REQUEST OVERVIEW
Bonfire Training Documentation – Users & Bidders
This page contains a library of training resources covering topic-specific features and capabilities of the PennBid Program. They are grouped by existing Users who post and manage bids as well as bidders who want to submit bids online. Due to the extensive capabilities of the system, not all features or options are covered. For assistance, contact our office.
Project Setup Part 1 – Creating Basic Strategic Sourcing Project
Creating a base project using the new PennBid platform can be done in just a few minutes. Follow along with this step-by-step tutorial to get started!
Project Setup Part 2 – How To Upload Your Files
Public Files are placed on the portal and available for anyone to download. If you are looking to upload a Public File while also notifying vendors, you can do both at the same time by issuing a Public Notice.
Project Setup Part 3 – Requested Information Setup
One of the most critical aspects of setting up and running a project in PennBid is specifying which documents and information you want the vendor to submit to you. This is managed in the Requested Information section.
Project Setup Part 4 – Creating A Questionnaire
The Questionnaires feature in PennBid allows for a structured way to receive vendor responses for a large number of criteria while displaying the Vendor’s responses side-by-side.
Project Setup Part 5 – Creating A Bid Table
Bid Tables allow a Buyer to quickly solicit and evaluate projects with multiple bid items. The module also allows the ability to organize items into Baskets, analyze price spread among Vendors, and quickly generate order lists.
Project Setup Part 6 – Multiple Contract Solicitations
Multi-Category Decision (MCD) projects, previously called multi-prime bids, allow you to run bids that require multiple decisions to be made based on the Vendors’ submissions.
Vendor Discussions Process
The Vendor Discussions feature allows Project Owners to communicate more efficiently with Vendors. The Vendor Discussions Due Date can be customized to fit the needs of each project.
Issuing A Public Notice
Public Notices are messages that are visible to anyone who can view the opportunity. All vendors related to the project will be notified via email when you send a new Public Notice.
How to issue an Addendum
A project may require a change while the project is still in the open stage (accepting submissions) which would impact your vendors and their submission.
How Do I Unseal My Documents?
There are two methods to unseal documents: (1) By releasing the documents to Reviewers or (2) Through the Unseal button in the Requested Information section.
Vendor Registration and Submission Video
This video details how a Vendor can create an account and how to submit a Proposal or Bid Submission through the PennBid system.
PennBid Vendor/Bidder Registration Process
Registering for a New Vendor Account is simple and consists of the following steps: Account Creation, Create a Password, Account Confirmation, Account Information, Documentation, and Selecting Commodity Codes.
DBE Notification & Final Reporting Service
When requested, the PennBid Program completes required DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprises) notifications for many engineering firms and public agencies and provides a final report that can be sent to the funding agency.