- What is BidsOnline and how does it work?

BidsOnline is a web enabled procurement and electronic bidding system implemented in order to provide better service and convenience to vendors. In order for BidsOnline to work effectively, you must register online. As a registered and approved vendor on the BidsOnline system, you will be automatically notified of Bid Alerts, changes, and addenda.  You may at any time search for the  latest contracting opportunities available, request and download documents and bid electronically (if applicable) on all open requests up until bid closing. Best of all, this service is offered to vendors for free!

- How do I become a registered vendor?

Categories are selected by clicking on the "Add" button. You can search your category in numeric or alphabetical order by clicking on the column header or you can type in a key word in the box above to bring up all categories that include the key word anywhere in its title.

When you are done completing the vendor registration form, click "Submit" in order to submit your profile.

- Can I have more than one email address?

- How do I know my registration was submitted and do I have to wait for confirmation?

- Can I maintain my own profile on the website?

Yes, once you completed the registration process you will be able to make changes to your company profile at any time through our website. From the main portal simply log in if you have not already done so and select "Vendor Profile". Make the necessary changes and click on "Save and Exit"�.

- What if I forget my username and password?

Click on "Login" in you have not already done so. Click on "Forgot". Enter your email address and select "Send Email". An email will be sent with your username and password.

- How do I search for current or past bid listings?

- How do I order hard copy bid documents?

- How do I order electronic bid documents?

To order electronic bid documents please complete the following steps.

1. At the bottom of the Electronic Documents box select "Download Now". You will be asked to login if you have not already done so.
2. Select "Download Now".
3. Complete the payment form and select "Submit".
4. Review payment information and hit "Submit" to process or "Cancel" to correct the information.
5. You may print a receipt and then hit done once your order has been processed.
6. Review and update Prospective Bidder Detail for this bid request only then "Done". You can change the contact information for this bid without changing your main profile.
7. A box will appear with the documents available for download. Click "Dowload" for each file.

To download electronic bid documents please complete the following steps.

1. At the bottom of the Electronic Documents box select "Download Now". You will be asked to login if you have not already done so.
2. Review and update Prospective Bidder Detail for this bid request only then select "Done". You can change the contact information for this bid without changing your main profile.
3. Select "Download Now" again and then download for each file available.
4: Select "Done" when finished.

To download electronic bid documents please complete the following steps on the Addenda Tab.

1. Double click on the addenda you wish to acknowledge or download files.
2. Double click on the file to download.
3. . At the bottom left hand corner of the addenda box click on Acknowledge. If you do not see Acknowledge the system will inform you if you have already done so for the addenda or if you need to first log in.
4: Select "Done" when finished.

- Are bid results posted to the website, if so, how do I obtain them?

Yes, bid results are posted to the website automatically if bidding is conducted electronically and the bid date/time has closed. Otherwise, they will be available once the Agency has reviewed all bid results and enters them into the system manually.

To check for bid results for the selected bid, go to the "Bid Results" tab. Bid results are listed in order from lowest to highest bidder. Double click on any of the bid results listed for more detail. The Agency has sole discretion on the level of information provided for bid results.

- How do I know if a request is bidding electronically or by paper?

There are two main areas to find this information:

1: On the main Bid Opportunities search results, refer to the column labeled Format to determine if the bid is bidding electronically or by paper.
2: On the Bid Detail tab of the bid, refer to the last line in the first box for Response Format.

- How does electronic bidding work?

In order to be able to bid electronically, you must be a registered vendor with the Agency through the BidsOnline system.

To bid electronically please complete the following steps:
1: Select the bid of your choice and click on "Place eBid".
2: Login if you have not already done so.
3: . If applicable, the system will validate that all documents have been downloaded from this site prior to beginning the eBid process. The system will prompt you to do so if you have not downloaded all documents.
4: You must acknowledge any addenda prior to continuing the eBid process. Please see How Do I Acknowledge an Addenda if you need further details. Select "Place eBid" once all addenda has been acknowledged.
5: You must accept the Agency's Terms and Conditions in order to continue the eBid processes. For questions regarding the Agency's Terms and Conditions please contact the buyer listed on the bid posting.
6: Complete the information requested on all the tabs shown in the eBid process. At anytime you may select "Save" to save a Draft of your eBid and "Edit" to continue the eBid process at another time prior to bid closing.
7: When done select "Submit". You can then either select "Cancel to return to the eBid to make changes or select "OK" for submission.
NOTE: Please allow ample time for file upload. Do not close your browser during the submission process.
8: The confirmation box will appear upon successful completion of your submission. This will include your confirmation number and eBid date/time stamp. You may review and print a copy of your submission by clicking on "Summary". For additional questions, you may contact PlanetBids support team at (818) 992-1771 and press "0".

- Can I overwrite my electronic bid?

Yes, you can overwrite your electronic bid at any time prior to bid closing. Simply follow the same procedure you would as if you were submitting your electronic bid the first time, except when your bid appears select “Edit” to make changes.

- Can I withdraw my electronic bid?

Yes, you can withdraw your electronic bid at any time prior to bid closing. Simply follow the same procedure you would as if you were submitting your electronic bid the first time; when your bid appears select “Withdraw” and then “OK”.

- How do I create a zip file?

While holding the CTRL button down select the files you wish to place in the folder. After you have selected all the files release the CTRL button and right click with your mouse over one of the files. A menu will appear, select "Send" and then select "Compressed (zipped) folder".

- What about privacy and security of information obtained?

Please refer to PlanetBids, Inc. privacy and security policies for use of all its solutions and services.

- What if I'm worried about security of the website?

Note: If you would like to register online using a secure SSL certificate, please simply change http to https in the web address.