INDOT Implements Internet Bidding

New technology will save INDOT and contractors both time and money

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) opened select highway contracts to internet bidding today - a technology expected to save taxpayer dollars and make the bidding process for highway contracts easier, more streamlined and more accurate.

INDOT uses a bidding process to award highway contracts. Because the bidding process encourages contractors to compete with one another to build state highway projects, it ensures the state gets the best possible price for highway projects while ensuring the quality of the highway work. This process translates into cost savings for the state and for the Indiana taxpayer.

The new INDOT internet bidding system - which starts today and will be phased in over the coming months - will mean time and cost savings for highway contractors doing business in Indiana. Prior to internet bidding, the bidding process was conducted through paper bids. With paper bidding, many contractors had to pay for travel each month to Indianapolis to submit the bid - a time consuming and often costly process. With internet bidding, contractors will be able to review and submit bids for highway projects from their office.

The internet bidding system will also result in time and cost savings for INDOT and the Hoosier taxpayer. Because contractors will have more time to submit bids and minimal travel requirements, it is anticipated contractors will bid on additional projects. More bids on a project mean increased competition, which typically results in lower prices for the state. In addition, internet bidding will save time by eliminating the need to re-enter bid information into the computer and increase the accuracy of the bidding process by using software that checks for mathematical errors.

Internet bidding is being offered through Bid Express, an online bidding service developed exclusively for the road construction industry. Bid Express is now in use in 29 U.S. state departments of transportation and one Canadian province. Contractors who wish to use Bid Express can visit the Bid Express Web site at www.bidx.com or call Bid Express customer support at (342) 381-4888.

Media Contact: Megan Tsai, INDOT Office of Communications, (317) 232-8558