The State of North Carolina launched a new, faster, cost-effective way to submit bids. The North Carolina Business Invitation Delivery System (NC BIDS) will enable vendors to respond to specified solicitations electronically – for free – saving both time and money. The system is a new development by the Department of Administration’s Division of Purchase & Contract, the central procurement authority for the State of North Carolina. The new NC BIDS will pose many benefits including eliminating the need to print and ship paper proposals packages and it is user-friendly.
“The new electronic bidding system will enhance user experience thus improving the overall efficiency of state procurement practices,” said N.C. Department of Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders. “NC BIDS is also part of our ongoing effort to move towards a paperless, eco-friendly business system.”
NC BIDS is the latest addition to the state’s Interactive Purchasing System (IPS), a free online portal for agencies to post solicitations enabling vendors to view and search for bid opportunities. To use the new NC BIDS, prospective vendors must be registered to do business with the State of North Carolina. Vendors can begin this process by registering in the North Carolina electronic Vendor Portal (eVP). Vendors are required to use their established eVP username and password to respond to all electronic bids.
“We encourage all existing and prospective vendors to take advantage of the new system,” said N.C. Division of Purchase & Contract Director Odessa McGlown. “The system is expected to be utilized across all government agencies and institutions by next year.”
Implementation of NC BIDS will roll out over a six-month period in phases, with specific state agencies beginning participation in each phase. The first phase is scheduled this month. The goal is to implement NC BIDS at all state agencies, institutions, community colleges and universities by February 2019.
For more information on NC BIDS including online training, please visit the N.C. Division of Purchase & Contract NC BIDS webpage.