Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Bid Express^® service?

The Bid Express service is an on-line information service for bidding provided by BidX.com, an Info Tech company. The Bid Express service is available on the Internet at www.bidx.com. The Bid Express service is a two-way service, publishing bid-related information from agencies to the bidding community, and allowing on-line, secure bid submission from the bidding community to the agency. The Bid Express service also enables electronic bid bond verification.

What services does BidX.com offer and how much do they cost?

BidX.com offers several services on the Bid Express web site. Each service is available for a monthly fee. The services are: Basic Service, On-line Plan Sheets service, Bid Tab Analysis service, Internet Bidding service, and Small Business Network access. All fees are charged on a non-prorated basis. The fees are posted on the fee schedule page.

In which agencies is the Bid Tab Analysis service available?

When you subscribe to the Bid Tab Analysis service, you can view bid tabs from all agencies that post them to the Bid Express service. The agencies, not BidX.com, are responsible for posting the bid tab data. Participation varies. Please call Bid Express service customer support at (888) 352-BIDX (2439) or send an e-mail to customer.support@bidx.com to request information about participation of a particular agency.

In which agencies is the On-line Plan Sheets service available?

The following agencies currently use On-line Plan Sheets:

Georgia DOT,New Mexico DOT, New Jersey DOT, Nova Scotia, Iowa DOT, West Virginia DOT, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury (CPPJ), City of Toledo (TOLEDO), East Baton Rouge City Parish (EBRCP)

For more information about On-line Plan Sheets, please visit https://www.bidx.com/main/services.html#planroom

How do I order Plan Sheets?

To order plan sheets from the Bid Express service you will first need a valid account to login. Then log in to the Bid Express service and follow these instructions:

1. Select the participating agency on the Bid Express home page and click go.
2. Click on the lettings tab.
3. Select the date of the letting.
4. Click on the contract number of the proposal for which you would like the plans.
5. At the top right hand side of the page, click on the Plan Sheets Documents link. This will take you to the page where the plan sheets upload.

Once the plan sheets upload, you will be able to save them as a PDF file, print them, or order them through a third party vendor.

In which agencies is the Small Business Network available?

The Small Business Network is available (as of May 2009) for Idaho Department of Transportation, Iowa Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Transportation, Georgia Department of Transportation, Alabama Department of Transportation, and Oregon Department of Transportation.

Is there a charge to the bidder for the Expedite Bid program?

No. The Expedite Bid software is funded by each participating agency and is available at no charge to the bidder.

What forms of payment are acceptable for an account for the Bid Express service?

Bid Express services fees are paid monthly by credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

What does the Basic Service include?

The Basic Service allows you to view and download proposals posted to the web site by all agencies for past, present, and future bids. You are also able to view the Apparent Bid Results and Bid Tabulations as soon as the agency posts them.

How do I get a username and password for my account?

The Bid Express service automatically assigns a username and password to you when you sign up for the service. Your password will be e-mailed to you, usually no more than 30 minutes after registering.

How do I retrieve my username or password if they have been lost?

To receive your login information:

1. Open your web browser and go to www.bidx.com.
2. On the right-hand side under the pull-down menus, click the forgot login or password link. You will be taken to the Login Information Request page.
3. Enter your username (login) number (for example, bidx1234) or the e-mail address (the one you used when subscribing to the Bid Express service) in the box provided.
4. Click the send login info button.
5. An e-mail with the login information and a new password will be sent to the e-mail address on file.
6. If you no longer have access to the e-mail address on file, please contact customer support by phone at (888) 352-BIDX (2439).

Is support for the Bid Express service available?

Yes. Support for the Bid Express service is available from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday-Friday, except for legal holidays. After these business hours, support requests will be answered the next business day. You can call our customer support line at (888) 352-BIDX (2439), send an e-mail to customer.support@bidx.com, or fax (352) 381-4444.

Can I try out the Bid Express service before I subscribe?

Yes. Guests can access most services, although you will only be able to view data before January 1, 2002. If you like the service, you can sign up on-line and get full access to all that the Bid Express service offers.

What do I need in order to bid via the Internet?

You need several items in order to bid via the Intenet.

1. You need an active account with the Bid Express service.
2. You need to be prequalified to bid with the agency to which you are going to be bidding.
3. You need to download the version of the Expedite Bid software currently used by the agency you are bidding with and prepare your bid with it.
4. You need to create a digital ID under a valid signer’s name for your company and have it activated by BidX.com (see How do I obtain a digital ID?).

