### Podcast Episode Summary: **Guest:** David J Carol, COO of APTA   **Host:** Jared Schnader   **Topic:** Addressing Challenges in Bus Procurement and OEM Attrition   APTA White Book https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/standards/procurement/apta-bts-bpg-gl-001-13/ Key Points: - **Introduction to APTA (American Public Transportation Association):**   - Represents public transportation in the US and Canada.   - Membership includes transit agencies, businesses supporting those agencies (OEMs, suppliers, consultants).   - APTA serves as a platform for transit-related discussions and initiatives. - **Challenges in Bus Procurement:**   - Significant OEM attrition and consolidation in recent years.   - Fewer manufacturers left to fulfill demand (e.g., departure of Nova Bus, Proterra's reorganization).   - APTA launched the Clean Bus Task Force to address these challenges. - **Clean Bus Task Force Objectives:**   - Investigate causes of OEM attrition.   - Identify immediate solutions and long-term strategies for a competitive supply industry. - **Task Force Composition:**   - Comprises CEOs from transit agencies primarily.   - Collaboration with FTA (Federal Transit Administration) for insights and support. - **Standard Bus Procurement Guidelines (White Book):**   - A compendium of specifications for bus procurement.   - Challenges in navigating the document, especially for smaller agencies.   - Efforts to automate and simplify the specification process underway. - **Infrastructure Integration and Innovation:**   - Challenges in integrating new technologies into bus procurement.   - Emphasis on ensuring longevity and stability of suppliers and systems. - **Rail Industry Parallels:**   - Similar challenges and solutions applicable to the rail sector.   - Progress payments, advanced payments, and use of indices relevant in rail procurement as well. - **Future Outlook:**   - Timeline for updates and automation in bus procurement.   - Efforts to address outdated terms and conditions in procurement contracts industry-wide. - **Appreciation and Closing:**   - Gratitude for the collaborative efforts within APTA and with external stakeholders.   - Optimism for a cleaner, simpler, and less risky procurement environment across the industry. This podcast episode delves into the complexities of bus procurement, addressing challenges such as OEM attrition and the need for standardized guidelines. The Clean Bus Task Force, led by APTA, aims to streamline procurement processes and ensure a competitive supply industry to meet the growing demand for public transportation.

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