Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Bid Express^® service?

The Bid Express service is an online information service for bidding provided by Info Tech, Inc. The Bid Express service is available on the Internet at www.bidx.com. It is a two-way service, publishing bid-related information from agencies to the bidding community, and allowing online, secure bid submission from the bidding community to the agency. The Bid Express service also enables electronic bid bond verification, provides automatic email notification of projects, and provides online access to plan sheets and to bid tab data.

What services does The Bid Express service offer and how much do they cost?

The Bid Express service offers several services on the Bid Express website. Each service is available for a monthly fee. The services are: Basic Service, Online Plan Sheets service, Bid Tab Analysis service, and Internet Bidding service. All fees are charged monthly 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 the Bid Express service, 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 email to customer.support@bidx.com to request information about the participation of a particular agency.

In which agencies is the Online Plan Sheets service available and How do I order printed Plan Sheets?

You can view the list of participating agencies during the subscription process to help you decide whether to subscribe to the Online Plan Sheets service.

For more information about Online Plan Sheets, please visit https://www.bidx.com/site/services#plansheet

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

1. Navigate to the agency you wish to obtain plan sheets from.
2. Click on the "Lettings" tab.
3. Select the date of the letting.
4. Click on the proposal for which you would like the plans.
5. In the 'Also Available' box, at the right hand side of the page, click on Plan Sheets.

You will now be able to select and save plan sheets as a PDF file and print them, or order all plan sheets as printed pages through a third party vendor.

What is the Bid Express Advantage?

The Bid Express Advantage is a pricing service. It lets you perform an analysis of your bid vs. other bidders for a specified letting down to the item level. With this service, you set and manipulate data such as quantity ranges, locations and dates to help determine prices

For what agencies is the Bid Express Advantage NOT available?

The Bid Express Advantage is not available at this time for the following agencies: ADOT, CALTRANS, CTDOT, DPS, ITD, NDDOT, NSTIR, TDOT, WVDOT

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?

The 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 website 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. You gain access to automatic email notification of postings by agencies. You can also use the Bid Express Small Business Network for exchanging sub-quotes between primes and subcontractors.

How do I subscribe to Bid Express?

To subscribe to the Bid Express service, go to www.bidx.com select the Order tab then click Subscribe Now. You will be asked to enter an email address (which will serve as your login ID) as well as to create a password. Accept the terms and conditions then click submit. This will generate an email that will be sent to the email address provided. Locate the email and click on the link provided, enter the password and continue to sign up for services. After you finish signing up for services and entering your credit card and contact information, the system will automatically take payment and you will automatically be logged in to the site.

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

If you no longer have access to the email address you used when you registered for the Bid Express service, please contact customer support by phone at (888) 352-BIDX (2439).

To receive your login information:

1. Open your web browser and go to www.bidx.com.
2. On the right-hand side in the blue login box, click the Forgot your password link. You will be taken to the Password Reset page.
3. Enter your email address in the Email field and click Submit.
4. After you click Submit, an email with instructions on how to reset your password will be sent to your email address.
5. Click the link in the email. The Bid Express service takes you to the Challenge Question page.
6. Answer your challenge question and click Submit. If you answered your question correctly, the Bid Express service opens the Password Reset page.
7. Enter your new password in the Enter a new password field. The password must be at least eight characters long and contain at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one numeric digit and one symbol.
8. Enter your password again in the Re-type your new password field. Click Reset Password.
9. The Bid Express service resets your password. You can now log in to the Bid Express service with your new password.

Is customer support for the Bid Express service available?

Yes. Customer support for the Bid Express service is available from 7:00 am to 8:00 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 email to customer.support@bidx.com or fax a support request to (888) 971-4191.

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

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

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. (If applicable) (Contact the agency directly for more information on this requirement.)
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 The Bid Express team and approved by the agency (If agency approval is required) (see How do I obtain a Digital ID?).

What are Messages and Notifications?

Messages and Notifications are 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, letting updates, proposal updates, plan sheet postings, notices to bidders and general alerts, and to be notified when proposals are withdrawn or postponed. You can sign up to receive any or all of the above types of alerts from any number of agencies.

To sign up for Messages and Notifications, log in to the Bid Express website and click on the "Messages" icon in the upper right hand corner. Click "Manage Messages and Notifications". Select the agency, then select the notifications you wish to receive, and click Save. You can select additional agencies to receive notifications from.

In order to change the messages and notifications that you receive log in to the Bid Express website and click on the "Messages" icon in the upper right hand corner. Click "Manage Messages and Notifications", select the agency you wish to update, change your subscriptions, and click Save.