Is the Bid Express service reliable?

Yes. It has been in operation since 1997, with better than 99.95 percent uptime. The Bid Express servers are connected to battery backup, and the battery systems are connected to a generator backup. All of the servers are paired, with each server monitoring the other and automatically taking over should there be a problem. We have also installed servers in a separate geographical location, using a separate Internet provider, for even greater redundancy.

What is Automatic Email Notification Service?

Automatic E-mail Notification Service is part of the Basic Service for subscribers to the Bid Express service. You can register for and use this feature to receive alerts from agencies about newly posted bid files, amendments, addenda, notices to bidders and general alerts, and to be notified when proposals are withdrawn. Note that alerts are sent at the discretion of the posting agency. You can sign up to receive any or all of the above types of alerts from any number of agencies.

How do I sign up for Automatic E-mail Notification Service?

To sign up for the new Automatic E-mail Notification Service, log in to the Bid Express web site and select "MyBidX" at the top. You will see an option on the My BidX screen called "Email Notifications." Select this option and follow the instructions on your screen. If this is your first time registering for Automatic E-mail Notification, you will be asked to enter your e-mail address on the second screen. If you have previously signed up for Automatic E-mail Notification, you can select the e-mail address you previously used from the pull down menu. Follow the instructions on the screen and then click the "Set Notifications" button.

How do I manage/change the Automatic E-mail Notifications I am receiving?

Log in to the Bid Express web site and select "MyBidX" at the top. You will see an option on the My BidX screen called "Email Notifications." At the bottom of the screen, you will see an area called "ACCOUNT NAME's Current Subscriptions." Follow the instructions on the screen to change your subscription(s).

I signed up to receive Automatic E-mail Notification Service from an agency but did not get an e-mail when the type of item I signed up for was posted. What happened?

First, you should verify what notifications you are signed up to receive and verify the e-mail address those notifications are being sent to. You can manage your notifications by logging in to the Bid Express web site, selecting "My BidX" at the top of the screen, and then selecting "E-mail notifications." If you are properly signed up, the next step is to contact the posting agency. Remember that e-mail notifications are sent at the discretion of the posting agency as part of their posting process. You should contact the agency in question to see why the staff elected to not send an alert about that particular posting.

How do I cancel my Bid Express account?

You may cancel your Bid Express account in two ways.

1. You may log in to your Bid Express account and cancel your account under the Account Information section. You will be asked to process your cancellation request, and should receive a cancellation confirmation via email once processed. Or,
2. Your may fax or email a cancellation request to Bid Express. This request must be on company letter head, state the account to be cancelled, and must be signed by the account holder or another officer of the company. The letter must be notarized. The cancellation request letter must be received by Bid Express in original form within the following 30 days. You will receive a cancellation confirmation via email once the request has been processed.

Why can’t I cancel my Bid Express account over the phone?

Your Bid Express account can be used by your company to conduct business(internet bidding using Digital IDs or through the Small Business Network.). When you cancel your Bid Express account, all additional features and digital IDs associated with the account are canceled as well. To ensure the security of your account you must cancel your account through one of the two approved methods.

When can I cancel my Bid Express account?

When you sign up for a Bid Express account, you are under no subscription contract. Your account is not pro-rated, so you may cancel at anytime. When you choose to cancel your account, you will lose access to the account immediately, as well as any additional features or Digital IDs associated with the account. A cancelled account cannot be reactivated. If you wish to continue using the Bid Express service, you will need to sign up for a new Bid Express account and apply for a new digital ID if necessary.

What’s the difference between the Expedite Bid program and the Bid Express service?

Expedite Bid software is used to prepare your electronic bid. The Bid Express service is an Internet-based on-line service that allows an agency and its contracting community to communicate with each other. You can use the Expedite Bid software without the Bid Express service or the Bid Express service without the Expedite Bid software. However, transferring the Expedite Bid software files via the Internet is usually a key function of the Bid Express service.

How do I download the Expedite Bid software?

To download Expedite Bid, please follow these steps:

1. Go to www.bidx.com and log in.
2. Select the agency to which you want to submit a bid.
3. Click on the utilities tab located at the top menu.
4. Click on the Expedite link.
5. Fill out the form and press the download expedite button.
6. You will see a list of agencies. Scroll down to your desired agency, and click on the Expedite Bid software link to download it to your computer.

