SED has released its web-based SAMS Bus Purchase Approval System. A memo and User Manual are posted on the State Aid Unit’s website (stateaid.nysed.gov) which can be used to guide you through the new process.
A few significant highlights from SED’s Memo are as listed below:
- Any SA-16 forms for buses purchased between 7/1/16 – 6/30/17 previously sent in to SED have been entered into the system. SED recommends that districts verify that all buses purchased last year and for which SA-16 forms were submitted have been approved and entered into the system. SED’s memo tells how to do such verification.
- For any buses purchased in 2016-17 but with no SA-16 form already submitted, districts should use the system to enter the information. SED is no longer entering any SA-16 forms for buses purchased last year. Districts must now (and still can) enter the information for any outstanding 2016-17 buses in the new system.
- Any buses purchased during the 2017-18 school year must be submitted using the new system. Be certain to maintain documentation for all bus purchases with a PO date of 7/1/17 and thereafter.
- Districts must still enter the total estimated 2017-18 bus purchase expense on Form FT entries 164 and 165 so projected 2018-19 transportation aid can be estimated.
Please use the links below to review the memo and user manual for the new SAMS Bus Purchase Approval System:
https://stateaid.nysed.gov/trans/bus_purchase_docs/htm_docs/release_of_bus_purchase_approval_system.htm
https://stateaid.nysed.gov/trans/bus_purchase_docs/pdf_docs/SAMS_%20bus_purchase_user_manual_101917_v1.pdf
You may contact SED with any questions or concerns pertaining to this new bus purchase application process using the following email address: BUSPURCH@nysed.gov.
