Electronic Bidding

The public opening of electronically bid projects is available via public webcast and teleconference. Please see the following webpage for further information:
http://ppmoe.dot.ca.gov/des/oe/electronic-bid-opening-instructions.html

You will not be able to submit your bid until you complete the steps listed in the Electronic Bidding Guide.


Follow the steps listed in the guide to prepare yourself for electronic bidding. It can take 7 days or longer to be completely ready for electronic bidding, start the process as quickly as possible.

Link to Electronic Bidding Guide

Caltrans JOC Electronic Bidding Guide

The Bid Express Help Desk can be reached at 1-888-352-2439

Electronic bidding training materials are available on the Electronic Bidding Training Materials Website

F.A.Q.'s Have a question about electronic bidding? It may have already been answered at the Electronic Bidding F.A.Q. page.

Electronic bid bonds can now be submitted with your electronic bid. For more information, have your surety agent contact either Tinubu Surety or Surety 2000 for more information.

It is possible that a power outage may occur during a Bid Opening. The following is a brief description of how the Bid Opening will be conducted in the event of a power outage. Please allot an appropriate amount of time for power related delays when submitting your bids. In the event of a power outage prior to Bid Opening (12:30 PM or later):

  • Bids will be accepted until the specified bid opening date and time
  • No additional time will be allowed for submitting Bids
  • The public reading of the bids will be postponed until 4:00 PM on the date of bid opening
  • If power has not been restored by 4:00 PM on the date of Bid Opening, the Department will reschedule the opening of bids for the following day
  • Bid results will be made available on the Office Engineer website, as soon as possible, after power has been restored.

In the event of a power outage during a Bid Opening:

  • The last project downloaded will be read, by flashlight if necessary
  • The public will be escorted out of the building by Building Security
  • Any projects remaining to be downloaded, will not be downloaded until power is restored
  • Bid opening will resume at 4:00 PM, if power has been restored
  • If power has not been restored by 4:00 PM on the date of Bid Opening, the Department will reschedule the opening of bids for the following day

Bidders need the Project Bids (BIDS) software to view the bid books and amendments for all projects.
Bidders need the Project Bids (BIDS) software, Digital ID, and request to bid with Caltrans approved, before submitting bids.

  • Bidder's Bond Form
  • Certified DVBE Summary form
  • Caltrans Bidder DBE Commitment - form for bidding are available with the contract documents on the advertised project site in Forms for Bid
  • Good Faith Efforts Documentation - form for bidding are available with the contract documents on the advertised project site in Forms for Bid