How do I know which version of the Expedite Bid software my bidding agency uses?

Agency and Expedite Version List as of January 4, 2010.

• ALABAMA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.5a
• ARIZONA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6a
• COLORADO Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.8a
• FLORIDA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6c
• GEORGIA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.7a
• IDAHO Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.8a
• INDIANA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.7a
• IOWA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6c
• KANSAS Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.8a
• LOUISIANA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6c
• MAINE Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6a
• MARYLAND Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6b
• MASSACHUSETTS Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.7a
• MICHIGAN Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6b
• MINNESOTA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.7a
• MISSOURI Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6b
• MONTANA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.8a
• NEBRASKA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.7a
• NEW JERSEY Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.8a
• NEW MEXICO Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6a
• NEW YORK Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6b
• NORTH CAROLINA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.7a
• NORTH DAKOTA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.8a
• NOVA SCOTIA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6b
• OHIO Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6b
• OKLAHOMA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6b
• OREGON Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6b
• SOUTH CAROLINA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6c
• TENNESSEE Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.8a
• VERMONT Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.8a
• VIRGINIA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6c
• WASHINGTON Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.8a
• WEST VIRGINIA Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.6b
• WISCONSIN Department of Transportation - Expedite Bid 5.7a

What kind of computer do I need for the Bid Express service?

Any computer that can access the Internet either via a modem or a network connection can connect to the Bid Express service. However, full support is only provided for computers running Microsoft Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

What kind of computer do I need for the Expedite Bid software?

Any Intel Pentium or equivalent computer can run the Expedite Bid software; however, we recommend a CPU of 500MHz or faster. The Expedite Bid software requires a PC running Microsoft Windows 2000 or Windows XP with 128MB of memory and 20GB of free disk space. A modem or network connection with Internet availability is required for bid submission over the Internet. Due to strong encryption within the Expedite Bid software for Windows, certain restrictions apply for export and use of the software outside of the United States and Canada.

Do I need an account with an Internet Service Provider to use the Bid Express service?

Yes. It is required that you have an independent provider. We highly recommend that you have an independent back-up Internet provider if doing Internet bid submission.

I am using AOL software and I am having problems finding the download files. What's wrong?

AOL uses a web browser that can cause problems when downloading files from some web sites. Please try the following and see if you still experience problems.

1. Connect to AOL
2. Minimize AOL
3. Open Internet Explorer or Netscape. Do not go through AOL to access the internet (i.e. do not click on the Globe button or on the WWW button)
4. Access www.bidx.com
5. Download the desired files

How do I sign bids that are in electronic form?

A digital ID is a signature that is the legal equivalent of a written signature, thus allowing for the digital signing of files. If you wish to submit bids via the Internet, you will need to obtain a digital ID. There is a one time processing fee for each digital ID issued, plus a monthly Internet bidding fee per agency per vendor number. Please consult the fee schedule for the current fee. One digital ID is required for each individual submitting bids over the Internet and each digital ID works for only one agency. Individuals must register a digital ID for each agency to which they bid.

How do I obtain a digital ID?

To create a Digital ID, please follow these steps:

1. Open the Expedite Bid software.
2. Select Options from the Tools menu and click the bidder information tab. Make sure that the company name and contact information fields are completed.
3. Click on the agency/id tab.
4. Under the Agency column, enter the agency name. For example, ODOT, MIDOT, IADOT, FDOT, etc.
5. Under the Bidder ID column, enter your bidder ID number (a.k.a. vendor number). The agency has this on file. You may wish to contact the agency for this information.
6. Click apply and then click ok.
7. Select Digital IDs from the Tools menu and click the create id button. The Digital ID wizard will guide you through the process of creating a Digital ID. Remember to enter the name of the authorized bidder for your company in the Your Name field.
8. For the password, make up a password, write it down and keep it in a safe place. If you lose this password, you will have to recreate the Digital ID. BidX.com cannot retrieve this password since BidX.com does not have a record of it. The only restriction is that the password must be at least five characters long. The password can be alphanumeric.
9. Continue through the wizard and click finish.

The program will print out your new digital ID paperwork, including instructions on filling it out. Make sure to fill it out completely, and have the signature page notarized for ALL signers – not just the applicant of the digital ID. Then mail the original paperwork with original signatures to Bid Express.

