- Do I have to complete the STEPS in order?
- Why does my STEP not give me a Green Check Mark?
- Why am I still getting the Red Exclamation Mark?
- What if I missed a Step?
- How much time do I have to complete a bid?
- Is my Information Saved?
- How will I know if there are changes to a bid? (Addenda/Withdrawal)
- How can I submit an Alternate Bid?
DO I HAVE TO COMPELTE THE STEPS IN ORDER?
The order in which the steps are completed is flexible. The steps DO NOT have to be completed in any specific order. Each step will have a table to complete, information to complete or a document to upload. See Guide - How to Submit a bid.
The supplier can move to another step or leave the system and come back to complete the submission at any time prior to the bid closing date and time.
WHY DOES MY STEP NOT GIVE ME A GREEN CHECK MARK?
A green check mark is received on a step that has mandatory requirements indicated by a Red Exclamation Mark! If the step has a blank circle this indicates that the items within that step are optional.
The supplier should review what is requested in the step and submit information based on the request of the Agency’s documentation. The “blank circle” will not change to a green check mark.
WHY AM I STILL GETTING THE RED EXCLAMATION MARK?
The RED EXCLAMATION mark is an indication that a mandatory item for the supplier to fill out has been left blank.
Above table that has been completed
If you have filled out all necessary information that the agency has requested indicated by the Red Astrix in a table and are still receiving the RED EXCLAMATION mark please contact support@bidsandtenders.ca asap. Provide the name of the agency, bid number and a screenshot of the table that is not working correctly.
WHAT IF I MISSED A STEP?
Throughout the submission process after completing each step, once complete it is identified by a Green Check Mark. If incomplete, then there will be a red exclamation mark. The Preview bid will indicate to the user that there are items left incomplete. The system will indicate the areas that require your attention.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE A BID?
The date closing time can be found in the view details of a bid.
Simply click on view details of any opportunity and it will be displayed (see screenshot)
Once the submission has been started the supplier will have a web clock located at the top right of the screen that will display “Time Remaining to Complete Submission”
IS MY INFORMATION SAVED?
If I would like to continue the submission another day, is my progress saved?
The information is retained as long as the "Save My Bid" button normally located on the bottom of the screen is selected before exiting the system.
Note: The system will automatically save progress. However, suppliers are encouraged to click the button after inputting information. In a case of a blackout, lost internet connection, etc. There is no guarantee that the information will be retained.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF THERE ARE CHANGES TO A BID? (Addenda/Withdrawal)
A supplier will receive an update to the email(s) that are associated with the bidsandtenders account that this registered for the bid.
If a Buying Organization makes revisions to a bid and the supplier has already submitted then the supplier will receive a notification that changes are happening and then the agency will post an Addendum which the supplier will have to acknowledge.
What does this mean for the supplier – the supplier will have to log into their account, click on fix my bid and make any necessary or required changes made by the buying organization, acknowledge the Addendum and resubmit their bid.
The notification may look something like this:
HOW CAN I SUBMIT AN ALTERNATE BID?
If the Buying Agency permits alternate submissions (Note: not all agency allow this option), the option will display in one of two places.
Bid Detail Page after registration and the initiation of the first submission (see screenshot)
or in the My Bids > My Active Bids Area area, beside the appropriate bid (see screenshot)
Once "Start An Alternate bid" has been clicked, you will be prompted to name/describe the alternate submission. This is Mandatory. For example you might name it "Submission 2" or "Alternate Submission - Maria's Roofing"
After clicking "Start An Alternate Bid", you will be directed to your second submission, indicated by the name you provided beside "Current Bid" (see screenshot)
Additionally, "Alternate Submission" will be added after the Buying Agency's bid Name to differentiate it. (see screenshot)
The Supplier will be required to complete all requirements indicated by Buying Agency, but with alternate data.