How do 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.

You may cancel your Bid Express account through one of two approved methods:

1. You may login to your Bid Express account and cancel your account on the My Bidx page by clicking 'Cancel My Bid Express Account' in the Account Services section. You will receive an email with confirmation that your account has been canceled; or,
2. You may send a letter requesting the cancellation of the Bid Express account. This request must be on company letterhead, state the account to be canceled, and must be signed by the account holder or another officer of the company. The letter must be notarized. You will receive a cancellation confirmation via email once the request has been processed.

We do not accept cancellations via phone or emails. 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 above.

Can I reactivate a canceled account?

Yes. To reactivate a canceled account go to www.bidx.com and log in. Upon login in the system will prompt you to add a credit card and select your additional services. Once this step is completed the account will be reactivated. Please keep in mind if you previously had Digital IDs they will not be reactivated. You will need to create new IDs for internet bidding. If you no longer remember your login information please contact customer support for further assistance.

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

Guests can view basic project data posted by agencies without logging in. If you like the service, you can sign up online and get full access to all that the Bid Express service offers.

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's the difference between the Expedite Bid program and the Bid Express service?

The Expedite Bid program is the software used to prepare your electronic bid. Some agencies will accept a bid prepared in the Expedite Bid software submitted on a CD or disk (please check with the agency you are bidding with for acceptable forms of bid submission). The Bid Express service is an Internet-based online service that allows an agency and its contracting community to communicate with each other. You use the Bid Express service to create a Digital ID needed to submit your bid via the Internet (see Digital ID section). You can also use the Bid Express service to view and download project information, get email notifications of projects and get online access to plans and bid data. In short, you can use the Expedite Bid software without the Bid Express service (if not intending on bidding via the internet) or the Bid Express service without the Expedite Bid software. However, most of our subscribers choose to use both together.

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. Go to the agency home page. You may need to select the agency to which you want to submit a bid and click Go.
3. Click on the Expedite link in the Downloads box on the upper right hand side of the home page.
4. Fill out the form entirely (please enter just your fist name in the name field) and press the "Download Expedite" button.
5. You will see a list of agencies. Scroll down to your desired agency, and click on the Expedite Bid software link to download the correct version to your computer.

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

To find out which version of the expedite Bid software the agency you are bidding with is using simply login to the Bid Express website and navigate to the agency's home page. On the right hand side of the agency's homepage there is a "downloads" box and it states the version of the Expedite Bid software the agency is currently using.

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

Expedite Bid is a fairly small program that can run on nearly all relatively new PCs. 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, Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 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 websites. Please try the following and see if you still experience problems.

1. Connect to AOL
2. Minimize AOL
3. Open Internet Explorer or FireFox. 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

What type of Proxy settings are needed for the Expedite Bid software to work properly?

The Expedite Bid software when first installed is configured to connect directly to the internet. While this setting works with most computers there are other settings that can be configured. These include using Windows settings or manual proxy configuration. To reconfigure the program click on Tools from the menu options then select Options. A box opens up. Select the Proxy tab and select the new configuration then click ok.

It is highly recommended that you test the software in advance to ensure the setting you choose will work. To test the proxy setting you will need to have an enabled Digital ID. Simply open the Expedite Bid software, from the menu options select Tools then select View submitted bids, enter the password of your Digital ID. If the wizard is able to take you to the server to view a list of your bids (if none have been submitted it will be empty) then the settings are working. If the wizard times out or you receive an ERROR 57, this means that your internet connection is not working or more than likely that there is something locally prohibiting the software from reaching our servers. Please refer to ERROR 57 from the Error Messages section.

How do I sign bids that are in electronic form?

A Digital ID is an electronic 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. For DOT agencies one Digital ID is required for each individual submitting bids over the Internet and each Digital ID works for only one agency. Only one Digital ID is needed to bid with all participating localities.

How do I obtain a Digital ID?

