REQUEST OVERVIEW
LINKS TO QUESTIONS BY USER TYPE
(E) = Questions Pertaining to Everyone
(V) = Vendor/Bidder Questions
(P) = Posting Agency/A&E Firm Questions
(E) Questions Pertaining to Everyone
General – Why is PennBid changing technology provider?
Since 2009, PennBid has utilized the best software available. To continue offering premium services to our Users and vendors, we will be transitioning to another technology provider later in the year. This change will provide the foundation for many new features and functions moving forward.
General – When will the transition happen?
9/18/2023 – 10/16/2023; New provider website available for Vendors to register ahead of any projects.
10/16/2023 – First project(s) Go-Live in new provider if close date is after 11/15
Projects with close date on or before 11/15/2023 will continue in ProcureWare (current provider)
Projects with close date after 11/15/2023 will go to new provider.
History – Will we lose access/data from previous bids?
No – following the transition, there will be a significant amount of time to retrieve information from the current system. The PennBid Team will be available to assist and there will be many communications moving forward.
Features and Functions – Are there any new features or functions that will be available?
Yes – Several new features and functions will be included during the transition and others will be forthcoming, such as Contract Management and notifications beyond PennBid.
Business Model – Will there be any changes to PennBid’s business model or fee structure?
No – PennBid’s business model is the same as it always has been.
Training – Is there training on how to use Bonfire?
Yes, Bonfire has extensive learning aids for all. Links will be provided within future communications.
Communications – Are there domains and email addresses that should be “whitelisted”?
Yes – Visit this webpage to see a complete list of domains your organization should whitelist.
(V) Vendor/Bidders Questions
Accounts & Registration – Will we have to set up all new accounts in PennBid?
Bidders/Vendors will need to re-establish account(s) as our “category” selection will be enhanced.
Business Model – Are there any fees (monthly, annual, subscription, etc.) to use PennBid Bonfire?
No – there are no access fees associated with PennBid. PennBid’s business model will remain the same as it always has been.
Business Model – What is included with Premium Vendor Access?
Premium Access is a separate service provided by Bonfire that is optional for bidders, and not required to utilize PennBid.
Accounts & Registration – Where do we register with Bonfire to receive bid notifications?
Yes, here is the link to register as a Vendor/Bidder. https://pennbid.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=login.
Accounts & Registration – When setting up a vendor account should I enable “Discoverability” and “Domain Match”?
It is recommended that vendor organizations enable “Discoverability” and “Domain Match” to minimize duplicate vendor accounts.
For more information visit this page.
Accounts & Registration – If we use Bonfire for a different area, will we need to register with PennBid?
Yes, each portal (such as PennBid) must have a unique registration and login.
Accounts & Registration – When an individual is removed from a vendor organization account and has an active bid submittal in progress or has submitted on previous bids, what happens to their bidding history?
The bidding history remains associated with the vendor organization’s admin therefore the records are retained within the organization.
Accounts & Registration – Can an individual from a vendor organization complete a bid submission started by another individual from the same organization?
Yes, any individual associated within a vendor organization can complete a bid submittal in progress.
Training – Will there be overviews / webinars about using the new system?
Yes, each portal (such as PennBid) must have a unique registration and login.
Miscellaneous – Will there still be a direct link to Print-O-Stat for hard copy prints and bidding documents?
Yes, a link will be included for those desiring hard copies of any documents.
(P) Posting Agency/A&E Firm Questions
Training – Are there training and knowledge resources available for the new platform?
Yes. There is an extensive library of resources for training and education. You can access the Client Hub here.
Accounts & Registration – Will we have to set up all new accounts in PennBid?
For those who currently have a Posting Agency / Design Firm User account (able to post and manage solicitations), your new PennBid Bonfire account will be activated between 10/4/23 and 10/6/23. Once activated, you will receive an email inviting you to re-set passwords and complete registration.
Features and Functions – Will there be any changes to how we post and manage bids?
Yes – The Bonfire platform will have different “mechanics” but will embody many of the same features and functions – with a number of enhancements that will be of value.
Accounts & Registration – We currently have accounts allowing us to Post and Manage projects. Do we need to re-register?
No – Your new PennBid Bonfire account will be activated between 10/4/23 and 10/6/23. Once activated, you will receive an email inviting you to re-set passwords and complete registration.