Opinion ID: 2994923
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: jurisdiction

Text: Initially, Transit Express argues that it has properly invoked federal question jurisdiction because the Federal Transit Authority has a duty under federal law to assure that grantees, such as WisDOT, are in compliance with the mandates of the Section 5310 program. Transit Express contends that 49 U.S.C. sec. 5310, as embodied in FTA Circular 4220.1D (the Third Party Procurement Circular), requires WisDOT to oversee how organizations that receive sub-grants from state agencies distribute the grant monies they received from WisDOT. Transit Express specifically claims a federal court is authorized to compel the FTA to review what Transit Express views were violations of the Competition requirements contained in paragraph 8 of the Third Party Procurement Circular. Paragraph 8 of that Circular states: a. Full and Open Competition. All procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition. Some of the situations considered to be restrictive of competition include, but are not limited to: (1) Unreasonable requirements placed on firms in order for them to qualify to do business; (2) Unnecessary experience and excessive bonding requirements;