If you have any questions about the paperwork, please call us at (888) 352-BIDX (2439) for clarification before you mail your original paperwork. To begin bidding over the Internet using the Bid Express service, your digital ID must be approved by the agency and activated by BidX.com. To register and activate a digital ID, you must mail the original signed, notarized printout to BidX.com. Please allow ten business days for processing once we receive your application. Please note that there are no exceptions to this policy and there is no way to expedite this process. Once your paperwork has been received and approved by BidX.com and the agency, the digital ID will be activated. You will be notified via e-mail that your digital ID is ready to be used to sign and submit your bids using the Expedite Bid software and the Bid Express service.

Can multiple people at my company share a digital ID?

Individuals may not share a digital ID; each one identifies a particular person for a particular company. However, any number of people at your business can each have their own digital ID, and if they are authorized to sign for the company, any of them can digitally sign bids. Each digital ID works for only one agency. Individuals must register a digital ID for each agency to which they bid. If you change your company name, add a joint venture, or become a subsidiary company, you will need to obtain a new digital ID and pay the associated fees (see How do I obtain a digital ID?).

What happens if I lose my digital ID or password?

You must create a new ID and pay the current processing fee. There are detailed instructions on how to back up your digital ID on the Digital ID Certificate that is printed when a digital ID is created. Note that the digital ID you create is kept in a file on your computer and secured by a password of your selection. Please maintain a backup copy of your ID and password in a secure location, as it is non-recoverable by BidX.com.

How do I backup my digital ID?

To backup your digital ID please follow these instructions:

1. Open the Expedite Bid software.
2. Select Manage Digital IDs from the Tools menu.
3. Click on the ID you would like to backup.
4. Click on the export id button.
5. Select the drive where you inserted the media to save the ID. (If saving the ID to a CD you must first save the file to the desktop, then use the right mouse button to select the file. Select Send To and select CD from the extended menu.
6. Click on save.

You should receive a message that says that your ID was successfully imported.

I lost my digital ID file or password. Can it be recovered?

Your digital ID is a fully encrypted file which is created on your computer when you go through the creation process. BidX.com never handles this file and only you can create a backup. The password is part of this encryption and cannot be changed or recovered. If you have lost the file or forgotten your password, you will need to create a replacement digital ID at the current fee in order to bid on-line.

What can I do if my computer stops working or my ID becomes corrupted?

It is highly recommended that you back up your digital ID in case your computer stops working. You should also regularly ensure that the backup media you chose is working properly as this can also become corrupted. If your computer stops working and you do not have a working backup of your ID, you will need to create a replacement ID at the current fee.

How is a replacement digital ID different than a new one?

A new ID is created when you do not have an active ID with BidX.com for the agency with which you wish to bid. A new digital ID can only be enabled after original paperwork has been received and agency approval has been given. A replacement digital ID is created to replace an existing but lost or corrupted digital ID for the same agency. Because the information for a replacement digital ID is identical to an active digital ID on file, BidX.com can accept faxed paperwork and will not have to wait on agency approval in order to have it enabled. However, original paperwork must be received within 30 days of enabling the replacement digital ID or the digital ID will be disabled.

Is there a charge for a replacement digital ID?

You will be charged the one-time processing fee in order to enable a replacement digital ID. BidX.com has to process all digital IDs, even if it is a replacement. This charge is made directly to the credit card on file for your account. Please see the Bid Express fee schedule for the current fee.

What is required to create and get a replacement digital ID enabled?

In order to get a replacement ID enabled, you must do the following:

1. Create a brand new digital ID through the Expedite Bid software on your computer. The applicant’s name, company name, and vendor number must be identical to the previous digital ID.
2. Completely and correctly fill out the new paperwork for the created digital ID.
3. Draft a letter on company letterhead stating you wish to disable your old digital ID and enable the new one. Include the applicant’s name, vendor number, and agency. This letter must be signed by an officer of the company and notarized.
4. Fax all corresponding paperwork to BidX.com at (352) 381-4444.
5. After the paperwork has been reviewed for correctness, your digital ID will be enabled.
6. Ship the paperwork (preferably via overnight delivery) to BidX.com after the digital ID has been enabled. We must have original paperwork on file for all active digital IDs within 30 days or your digital ID will be disabled.

Why do I need to complete new paperwork?

You need to complete new paperwork because each digital ID is associated with its own unique fingerprint. This fingerprint is on every page of the paperwork that prints out during the creation process and legally binds all information to that file. We must have all the paperwork associated with a digital ID in order to enable that digital ID.

