that can successfully compete in the marketplace outside the DBE program.
   
   
7. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Statement: DBE Program Statement
   
   
8. Monthly HART DBE Participation Form PT-071: Form PT-071