The Internet is an EC tool that more and more businesses are putting to use. Establishing your own website will enable your business to market its goods and services electronically 24 hours a day. DOT develops the procurement forecast. Contract opportunities are posted on the Internet. Businesses will be able to download solicitations from the Internet.
Companies respond with proposals.
Currently, proposal submission via the web is less common. While some DOT OAs are using this technology to a limited degree, this effort is dependent upon security and other considerations. As the business community ramps up on EC, proposal submission electronically will become more common. Contracts are awarded. Similarly, the awarding of contracts is a facet of the procurement process that is in its infancy.