SaskPower Introduces E-bidding
Our province is growing,
and SaskPower is making it easier to seize the opportunities.
As of November 19, 2012, SaskPower will accept electronic bids (e-bids) for opportunities posted on
Merx.com.
Suppliers are encouraged to contact their Merx representative for details on setting up e-bidding capabilities
by November 19, 2012.
Details on the submission procedures for all RFP and tender documents are provided on Merx.com.
SaskPower’s new e-bidding process is fast and easy:
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You can submit bids right on Merx.com where the RFPs and tenders are listed.
You can upload all electronic files to Merx.com rather than dealing with paper files, fax or courier.
You can manage the bidding process in one place, and return to your online bid files to make
changes or submissions anytime until the closing of the bid.
You can upload up to 100MB per file on Merx.com, and there is no limit to the number of files you
can submit. And Merx.com does not convert or zip files during the upload process.
You will see the option to e-bid with a clause in all RFPs, tenders and on all RFx documents posted
on the Merx.com beginning November 19, 2012.
You will receive an E-bid Confirmation Number once your bid is submitted successfully for your
tracking purposes.
Important things to remember about e-bidding on Merx.com
E-bidding will only be accepted for new procurements from November 19, 2012 onward. For bids that are
posted prior to that date and those that will be open during that time, the present submission formats will
apply (i.e. fax or courier).
SaskPower may ask for specific file types for any bid, so read bid documents carefully for specific
requirements.
Allow yourself at least 4 hours to submit your bid, (uploading your bid documents) and to ensure
that your bid can be uploaded successfully. If you have many large documents, or you are not running on
high speed internet access, you may want to give yourself additional time.
To set up your company’s e-bid profile visit Merx.com or contact your Merx
representative today.
More Details about E-bidding - from MERX.com
What is Electronic Bid Submission?
Electronic Bid Submission (EBS) allows suppliers and contractors to submit bids/proposals online via
MERX. Buyers will then be able to download all electronic bids that were submitted for a particular
opportunity.
Electronic Bid Submission (EBS) is the electronic transfer of proposal bid data between a potential supplier
and contracting authority. The MERX Electronic Bid Submission feature allows suppliers to submit
bids/proposals online via MERX. EBS is typically used for the submission of bids, completed qualification
forms or supporting documentation.
The MERX EBS system includes safeguards to ensure the security and authenticity of the material being
transferred.
EBS Advantages
The use of EBS includes advantages for both buyers and suppliers:
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Lower preparation cost and greater consistency
Shorter turnaround time
Easier to modify or withdraw bids any time prior to closing
Virtual elimination of errors when used with forms
No disadvantage to geographical location of suppliers
Improved audit trail to support dispute resolution
Electronic bid submission process
The process for using electronic bid submission is straightforward:
1. Tender prepared and posted – authorized buyer given secure access for document
retrieval once opportunity closes.
2. Deadline and procedures for EBS clearly identified.
3. Prospective bidders register, are authenticated, then given secure access key.
4. Documents obtained – bidder downloads tender documents and/or forms.
5. Bidders may undergo prequalification process.
6. Proposal – response documents and/or forms submitted through EBS.
7. System logs receipt and sends confirmation – updates if done prior to closing.
8. Submitted documents stored in a secure fashion with high level of security.
9. Bids open by authorized buyer only after closing.