Frequently Asked Questions

What is BIDSAlert?

BIDSAlert is an electronic tender notification service. BIDSAlert focus is providing our subscribers with as much information in one convenient site as possible.

What are the services available?

BIDSAlert provides access for our subscribers to valuable tender opportunities, through our push service or website search. BIDSAlert also distributes the notices for agencies looking to expand the reach of their tenders.

How does the platform work?

BIDSAlert gathers the notices from multiple sites across Canada. A commodity code is added. These codes are then matched to subscribers who have indicated interest in this area. With a BIDSAlert subscription, these notices are organized into a pdf file. Once a day the collection of tenders is sent to subscribers.

Who uses BIDSAlert?

BIDSAlert is used by suppliers whose goal is to increase revenues through sales. BIDS can also be used to monitor activity in various sectors and find strategic partners.

Are we part of the government?

No BIDS is an independently owned business based in Fredericton, NB Canada.

Can small businesses use BIDSAlert?

BIDS is an excellent tool for small business. It is simple to use, saves valuable time and is a very low cost to an organization.

What industries does BIDSAlert cover?

BIDS covers all industries that issue tenders.

How many opportunities can I find in BIDSAlert?

On average there are usually 3500 - 4000 open opportunities. These include tenders in most of the commodity codes.

What are the prices for subscriptions?

BIDS has two price points $99 for website access only. $249 for BIDSAlert push service.

How can I access to the documents?

BIDS carries as many documents as possible and it is a simple click to download. However, all agencies are different and there a many we provide the instructions to access documents on third party sites.

How do I get the information and details of a bid?

Each bid has specific details in the documents included. All questions related directly to the opportunity should be directed to the issuing agency.

What it is BIDSBook?

BIDSBook will help keep you organized and streamline the tender review process. While reviewing the PDF of tender opportunities, you can save any tenders of interest to BIDSBook. Once you have reviewed the tenders in your PDF you can then go to BIDSBook and investigate the individual opportunities. Keep track of the tenders you are bidding on all in one convenient place.

What benefits do I have as a Vendor/Supplier?

Issue your tenders through BIDS and increase your opportunities reach. Track the tender distribution as well as documents downloaded. There is no charge to use BIDS for your tender distribution.

What is a addenda?

An addenda is issued when there are changes made to a currently open tender. Bidders need to check prior to finalizing their bid for any addenda that have been issued and may change the specifications of the goods or services being acquired.

How the results/awards work?

BIDS includes results if provided by the agency.

How do I sign up?

Subscribe to one of our subscription options on the registration page.

How do the categories work?

BIDS categories are based on the the federal GSN codes as well as the UNSPC code system. Each tender that is entered onto our site has a commodity code applied. When a subscriber registers they choose categories that most closely aligns with the good or services they sell. Our categories are deliberately broad to help ensure no opportunity is missed. A complete category list can be found on our website.

What are the oil and gas opportunities?

BIDS has provided the Canadian offshore oil and gas industry with vendor registration and document distribution service since the mid 90s. BIDS worked with then Mobil Oil to develop a comprehensive list of commodity codes to reflect the needs of the oil and gas industry. A BIDSAlert subscription includes access to these opportunities.