Important Alert :  

COASTER: As of Monday, 3/23, all weekend trains and some weekday trains suspended  Due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the North County Transit District (NCTD) is experiencing significant declines in ridership and has determined that temporary service reductions will be implemented for COASTER commuter trains. The following temporary service reductions will be in effect beginning […]

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PlanetBids

PlanetBids

How does PlanetBids work?

PlanetBids is an eProcurement solution that efficiently manages the competitive acquisition process of goods, materials, services and construction activities. Vendors/contractors self-register and maintain their profiles selecting the categories of products/services they are interested in providing to NCTD, licenses held, and any certified classifications such as DBE or WBE. PlanetBids automates vendor notifications of bid opportunities, insurance renewals, and prompt payments made to subcontractors. To register, select the link on the right or scroll down for more information.

Online Bidding System

NCTD is committed to providing an equal opportunity for all business enterprises to participate in our procurement and contracting activities.

 

Begin the Process

Visit the PlanetBids Vendor Portal for NCTD where you can register as a bidder online, search for bid requests, order and download documents, bid electronically (where applicable), and much more!

If you would like to look at or print the list of commodity codes currently used at NCTD, click here to view Commodity Codes.

Both formal and informal solicitations may be processed through our online system. All questions, requests for approved equals, and clarifications during the solicitation period must be submitted through PlanetBids vendor portal Q&A tab. All responses are due at or before the time shown on each solicitation. Late responses cannot be accepted. It is the bidder’s/proposer’s responsibility to ensure that the most complete and current version of the solicitation, including addenda, has been downloaded.

What Happens Next?

Once awarded a contract, you will upload your insurance certificates and endorsements into the Insurance Module and your subcontractor payments into the Contract Management Module.

We have made every effort to make all aspects of the contracting process as easy, secure, and reliable as possible.

If you need help or have questions concerning the features available to our bidders/proposers on this section, please click here for online assistance.

Contractors/vendors are solely responsible for contacting PlanetBids directly for technical assistance.

Tips for Using PlanetBids

Attend Pre-bid/Proposal Meetings
Depending on the procurement, NCTD may hold pre-bid/proposal meetings on-site. The details of these meetings will be identified on the “Bid Information” tab of the posted procurement in PlanetBids. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more details about the requirements of procurement and to network with other potential bidders/proposers who have interest in the procurement. Plan to put your best foot forward at these meetings and create business relationships with other vendors.

 

Download the Pre-bid/Proposal Meeting Sign-in Sheet
Whether you are looking to participate as a Prime contractor or Subcontractor, knowing some of the vendors who might have interest in the procurement may be helpful. After the pre-bid/proposal meeting, NCTD may post the sign-in sheet from that meeting, which identifies all the attendees and their contact information. If you are planning to bid as a Prime contractor, you may be able to utilize this information to recruit Subcontractors to participate with you. If you prefer to participate as a Subcontractor, you may be able to contact the Prime contractors to see if they have need of your services in the procurement. Keep in mind though that vendors not listed on the sign-in sheet may also be interested in participating.

Common Mistakes When Using PlanetBids

Incomplete Profile
When completing your registration, please be sure to complete your business information in its entirety. Make sure you have identified ALL of your businesses’ NAICS codes, correct contact information, and any pertinent business certifications. An incomplete profile can prevent you from receiving all procurement notifications that are congruent with your business.

 

Registering with Only One Agency
There are a number of public agencies that utilize PlanetBids, each of them with their own portal. You must register individually with each agency on their own vendor portals in order to receive their procurement opportunities.

 

Out-of-Date Profile
It is highly recommended to periodically review and update your profile information. This often becomes an issue when vacationing or former employees are the point of contact for your business which may lead to missed bidding opportunities. This may also become an issue if your business has moved or switched internet and phone service. If procurement opportunities are emailed to someone who is not working, then you likely will miss opportunities. Log-in to ensure that the email address, phone number, and other contact information is correct.