What is the difference between a DOT digital ID and a local agency digital ID?

A Department of Transportation assigns its contractors with vendor numbers which are used to track a contractor’s bidding history with the agency. Local agencies do not typically assign vendor numbers to its contractors for bidding. Therefore, a digital ID for a DOT agency will use the vendor number assigned by that agency and the digital ID for a local agency will use the Bid Express service account number as the vendor number to allow the contractor to submit its bid.

Do I need multiple digital IDs to be able to bid with several local agencies?

No. All you need to do prior to creating the digital ID is log in to the Bid Express web site, click MyBidx at the top right side of the page, then select the Register for Internet Bidding for Local Agencies link, and select all the local agencies you wish to bid with. After you have selected all the agencies, you will need to click on the register button located at the bottom of the page to be able to create a digital ID that allows you to bid with those agencies.

How can I add a local agency once the digital ID has been created?

To add a local agency to an existing digital ID you will need to login to the Bid Express web site, click MyBidx at the top right side of the page, and then select the Register for Internet Bidding for Local Agencies link. From that page, you will be able to register new local agencies. Once you have added all the agencies needed, click on the register button at the bottom of the page to activate those agencies. In addition, you will need to go to the Expedite Bid software and add the new agencies to the agency/id tab by clicking on Tools then selecting Options.

Is there a cost for creating a Local digital ID?

Yes. Please refer to the Bid Express service fee schedule.

Is there a cost associated in adding new local agencies to an existing digital ID?

No, there is no additional cost for adding new local agencies. Once you have added those agencies through the Register for Internet Bidding for Local Agencies link on the Bid Express web site, you will need to add the agency name and your Bid Express service account to the Expedite Bid software to be able to bid with those agencies. From the Expedite Bid software, go to the agency/id tab by clicking on Tools then selecting Options.

What is the cost for Internet bidding with local agencies?

Please consult the Bid Express fee schedule.

How do I create a Local digital ID?

To create a Local digital ID, please follow these steps:

1. Login to the Bid Express web site and click on MyBidx at the top right side of the page
2. Select the Register for Internet Bidding for Local Agencies link.
3. Select all the local agencies that you will like to bid with, then click on the register button at the bottom left side of the page.

Once this is complete you will need to go to the Expedite Bid software to create the digital ID.

4. Open Expedite. Select Options from the Tools menu and click the bidder information tab. Make sure that the company name and contact information fields are completed.
5. Click on the agency/id tab.
6. Under the Agency column, enter the agency name. It needs to be spelled out and the first letter of each word capitalized. For example, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, Port of Lake Charles, etc.
7. Under the Bidder ID column, enter your Bid Express account number (i.e. bidx1234). It must be all lower case and no spaces in between the letters and numbers.
8. Click apply and then click ok.
9. Select Digital IDs from the Tools menu and click the create id button. The digital ID wizard will guide you through the process of creating a digital ID. Remember to enter the name of the authorized bidder for your company in the Your Name field.
10. Enter a password, write it down and keep it in a safe place. If you lose this password, you will have to recreate the digital ID. BidX.com cannot retrieve this password since BidX.com does not have a record of it. The only restriction is that the password must be at least five characters long. The password can be alphanumeric.
11. Continue through the wizard and click finish.

The program will print your new digital ID paperwork, including instructions on filling it out. Make sure to fill it out completely, and have the signature page notarized for ALL signers – not just the applicant of the digital ID. Then mail the original paperwork with original signatures to BidX.com.

If you have any questions about the paperwork, please call us at (888) 352-BIDX (2439) for clarification before you mail your original paperwork.

What is a Joint Venture?

A Joint Venture is when two to four companies join together to bid via the Internet for one project/bid.

Do I need a separate digital ID for a Joint Venture?

Yes. A digital ID is needed for a joint venture due to the fact that once you have been prequalified by the agency to bid jointly, the agency will assign the venture a new vendor/bidder number.

What do I need to create a Joint Venture digital ID?

You will need the new vendor/bidder number assigned to the joint venture company, the authorized signers for the joint venture, and the company name under the joint venture. In addition you need to verify what the agency requires for the joint venture for the digital ID. There are some agencies that require the digital ID be created with two officers as the applicants, an officer from each company, while others will accept the digital ID with only one applicant. However, BidX.com recommends that the digital ID for a joint venture be created with two names so that it can be easily distinguished from any other ID.

