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PennBid’s No-Cost DBE Notification & Reporting Services (Available in PA)

A number of funding sources (grants, loans, etc.) require notification of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) as part of the bidding process. In general, DBEs are comprised of: MBE, WBE, LGBTBE, Disabled Owned BE, Service-Disabled Veteran BE and Veteran BE. This notification and reporting process can be cumbersome, time consuming, and requires accuracy and extensive documentation.

The PennBid Program conducts electronic DBE notifications for many engineering firms and public agencies and provides related reporting that can be used as part of requirements imposed by funding agencies. Currently, this service is only available in Pennsylvania and is provided solely upon request at no cost to those who are utilizing PennBid.

Requirements

The DBE notification service is a manual process completed by the PennBid staff. Because of this, we require the following before scheduling notifications:

  • 24 to 48-hour notice before the project’s Open Date
  • A copy of the project advertisement
  • All requests must be sent via email to info@pennbid.net

Preparation

The PennBid staff develops a list of suggested search codes based on the type of project. Searches are state-wide unless otherwise directed.  Once codes are selected and a copy of the public notice is provided, our office begins the DBE process.

We conduct searches utilizing state databases, such as the Department of General Services, or the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program that produces dated, electronic documentation.

Notifications

Most funding sources will require two or three notifications. PennBid meets most guidelines by sending three notifications regardless of funding type.

Reporting

Within 24 to 48 hours of your project coming due, you will receive a detailed report outlining the above outreach efforts, that can be incorporated within the information provided to the funding agency. An example of a typical final report can be seen by clicking the button below.

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– City of Williamsport
Thank you for the little tweaks, fixes and add ons when I have a new item on PennBid! Much appreciated, and I notice them! It helps me remember to do them, next go-around.
– City of Williamsport
PennBid is a win-win for all parties, saving us and our clients time and money.
– RETTEW
PennBid saves time, money, aggravation, gray hair, and trees. Any public agency that bids projects the “old” way does not know what they are missing.
– BCM Engineering
PennBid has streamlined the entire bidding process into a user-friendly platform with an unbelievable staff that are always willing to assist.
– KLH Engineers, Inc.
From an owner’s perspective, PennBid adds immense value: Speed, security of bids or proposals, immediate notifications or addenda, complex project awarding – all done with just a couple mouse clicks. You guys have literally thought of everything!
– City of Williamsport
PennBid simplifies & expedites the bidding process, and aggravation with answering bidders’ questions and issuing addenda is greatly reduced. Our clients love PennBid because it saves them money.
– McCormick Taylor, Inc.
Carroll Engineering Corporation (CEC) has been utilizing PennBid since 2010 and has been well received by our clients. PennBid represented a major improvement to the bidding landscape by increasing project awareness and by facilitating communications during the bid process.
– Carroll Engineering Corp.
PennBid is saving us, our bidders, and most importantly, our clients a great deal of time and money.
– Andersen Engineering
Very smooth. I keep thinking I must be forgetting something, because of the absence of contractor & vendor calls, no project log to update, bid form math to tabulate, etc. Very great!
– Herbert, Rowland, & Grubic, Inc.
Using PennBid allows T&M and our clients to save precious time and money. When coupled with its ability to streamline communications, stable platform, and ease of use, PennBid is a real “win-win” for everyone.
– T&M Associates
PennBid streamlines the bidding process for our clients’ capital projects allowing us to provide timely communications to clients & bidders through simultaneous notifications, helping us deliver efficient service to better manage the bidding process.
– RETTEW
We efficiently distributed documents electronically, easily responded to questions, and managed addenda. We look forward to introducing the Program to other clients.
– Pennoni Associates
Just wanted to say that I am very impressed with the capabilities of PennBid. We’ve had an amazing response. My sincere thanks.
– Tinicum Township
PennBid makes bidding projects easy! Not only does it save time and money, but it also maximizes exposure to potential bidders and maintains records of all bid-related activity for you.
– Entech Engineering
As a somewhat technologically challenged person, I have been thrilled by the willingness of the PennBid staff to work with me, teach me (sometimes twice), humor me and eventually provide me with exactly what I wanted. They really do go above and beyond what could normally be expected, and I am very grateful for that!
– Lower Saucon Authority
The work is done in a matter of minutes instead of days. All I can say is THANK YOU!
– Reading Area Community College
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