Sheldon E. Walle - Comments

Recsinding this waiver would be a huge disservice to transit agencies as well as all taxpayers. The fundamental purpose of a competitive procurement process is to assure transit agencies are able to obtain the most suitable vehicle for their application and to maximize their purchasing power. If only one manufacturer is permitted to participate both of these benefits are greatly at risk if not negated entirely. On a related note, VPG has circumvented one of the most critical requirements, FTA life cycle testing of their vehicle, by using a loophole if not falsley claiming to be a mass-produced vehicle. Not subjecting their vehicle to this test could potentially place operators and occupants of their vehicle at risk. VPG's intent to have the waiver rescinded is completely serf-serving. The circumstances that led to the waiver being needed initially was driven by challenging economic conditions which still exist. The last thing taxpayers need now is to have their dollars fall prey to a non-competitive process that again, is being manipulated and exploited by the self-interest of one company. Please do not allow this issue to become politicized; keep the waiver in force. Thank you for your consideration.