How do I submit a bid over the Internet?

To submit a bid you must first download the proposal (.EBS file):

1. Go to www.bidx.com and log in.
2. Select the agency for which you want to submit a bid and click go.
3. Click on the lettings tab located at the top menu.
4. Click on a letting date.
5. Click on the link of the Contract ID you would like to bid.
6. Under the Also Available section (right hand side of screen, under current date and time) click on the Expedite Data File link (ends in extension .ebs). If there is an Amendment to the bid, click on the All of the above as one link (EBLIB file). Do not change the name of the file that is being downloaded. These file names are specific for each bid and proposal.
7. Save (do not open) the file to a location on your computer.
8. After the file is downloaded, open the Expedite Bid program.
9. Select Open Proposal from the File menu.
10. Locate the file on your computer and click open.
11. Select the proposal in the window and click ok.
12. Click on each folder on the left-hand side and complete your bid. After all of your folders on the left are green, you are ready to submit your bid.
13. Click on the yellow checkmark icon at the top of the menu to check your bid for errors before submitting.
14. Select Submit Bid from the Tools menu (or click on the black lightening bolt icon) to submit your bid.

Can I submit a bid more than once? Can I withdraw a bid?

Yes, to both questions. Only the last submission will be kept and passed on to the agency even if you submit a bid multiple times before the deadline. If you request a bid to be withdrawn before the deadline, it will not be passed on.

How do I view and/or withdraw a bid?

Using the Expedite Bid software:

1. Select View Submitted Bids from the Tools menu.
2. Follow the View Bids Wizard instructions.

At this point you will be able to view the bid(s) that you have submitted or withdraw the bid(s) by highlighting the desired bid(s) and clicking on the withdraw bid button.

Who can read my bid?

No one but you can read your bid until the public bid opening. Until you deliberately submit a bid to the service, it stays on your computer and there is no way for anyone else to see it. When you do submit a bid, the Expedite software uses the agency’s key and encrypts the bid before sending it. BidX.com cannot read your bid and will not pass it to the agency until the official bid opening.

Could my bid be lost?

BidX.com has designed the system to avoid this from happening, including keeping multiple copies of submitted files and keeping data on read-only media. In addition, you will receive electronic bid receipts whenever you submit a bid, which can be used to prove when the bid was submitted. These bid receipts will be digitally signed by BidX.com, using the same technology you use to sign your bid.

How secure is my bid?

Your bid is VERY secure in the Bid Express system. The Expedite software and the Bid Express service use PGP (Pretty Good Privacy), public/private Key Pair technology, which is used throughout the world for encrypting and digitally signing documents. PGP is widely becoming an Internet standard for signing and encrypting technology.

Details are as follows: Our Key Type is 1024/1024 Diffie-Hellman/DSS KeyPair (PGP nomenclature). We use 1024 DSA Key for Encryption / 1024 ElGamal (Diffie-Hellman) Subkey for Signing. Symmetric Algorithm is CAST with a 128 bit key. Cryptographic hashes provided using the Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA). Data is compressed prior to the encryption step with zip compatible compression.

What level of encryption is used?

The public key size of 1024 bits is comparable to 80 bits for the single key method. There was an effort in January 1999 to crack single key encryption, when a group built a machine for $50,000 with the express purpose of cracking single key encryption. That machine took about 3 days to crack a 56 bit key. Our encryption is 2²⁴ (2 to the 24th power) times better than that. The same machine would take 3x2²⁴(3 times 2 to the 24th power) days to crack our keys. That’s about 50 million days, which is about 150,000 years!

How do I get the Expedite software to submit to the Internet through ISA 2000?

Please refer to this Microsoft Knowledge based Article to submit a bid bond through the Expedite software and ISA 2000.

How do I submit my bid bond if I submit my bid over the internet?

When submitting over the Internet, you may either continue to provide a paper bid bond or you may use the electronic bid bond verification feature in the Expedite software. To use the verification feature, you must first create an account with a participating surety agency (i.e. Surety 2000). The agent provides you with a bid bond verification number which you enter into the proposal when using the Expedite Bid software. You then sign the bid using a digital signature called a digital ID. The Expedite software connects to the Internet, goes through the Bid Express service to the bonding company, retrieves your bond verification information and brings it back to your EBS file, storing the information in the file. When you submit your bid over the Internet or storage media such as a CD, the bond verification information is included.