General and Migration
- What is the future of bidding?
The future of bidding with Bidx.com is a seamless bidding experience with bid completion and submission directly in Bidx.com. The need for installed software is eliminated and it works with all modern operating systems and browsers, including Mac and Safari.
- Is Project Bids going away?
AASHTOWare Project Bids™ will still be in use during the transition to the new process. Once all agencies and contractors have migrated to a completely browser-based experience, Project Bids will no longer be used.
- If my agency allows paper bids, can I still print my bid?
Yes. You'll have the option to print the bid on the bid form.
- Where can I download the bid file (EBSX file)?
No need! The new browser-based bidding experience doesn't require the legacy BSX files or amendment files.
- When will my agency begin using web-based bid forms?
The migration timeline varies per agency, but we are working directly with agencies to assist with their specific timeframe and communication of the changes to their contractors. You can begin bidding directly within Bidx.com once your agency is ready.
- If the agency posts an amendment, will I be notified?
Yes. If you have a bid in draft or submitted a bid prior to the letting ending, you’ll be notified about amendments posted by the agency.
- Where can I download the bid file?
No need! The new browser-based bidding does not require the legacy EBSX files.
Security and Key Management
- Will the enhanced bidding process change how I become a bidder?
No. The Infotech® Digital ID™ creation process and the request-to-bid process will remain the same.
- Can I use my existing Infotech® Digital ID™ for bid submission?
Yes, you can use your existing Digital ID for bid submission. You'll have to import it to your browser's local key store.
- What is a security key?
A security key is a never-expiring file that you can install in any browser on any computer to save and restore draft bid data. The key gives you the ability to save your bid form data directly without needing an export. Note that the security key is NOT password-protected, so you'll need to store the file somewhere secure on your machine.
- Do I need a security key?
You don't need a security key, but it is available to Basic and Pro tier subscribers who want to save their bid form and restore draft data. It is not available for Starter tier users.
- If I lose my security key, can I get another?
Yes, you can create a replacement security key from your account Settings. Your replacement key will only work for future draft bid form data.
- If I clear my browser's cache, what happens to my security key?
If your browser's cache is cleared, your security key will be removed. You'll have to reinstall it to restore draft data.
- If I have a security key, do I still need an Infotech® Digital ID™?
Yes, if you want to submit a bid, you'll have to create a Digital ID and make a request to bid to your agency.
- Is there a charge for a security key?
There is no charge for creating or replacing a security key.
Bid Form Operation and Amendments
- What does the “invalid bids” status indicator mean?
The Invalid bids status indicator is a visual cue, meaning the agency made a change (amendment) to a bid for which you previously submitted on a letting that hasn't ended.
- How do I back up and restore my bid data?
You can back up your bid by navigating to the bid form and selecting File Create backup. To restore, select File Restore from backup and follow the prompts. The security key also enables the saving and restoration of draft bid data.
- How do I export and import my item list for my bid?
On the proposal bid form, select Tools Export to export the item list (defaulting to CSV). After making updates in external software, go back to the bid form and select Tools Import. The system updates based on line numbers and item numbers, overriding existing unit prices.
- On my Workspace, I see a message that reads, “This proposal was amended. Open the bid form to resubmit." What does that mean?
You followed a proposal and submitted a bid for that proposal. Your agency uploaded an amendment. Bidx.com is alerting you that the agency made a change (amendment) to the proposal, and you likely need to resubmit your bid.
- The lettings tab has a yellow status indicator. What does that mean?
The yellow status indicator is just a visual cue alerting you that you submitted a bid to a proposal and something about that proposal has changed (the agency uploaded an amendment).
- I submitted a bid, and the DOT posted an amendment. Where is the amendment located?
When you sign in to Bidx.com, the site will indicate that a proposal has been updated for a bid you submitted. When you navigate to the letting/proposal and select Bid Form, you’ll notice an amendment count to the left-hand side of the screen. Select the View all option, and a slide-out panel will appear that lists all changes to the proposal.
- How can I download my bid submission receipt?
Once the bid has been successfully submitted, you can select the Download receipt button, which will send an email to the account holder. You can also select the Receipt button in the upper right-hand corner of your bid form.
Checking and Submission
- How can I check my bid for errors before submitting?
On the bid form, select the Check menu option. A slide-out panel will appear with a list of errors, and you can select an error to jump directly to its location in your bid.
- If my bid contains errors, can I still submit my bid?
The system won't stop you from submitting a bid with errors, but the agency may reject bids that contain errors.
- How do I submit my bid?
On the bid form, select the Submit option (the lightning bolt icon) from the menu bar. You must select your Bidder ID, Infotech Digital ID, and enter your Digital ID password, then select Verify. After reviewing notifications and acknowledging any errors, you select Submit.
- How do I know my bid was successfully submitted?
During the bid submission process, you’ll notice a Success message, and you’ll be prompted to download your bid submission receipt (and a bid submission receipt will be emailed to the account holder). Additionally, a Submitted status indicator will appear.
- How can I withdraw my submitted bid?
On the bid form, select Tools View Active Bids. A slide-out window will appear where you must enter your Bidder ID, Infotech Digital ID, and Digital ID password, and select Verify. You can then select the bid and click Withdraw Bid.