A Digital ID can be created via the Bid Express website. Please remember that before you create a Digital ID, you must first download the correct Expedite Bid Software version the agency you are creating the ID for is using. Below are the instructions for creating the Digital ID:

To create a Digital ID, please follow these steps:

1. Login to the Bid Express website
2. Click on the MyBidx icon in the upper right.
3. Scroll down the page and click on "Digital IDs" located in the "Account Services" section.
4. Click on the "Create New" button.
5. Click on the "Generate ID" button. Please note that you may need to grant permissions to run the Digital ID generator program.
6. Read the instructions and click "Next"
7. Review the ID Holder Name and Company Name (that have been pre-filled from your account information) to ensure that the ID Holder Name is the name of the officer authorized to sign bids. Select the Agency you want to bid with and enter your bidder ID for that agency. (Please note that if the ID is for a local agency, this will be pre-filled with your Bid Express account number, i.e. bidx1234.)
8. Click "Next". If the Bidder ID you entered is associated with a company name that does not exactly match the company name uploaded to the website by the agency to the one that was entered, you will receive a warning. Click "OK" to proceed, or "Cancel" to return and correct the Company Name. Please note that the some agencies may reject the ID if the company name does not match their records.
9. Check the first box to agree to pay the one-time processing fee.
10. Check the second box once you have updated the company information in the Expedite Bid Software, and click "Next".
11. Enter the password for the ID, and confirm the password. (Please remember this password can never be changed or retrieved. Therefore, write it down and keep it in a safe place.)
12. Click "Create Digital ID" (Please note that if you are asked, you must allow this program to make changes to your computer, in order for the Digital ID to be created.)
13. When the Digital ID has finished generating, you will be asked to back up your Digitial ID. Click "OK", and save your Digital ID to a secure storage media. If needed, this backup will be the only way to recover this Digital ID.
14. Click "Continue" and then return to the Bid Express web site and click "Next".
15. Click "Print Registration" and print the registration form for the ID. This form must be signed by the officer the ID was created for and it must be notarized. Original hardcopy form must be sent to the Bid Express Customer Service team for processing.
16. Double check your paperwork for errors and omissions. Due to the importance placed on this process, we must deny an application for a Digital ID if there are errors or omissions in the paperwork. Some common mistakes include: the bidder's name on the form not matching, the notary omitting the date of notarization, the notary not ensuring his/her name matches exactly to his/her commission and the notary neglecting to sign. Here is an example of correct paper work.

Once the ID is created, the agency will receive the information you entered and will then be able to approve, deny or place the ID on hold. To view the status of your ID, click on the "Digital IDs" link in the "Account Services" section of the My Bidx page, then click on the status of the ID. Before an ID can be enabled, the Bid Express team must receive the correct registration form for the ID.

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 (except Digital IDs for localities, one ID will work for all). 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. 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 the Bid Express team.

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 to File" 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"

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. The Bid Express team 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 online.

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 the Bid Express service 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, the Bid Express team 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. The Bid Express team 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.

How do I obtain a Replacement Digital ID?

In order to replace an ID and get it enabled, you must do the following:

1. Click on the MyBidx icon in the upper right.
2. Scroll down the page and click on "Digital IDs" located in the "Account Services" section.
3. Click on "Verified" of the Digital ID you wish to replace.
4. Click on "Replace Digital ID" and then "Generate ID" and follow the instructions.
5. Completely and correctly fill out the new paperwork for the created Digital ID.
6. 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.
7. Fax all corresponding paperwork to The Bid Express team at (888) 971-4191.
8. After the paperwork has been reviewed for correctness, your Digital ID will be enabled.
9. Ship the paperwork (preferably via overnight delivery) to the Bid Express team 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 the registration page 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. When you create a Digital ID, you can use that Digital ID to bid with all associated local agencies. You will simply need to add the locality to your Expedite Bid Software by clicking Tools then selecting Options. Click the Agency/ID tab and any local agency you wish to bid with.

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

You will simply need to add the locality to your Expedite Bid Software by clicking Tools then selecting Options. Click the Agency/ID tab and any local agency you wish to bid with.

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.

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 website.
2. Click on the MyBidx icon in the upper right.
3. Scroll down the page and click on "Digital IDs" located in the "Account Services" section.
4. Click on the "Create New" button.
5. Click on the "Generate ID" button. Please note that you may need to grant permissions to run the Digital ID generator program.
6. Read the instructions and click "Next"
7. Review the ID Holder Name and Company Name (that have been pre-filled from your account information) to ensure that the ID Holder Name is the name of the officer authorized to sign bids. Select the local agency you want to bid with. Once you select a local agency, the Bidder ID will be pre-filled with your Bid Express account number.
8. Click "Next".
9. Check the first box to agree to pay the one-time processing fee.
10. Check the second box once you have updated the company information in the Expedite Bid Software, and click "Next".
11. Enter the password for the ID, and confirm the password. (Please remember this password can never be changed or retrieved. Therefore, write it down and keep it in a safe place.)
12. Click "Create Digital ID" (Please note that if you are asked, you must allow this program to make changes to your computer, in order for the Digital ID to be created.)
13. When the Digital ID has finished generating, you will be asked to back up your digitial id. Click "OK", and save your Digital ID to a secure storage media. If needed, this backup will be the only way to recover this Digital ID.
14. Click "Continue" and then return to the Bid Express web site and click "Next"
15. Click "Print Registration" and print the registration form for the ID. This form must be signed by the officer the ID was created for and it must be notarized. Original hardcopy form must be sent to the Bid Express Customer Service team for processing.
16. Double check your paperwork for errors and omissions. Due to the importance placed on this process, we must deny an application for a Digital ID if there are errors or omissions in the paperwork. Some common mistakes include: the bidder's name on the form not matching, the notary omitting the date of notarization, the notary not ensuring his/her name matches exactly to his/her commission and the notary neglecting to sign. Here is an example of correct paper work.

