In its first iteration, Job2bid was a resource where general contractor members could receive alerts about upcoming jobs and get the necessary plans via download or hard copy. Over time firm expanded its services into an integrated Internet-based system that lets general contractors control all aspects of the pre-construction bid management process.
The eponymous bid management software is made up of the Bid Manager, the Virtual Private Plan Room and the Invitation to Bid System. The software can be accessed via Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Downloaded drawings are in TIFF format, while specifications are in PDF format.
Bid Manager lets general contractors maintain a subcontractor database, create and digitally post project leads and plan-sets in the Virtual Private Plan Room, create distribution lists and broadcasts invitations to bid via the software's Invitation to Bid System. The contractor can also determine who is bidding, reproduce and distribute plan-sets in digital and hard-copy formats, and communicate project updates, according to Jobs2bid.
The Virtual Private Plan Room is where contractors to digitally post project leads, plan sets, updates and addenda so invited subcontractors and suppliers can view the data. In turn, subcontractors can immediately submit their bids or questions for the contractor, and can download, print or order hard copies of plan-sets, the vendor said. (Subcontractors and suppliers can register at no cost in the Jobs2bid Directory, allowing them to receive invitations to bid from the general contractors that post projects on the website, Jobs2bid said.)
Finally, the Invitation to Bid System is where general contractors send invitations to bid, as well as other data, to organized distribution lists of subcontractors and suppliers via fax, email or text message, depending on preference.
This bid management software can be accessed by multiple users at a single company. To ensure data security, Jobs2bid is secured using VeriSign's SSL Secure Certificates; information is encrypted from the browser to the Jobs2bid website.
