For Contractors
As agencies migrate to a fully browser-based experience on Bidx.com, this article explains the two different bid submission processes and how to know which one you’ll use. Understanding which method your agency uses is critical for a successful bid submission.
Comparison at a Glance
| Bid submission with AASHTOWare Project Bids™ Bid (Legacy) | Bid Submission in Bidx.com (New/Enhanced) | |
|---|---|---|
| Software Required | AASHTOWare Project Bids Bid Component | None (Modern Web Browser only) |
| File Type | .ebsx file (must be downloaded) | No file download required |
| Amendments | Must download and load .00x files | Automatically applied in the browser |
| Security | Digital ID stored in the software | Digital ID and optional Security Key stored in the browser |
| Submission | Via the AASHTOWare Project Bids Bid Component software | Click Submit directly on the bid form web page |
| Learn more about Digital ID installation | Bid submission with AASHTOWare Project Bids™ Bid | Bid submission in Bidx.com |
How to Tell the Difference on a Proposal Page
When you navigate to a specific Proposal on Bidx.com, the interface will look slightly different depending on which bidding method the agency has enabled. There are two methods: bid submission with the AASHTOWARE Project Bids Bid component software and bid submission directly in your browser on Bidx.com.
| ⚠ NOTE: As agencies move to bid submission in Bidx.com, you may also see bid submission with the Bids component on older lettings. Confirm on the proposal page which type of bid submission is required. A proposal can only have one kind of bid submission enabled. |
Bid submission with AASHTOWare Project Bids™ Bid
Look for a button titled Bid Files. You will be prompted to download the .ebsx file to your computer to begin working in the AASHTOWare software.
Bid submission in Bidx.com
Look for a button titled Bid Form. Clicking this opens the bid form directly in your browser window—no external software or file downloads are required. You may see a prompt below the Bid form button to get a security key or install your backup Digital ID file. If both these files are stored in your browser already, you'll see "Authorized to submit bids" on the proposal page.
Agency Migration
Infotech is working with agencies across the country to move toward browser-based bidding. See below for a map of all Bidx.com agencies and their migration status:
View the full agency list by status
Resources for Moving to Online Bidding
If your agency is migrating to the new browser-based workflow, use these resources to prepare:
- See this section of the Knowledge Center: Bid submission in Bidx.com.
- Generate Your Security Key: In addition to your existing Digital ID, Bidx.com now has a browser-based Security Key that lets you save your progress in the bid form. For more on security keys, see this article: Security Key.
- Check Bid Feature: Use the built-in "Check" tool within the browser to spot errors before the deadline.
- Read the FAQs: FAQ: Using the browser-based experience – Bidx.