It provides several directories including state government bid sites and local and regional government bid sites. Government-sponsored sites include national systems, state systems and systems for specific localities. Government sites usually provide information about procurement reform, doing business with the organization and current bid opportunities. Most government-sponsored systems provide bid sets at no cost. The site advises suppliers of upcoming opportunities, provides a forecast of major purchases in the next 12 months and publishes a list of contracts awarded each month.
Some associations provide an electronic tendering service for their members.
Many of these systems are notification services only. For an annual fee, paid by invoice or by credit card through the Web, they will notify you of opportunities as they occur. Typically, you can identify selection criteria, such as printing or computers. It posts state and local government information and excludes the federal government and its agencies. They send subscribers weekly e-mail of announcements of new opportunities.