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, the Bid Express team 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 Proposal you would like to bid.
6. In the Downloads box (right hand side of screen) click on the file ending in .ebs. If there is an Amendment to the bid, click on the All EBS Files 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 lightning 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.

Can I rename the EBS file?

We do not recommend that you rename the EBS file. Instead of renaming the EBS file, create a folder on your computer and place the EBS file inside it. This way, you may name the folder whatever you wish. Currently, there is a 50-character filename limitation for Expedite.

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. The Bid Express service cannot read your bid and will not pass it to the agency until the official bid opening.

Could my bid be lost?

The Bid Express service 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 the Bid Express service, 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 Bid 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 through the Bidx.com service?

When submitting a bid over the Internet, you may continue to provide a paper bid bond (if accepted by the agency you are bidding with) or you may use the electronic bid bond verification feature. You must have a valid Digital ID before submitting a bid.

To use the verification feature, you and your local bonding agent must first create an account with a participating surety agency (please see below for agency contact information). The surety agency will then provide your local bonding agent with a bid bond verification number. Sometimes your bonding agent will require your bidder ID/vendor ID/contractor ID and the ID of the proposal/contract on which you are bidding as part of the agency's verification purposes.

Once you receive the bid bond verification number, enter the number in the Expedite software and complete the additional bid bond fields, then click the "Verify" button. The Expedite software opens the Bid Bond Verification Wizard to help you through the verification process. Follow the wizard's instructions, and enter your Digital ID password when prompted to do so. When you are finished, the wizard sends your bid bond information to the bonding company through the Bid Express service, retrieves your bond verification information, and brings it back to your bid file in the Expedite software. When the verification is successful, your Bid Bond folder will turn green. When you submit your bid over the Internet, the bond verification information is included.

Surety 2000:

Lisa Clemens Tel: (800) 660-3263 Email: help@surety2000.com

InSure Vision:

Tel: (800) 989-6417 Email: support@insurevision.com

What is the Bid Express Small Business Network™?

The Bid Express Small Business Network™ is a business center that facilitates the interaction between prime contractors and subcontractors, especially DBEs and other under-utilized businesses. It is part of the Bid Express Basic Service.

Does information posted to the Bid Express Small Business Network™ have the same security as when I bid using the Bid Express Service?

All quotes, whether via a reply or an unsolicited quote, are sent to the Bid Express account of the prime contractor, and in order for the quotes to be viewed, the prime contractor has to have a login and password. While subcontractors' replies are not available for public viewing, the Bid Express Small Business Network™ does not use the same encryption technology that the Bid Express service uses to send bids to agencies, nor does the Bid Express Small Business Network™ employ lockbox technology..

I am a prime contractor and I use the Bid Express Small Business Network™ to request and receive sub-quotes from DBEs and other subcontractors. When I receive a reply to my sub-quote request will that company know that I have viewed its reply?

Yes. Through the Bid Express Small Business Network™, subcontractors and DBEs who have replied to your sub-quote request will be able to see whether you have viewed their reply, and the date and time at which you viewed it if applicable. Similarly, any subcontractor that sends you an unsolicited quote will see the status of that quote ("viewed" or "not opened") and the date and time at which it was viewed.

What information will the agency be able to view?

Agencies have certain reporting capabilities, which allows them to see different postings and responses both from the primes and the sub-contractors and DBEs (no prices are ever visible by the agency). When proposals have expired (after the bid opening date), agencies have the ability to run reports showing the Bid Express Small Business Network™ activity of all firms that used this tool as an avenue to obtain and post quotes. These reports include the sub-quote requests that the DBE viewed and responded to, as well as any unsolicited quotes that the DBE sent to the Bid Express Small Business Network™ of the prime contractor. They are also able to view the sub-quote requests posted by the primes and the responses received, if any. These reports include time and date, however, prices are not shared with the agency.

