Metra unveils annual procurement plan

Metra late last week posted its updated buying plan online to provide prospective vendors, contractors and subcontractors with a list of equipment, goods and services it intends to purchase within the year.

The plan lists the estimated term of each contract, the anticipated timeframe for solicitations, and estimated contract values, Metra officials said in a news release.

"Our online buying plan makes it easy for businesses to find the information they need to submit bids," said Metra Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Don Orseno. "It also demonstrates our pledge to providing awareness and open access to the business community in competing for contracting opportunities."

The document encompasses the Chicago-area commuter railroad's buying intentions from fourth-quarter 2015 through third-quarter 2016 and covers contracts worth at least $40,000.

Additionally, the plan includes business opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and Small Business Enterprises (SBE) in an attempt to encourage their participation in Metra's bidding process and help them prepare for larger procurements.