Reviewing the Top Construction Bid Sites

Contractors searching for new projects once had to rely on word of mouth and direct referrals, which made landing contracts challenging and time-consuming. Professional bid sites have changed and enhanced the construction bidding process, making it easier to review and filter available opportunities, then submit competitive bids in a timely manner. Utilizing the right sites for each region and specialty allows contractors to narrow their search radius and improve their odds.     

In this blog post, we provide our list of the twelve best construction bidding sites, and explain some of the features, content, and options that make each one valuable and unique.

Top 12 Construction Bid Sites

Hundreds of new bidding websites appear each year, with each attempting to fill an unmet need for contractors, subcontractors, or clients. Despite the sheer volume of options, independent rankings of the best construction bid sites reveal many common threads, with the top choices offering timely bidding opportunities on intuitive, user-friendly platforms.

1. Dodge Construction Network

The Dodge Construction Network is a versatile bidding site that provides accurate and comprehensive data solutions to industry professionals. Advanced filtering features simplify the search process based on the bidding window, action stage, location, and other factors. Related Dodge services, such as the Blue Book Construction Network Digital Directory, and the Sweets Product Database, are conveniently accessed through the same site.

Dodge Construction Network operates under a paid membership format, with quotes for these services provided upon request. The advanced bidding site and other data-driven solutions are the latest offerings from a company with over a century of experience in construction information sharing. Satisfied customers appreciate the unique combination of modern technology and personalized service.

2. Construction Bid Source

Launched in 1992, Construction Bid Source is one of the oldest and most successful US-based construction job bidding sites. In addition to convenient, up-to-date links to the latest bidding opportunities, Construction Bid Source also provides convenient advertising services and support for contractors completing Good Faith Effort documentation, applications, and reporting.

Membership options include a free plan and monthly, annual, or semi-annual subscriptions that remain consistent between regions, with no hidden fees or usage limitations. Free members have access to the same valuable search engine and owner contact information, but do not receive email notifications or bid documents. The company also provides complimentary telephone support.

3. BidCentral

With over 50,000 projects listed, BidCentral is consistently ranked among the best construction bid sites in Canada. Advanced search tools make it easy for contractors to browse for pre-bid, public, and private project opportunities or get notified automatically when relevant projects are posted. A directory of top local contractors and subcontractors helps clients and builders connect, while owners enjoy the convenience of public plan rooms where their projects are announced, and documents are stored.

BidCentral offers a free plan that gives users access to the project database, bid calendar, and opportunity-matching features. Subscription plans currently priced at $79 CAD monthly also include more advanced search features including full access to directory listings and up and coming pre-bids.

4. ConstructionWire

Established by BuildCentral in 2003, ConstructionWire is known as an easy-to-use and informative platform for both commercial and private projects, with timely and accurate leads on new opportunities in the planning, bidding, or preconstruction stages. In-depth reports on companies, projects, and decision-makers (people) set ConstructionWire apart by giving contractors improved insight as they select the right projects to bid on.   

ConstructionWire offers flexible pricing options, including free trials that let customers experience the site and all its benefits before making a commitment. Along with the high volume of vetted bidding opportunities added to the site each month, users are impressed by the advanced filtering features, easy access to project information, and accurate client database that helps them discover additional construction networking opportunities. 

5. Biddingo

By providing contractors with timely information and bid access for numerous government contracts since 1993, Biddingo has created leading-edge solutions to help the public sector operate in a fair and transparent manner. Biddingo is also a leading provider of innovative electronic procurement systems for public agencies in Canada, and offers valuable certification and training programs for eProcurement specialists.    

Customers can choose from a fee subscription package with limited access to bid packages from select clients, or a premium option with unlimited access and researched bids. Customers in the US and Canada are impressed by the large pool of potential vendors and the extensive list of bid opportunities they find on the website.

6. ConstructConnect

ConstructConnect is among the innovative construction project bid sites that also provides detailed market intelligence. An extensive database of active projects and a unique collaboration platform for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers helped to make ConstructConnect the only construction data provider with an A+ rating from the US Better Business Bureau.

