GISbid.com™ announced that its online marketplace and exchange was now open for broad public collaboration. GISbid.com is a new online service providing a simple and secure venue to link project managers with providers of GIS services. The service will offer a listing of projects from organizations and companies in need of professionals in the geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data industry. GIS professionals, offering services in the fields of computer mapping, photogrammetry, remote sensing, spatial database management, and software development can search for projects of any time duration on which to bid for the contract. Organizations that need to find service companies and consultants through a bid process are encouraged to post their projects free of charge. Bidding is established as an expression of interest in the project. “Competitive bidding” in an attempt to lower prices or fees is not the intent of GISbid.com.
Project managers, in both the public and private sector, who wish to announce project initiatives, request for information (RFI) or request for proposals (RFP), and independent companies, consultants or agents can use GISbid.com in a common forum to efficiently facilitate the commercial exchange of service agreements.
The web site is a platform focused on helping GIS professionals from both sides of the marketplace to communicate project needs and services. In addition, GISbid offers a unique “private bidding” option called “GISbid Workgroups” which allows the posting organization to restrict project and bidding information to only those members “invited” to participate. This feature is especially suited for organizations that already maintain a select group of subcontractors with whom they regularly work.
There are two basic components within GISbid.com. The first is focused on those in need of GIS services or products who can “post” their project on the site at no charge. The second is focused on GIS service providers who have paid a small subscription fee (introductory fees of $49 for the first 6 months for individuals; $199 for corporate subscribers with up to six members for 6 months) to review the posted projects and “bid” on those in which they are interested. Within the framework of “posting” and “bidding,” there are a variety of tools to assist members. All communication between members is accomplished through an internal messaging system allowing members to remain anonymous, if desired, until they choose to reveal themselves. Service providers complete “profiles” which can include a complete company history, personal resumes, references, and a photo. The project lists are categorized by type of GIS project, and easily sorted. Members of GISbid.com can receive daily notifications of projects that meet their professional skills. Because price is generally not the primary factor in a GIS project, the site does not promote “price bidding” for projects. Service providers can offer a price publicly, privately, or negotiate it at a later time.
During the initial startup phase, GISbid.com is offering free subscriptions until July1, 2002 to GIS service providers. This open use period will allow members to try the services with no obligation other than to register and select their username. Posting projects will always be available at no charge. After the July 1, 2002 introductory period, site visitors will still be allowed to view the list of current projects but only paid subscribers will be allowed to view complete project details and bid on projects.
