Watch time: 10 minutes
Bid Requests allow you to quickly gather pricing from your subs/vendors for any project. Using BuilderBid, you can select the trades you need, attach plans and specifications, and track responses in one place. This guide walks you through how to create, send, and manage a Bid Request from start to finish.
Watch this video to learn more(10 minutes):
Steps:
1. Open the Bid Requests menu
While inside your project, click “Show Menu” at the top, then select “Bid Requests.”
2. Click “Create Bid Request”
This opens a new form where you’ll set up the details of your request.
3. Enter the basic information
Start by typing in a Title for your Bid Request. This helps both you and your subs identify it easily.
4. Select subs/vendors
Click the dropdown under “Select Subs/Vendors.”
You can choose multiple contacts.
Begin typing a trade (e.g., “Framing,” “Electrical”) to quickly filter your list.
If you need to add a new contact, click “Add New” on the right.
5. Review the email subject line & set the submission deadline
The subject line automatically includes your company name and project name, making it clear and recognizable to your subs/vendors.
The default deadline is 10 days from the date you send the request.
To change it, click the calendar icon on the right and select a new date.
7. Add notes and attachments
Use the Notes section to give subs any important instructions or clarifications.
You may also attach specifications or supporting documents.
8. Review project files & send the bid request
All original files uploaded to the project (plans, drawings, etc.) are automatically attached.
If needed, you can upload additional files here.
Once you’re satisfied with the details and attachments, click “Create New Bid.”
Your subs/vendors will now receive the request.
9. See what your subs/vendors receive
This is a preview of the email and portal experience your subs/vendors will see.
When they click “View Plan Room & Submit Bid,” they’ll access the full Bid Request.
10. Sub/vendor view of the Plan Room
Inside the portal, they will see:
Notes and plans on the left
Line items/Groups to price in the middle
This is where they submit their bid.Remind subs/vendors to respond directly through the BuilderBid Portal so their pricing appears correctly in your account.
11. View the Bid Request status
Back in your BuilderBid account, after you send a Bid Request you’ll see:
Current status
Submitted pricing
Any attachments your subs/vendors include
12. Track real-time status updates
Click on the status label (e.g., “Requested”) to view real-time updates.
From this screen, you can also award the bid to the sub/vendor of your choice.
13. Edit or revise a Bid Request
If you need to make changes:
Click “Edit” on the right → make your updates → select “Update Bid.”Your revisions will apply immediately.