I am a subcontractor and I use the Bid Express Small Business Network™. Will the contractor know that I have viewed its sub-quote request?

Prime contractors that post sub-quote requests to the Bid Express Small Business Network™ will be able to see whether those requests have been viewed by subcontractors or DBEs. They will also be able to know who viewed the sub-quote request and the date and time.

How do I know to which primes to send an unsolicited quote?

This information can be obtained by reviewing the Planholders and Eligible Bidders List for each proposal. Unsolicited quotes should be sent only to primes who have acquired plansheets and are eligible to bid. This is the common practice among the bidding community. Sending unsolicited quotes to vendors who do not have acquired plansheets may be considered as spam, and therefore, not allowed. If an eligible bidder list is not provided by the agency you may need to call them directly as this may be available elsewhere..

What actions will the Bid Express team take against vendors who are utilizing the Bid Express Small Business Network™ system to spam?

The Bid Express team will not tolerate any misuse of the Bid Express service, which includes the Bid Express Small Business Network™. Wrongful use of the service can lead to discontinued service as stated in the Bid Express subscriber agreement under section 8. If you are receiving unsolicited quotes and you are not an eligible bidder for the proposal/project please, contact the Bid Express team so that we can address the issue.

Key could not be used for encryption

Problem: I'm a bidder attempting to submit a bid through the Expedite Bid software. I receive an error during the bid submission wizard stating that my key could not be used for encryption.

Error: Error Encrypting/Signing the bid. Key can't be used for encryption [-11493]

Cause: This is caused when the bidder's date/time on their computer is not set correctly.

Solution: Check the date, time, and time zone on your Microsoft Windows operating system and update if necessary.

Key could not be used for signing

Problem: I'm a bidder attempting to submit a bid through Expedite Bid. I receive an error during the bid submission wizard stating that my key could not be used for signing.

Error: Error Encrypting/Signing the bid. Key can't be used for signing [-11492]

Cause: This is caused when the bidder's Digital ID in the Expedite Bid software only contains the public key (instead of both the public and private keys).

Solution: Export your Digital ID from Expedite to your Desktop. Open the .asc file in Notepad to confirm that the information is missing (the private key portion). If the private key is missing, you must replace your Digital ID to resolve this issue. Please contact Bid Express Customer Support at (888) 352-2439 or customer.support@infotechfl.com for further assistance.

Server received garbled data

Problem: I'm a bidder attempting to submit a bid through Expedite Bid. I receive an error during the bid submission wizard stating that the server received garbled data.

Error: Error Encrypting/Signing the bid. The server at Bid Express received garbled data.

Cause: This is caused when a carriage return (new line) is copied into the Bidder ID field under the Tools->Options menu.

Solution: While in Expedite Bid, go to Tools->Manage Digital IDs at the top menu. If you are encountering this error, you will see black bars || after your Digital ID name. To fix this, you must manually reenter the Bidder ID, under Tools-->Options-->Agency/ID tab, with no carriage return and create a replacement Digital ID. Please contact Bid Express Customer Support at (888) 352-2439 or customer.support@infotechfl.com for further assistance.

Error 57

Problem: I am trying to submit my bid using the Expedite Bid software but I'm getting an Error 57.

Error: Error 57

Cause: The Expedite Bid software is unable to locate the internet. There are several reasons that the program may not be able to access the internet.

Solution: First make sure that your internet is working. You may want to navigate and login to your email account or login to your Bid Express account. If the internet is working then try these other possible solutions:

• Check your Proxy setting: A proxy is a "man-in-the-middle" computer used in larger networks. You may have a proxy setup at your office and not realize it. If you receive an Error 57, you should try changing your proxy settings. In Expedite:
  1. Go to the Tools menu.
  2. Select Options.
  3. Click on the Proxy tab.
• If it is set to "Direct Connection to the Internet" change it to "Use Windows Proxy Settings." Or, if it is set to Windows Proxy, change it to Direct Connection. After changing your proxy setting, try to submit your bid. Additionally, you may need to contact your IT department regarding any proxy settings if this does not fix the problem.
• Check your Anti-virus: Try disabling all anti-virus and mal-ware protection while you are submitting your bid. Often, these programs will block the Expedite Bid program and other software from accessing the internet. Consult your anti-virus help for more information about how to temporarily disable your anti-virus and mal-ware protection.