Amtran’s managers presented their board outlined guidelines to avoid the types of bribery and fraud allegations facing the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.

Between 2013 to 2019, seven SEPTA Bridges and Buildings Department managers received cash payments and gifts of equipment from a pair of supply companies in exchange for letting the companies bill SEPTA for nonexistent and unneeded items, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Amtran General Manager Eric Wolf brought up the bribery and kickback news to remind the local board “that we are being careful with taxpayer money.”

“You don’t want to be tarred with the same brush,” he said.

During his 20 years at Amtran, the organization has followed a set of procurement principles, and the first phrase on that paperwork is an adjuration to “be a good steward of public funds,” Wolf said.

The main procurement goal is to be competitive, Wolf said.

Thus, for large purchases of $250,000 or more, an invitation to bid or request for proposal as well as formal advertising and board approval are required.

For purchases, $10,000 to $250,000, three competing quotes obtained by phone, email, fax or direct mail, are required, unless the organization chooses a more formal bidding procedure.

For “micro purchases” — up to $10,000 — a “fair and reasonable” price must be obtained , and whenever feasible, two competing quotes should be obtained by phone, email, fax or direct mail.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.