The company does not offer a free service option, but starter packages are available for $129 USD per month, including extensive database access and a direct bidding pipeline. Subscribers are automatically matched to relevant opportunities based on their profile. ConstructConnect recently joined forces with BidClerk to create a more comprehensive and diversified platform.   

7. Building Radar

One of the popular global construction bidding sites that is also an early adopter of artificial intelligence (AI) is Building Radar. The web-based platform leverages advanced technology to forecast projects in advance and connect contractors to the right bidding opportunities. Additional features include key account tracking, enterprise reporting, and seamless integration with popular customer relationship management (CRM) platforms.

Building Radar subscribers point to exceptional customer service, early access to new opportunities, and user-friendly dashboards and templates as top features. Contractors are encouraged to contact the company directly for pricing information. 

8. PlanHub

Known as an all-in-one hub for commercial project leads, networking, and bid management, PlanHub is a complete preconstruction solution for general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Using this flexible platform, contractors can invite subcontractors and other stakeholders to submit bids for free, making use of the unlimited cloud-based storage.

This fast-growing company has already helped thousands of customers simplify their preconstruction process. Contractors and suppliers who utilize PlanHub have reported smoother workflows and faster project completions. While the annual fees are higher than those of other construction bid sites in the US, free trials are available upon request.   

9. BidNetDirect

Contractors wondering where to bid on construction jobs in the public sector need look no further than BidNetDirect. The useful and popular platform also known as Governmentbids streamlines tracking and discovery processes by organizing projects and procurement opportunities from various US government agencies, using advanced search filters to narrow down the results.

The platform also includes a library of past bids to provide a historical baseline for both contractors and clients. Free plans with limited features are available, along with paid full-access plans with advanced search features. Additional website resources include insightful articles on bidding trends and tips, and a collection of informative webinars and videos.

10. Bid Ocean

As a platform designed to address the unique bidding and networking needs of subcontractors, Bid Ocean provides access to over 25,000 active bidding opportunities covering a wide range of specialties and project sizes. Unlike the other leading construction bid sites on our list, Bid Ocean also ventures into other industries, including equipment servicing and utility rehab.

Along with unmatched access to subcontractor bidding opportunities, the platform also includes an extensive database of private and government organizations, detailing their company profiles, spending histories, and key decision-makers. Bid Ocean recently converted their free service to a paid subscription model with a minimal monthly or annual fee.

11. BuildingConnected

Known as the largest “real-time” construction network, BuildingConnected is a platform dedicated to bringing project owners, contractors, and subcontractors together in the preconstruction phase. Over one million subscribers enjoy access to the online bid board, along with useful risk management and document control features.

Free demos are available, and full subscription prices vary depending on the office size and usage rate. BuildingConnected is now owned and operated by Autodesk, which offers their collection of online services throughout North America.

12. SmartBid

The last entry on our list of top construction bidding websites is SmartBid, an industry-leading platform for general contractors around the world. With either the desktop or convenient mobile platform, contractors can leverage customizable templates to send bid invitations to subcontractors and manage communication during preconstruction planning.

A Public Registry feature provides access to hundreds of thousands of subcontractors seeking new opportunities, and personalized dashboards let you organize your own database and contact list. As part of the ConstructConnect family of companies, SmartBid offers free demos to interested customers, with subscription rates available through their sales department.

Final Thoughts

The sites listed here are just a few of the many available across the industry, each offering unique opportunities to win projects in the building industry. But finding the right opportunities is just a piece of the puzzle. Effective construction bid management is fundamental to ensure bid proposals turn into adjudicated projects.

Professional bid management software offers a range of functionalities to ensure contractors and subcontractors can effectively estimate the resource requirements for the project and come up with a competitive and profitable pricing, can generate professional and attractive documents that stand out from competitors, and can collaborate and communicate easily to submit bids effectively and fast. This is possible thanks to the automation of several tasks, reducing the risk of errors and cutting the time it takes to prepare to submit a bid.

If you want to experience the benefits of professional bid management software and win more projects, get your free demo for RIB Software today!