APTA BTS-BPG-GL-001-13

Guidelines

Standard Bus Procurement Guidelines

The Standard Bus Procurement Guidelines, also referred to as the “White Book,” has been decades in development and provides a standardized template for bus procurement request for proposal (RFP) contract documents. It allows agencies to select from various options for technical and non-technical requirements and includes provisions specific to diesel, battery electric, CNG, and hybrid buses. This document was developed using a cross-section of representatives from the public and private sectors of the public transit industry for use by transit agencies.

Traditional White Book:

• APTA BTS-BPG-GL-001-13 (Word Document)

Automated White Book:

To simplify the selection process, APTA has created an automated and interactive version of the White Book documents for procurement of 35-45’ buses. The automated specification allows procurement officers to select specific technical and contract options in Excel spreadsheets, then integrate into a Word document. Please note, if you are looking to procure a 60’ or commuter bus, use the traditional link above.

• How-to-guide (Word Document)
• See a step-by-step demonstration guide:
  • Part 1 – Editing Specifications in the Automated White Book (PDF)
  • Part 2 – Import Inputs to Contract Template with Mail Merge (PDF)
  • Part 3 – Combine and Complete Contract Document (PDF)

Automated White Book Files

To get started, download the package of documents based on your means of propulsion. Follow the “how-to guide” instructions included in the folder and, as needed, refer to the step-by-step demonstration guide.

• Electric
• CNG
• Hybrid
• Diesel

Related Documents

For use in Section TS 54.1, “Pull-Down/Pull-Up Test Requirements”

• BTS-HVAC-RP-003-04, Transit Bus HVAC System Instrumentation and Performance Testing (PDF)

Keywords

bus, commuter bus, compressed natural gas bus, diesel bus, electric bus, hybrid bus, procurement, request for proposals, transit bus

Summary

This document provides a standardized template for bus procurement request for proposals for 35’-60’ transit and commuter buses of various propulsion types. The goal of creating a common method for transit bus procurements is to save time and effort for the parties and to standardize contract terms. It also permits new provisions or evolving best practices to be incorporated into the standard contract efficiently and in a manner designed to benefit the entire industry.

​Get Involved

To learn how to join the Standard Bus Procurement Guidelines Working Group or suggest changes to the White Book, contact standards@apta.com.

Document History