The PDM Bidding Application is an easy-to-use online, collaborative environment that facilitates the bidding process between general contractors and subcontractors. You can access the system in a variety of ways through the McGraw-Hill Construction Network (MHC) with a single sign-on ID.
Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) below, browse our help topics to the left
or view one of our Online Tutorials.
Business FAQ's
Do my subs have to be members of MHC to use my plan room?
No, subcontractors do not have to be members, but they must register (registration is free) before they can gain access to your plan room.
Can my subs buy Hardcopies?
Yes, subs may order hardcopies from the bid package Documents tab by selecting the document(s) and clicking the Order button.
Can subs download plans for free?
Yes, subs may download plans from the bid package Documents tab by selecting the plan(s) and clicking the Download button.
Technical FAQ's
What is a project key and how do I use it?
A project key is a unique identifier assigned
automatically by PDM Bidding when a hosted project is created or
transferred from the Network. This is the key used by bidders and prospective bidders to search for projects
within PDM Bidding through the Find Hosted Project field on their View Projects
screen.
Who should I call for help?
For Tech Support, call 1-800-393-6343.
How do I change my password?
You may change your password, as well as many other settings, by clicking the Manage Account link on the top-right portion of the screen. From there, click the Private tab to change your password. For more information about managing your account settings, click here.
Process FAQ's
What is the work flow for Subs?
Subcontractors are invited to bid on a bid package via fax or email. The email or fax contains information about how to enter the GC's plan room where the subcontractor may access the bid documents, and decide whether to bid or not. For further information, click here.
How do I put a new Project into PDM Bidding?
You may host projects from the Network, or you may add a project manually. Click here for further information about adding projects to your plan room..
How do I upload plans and specs?
You may upload plans and specs for a project from your computer or network by clicking the Upload button on the Project Documents tab. Click here for more information.
Why do I need to create a bid package?
Subs may only view bid packages. When you invite a sub to your plan room, they will only see the bid packages to which they are invited, not the projects themselves. Click here for more information on creating a bid package.
Why can't my Subs see the plans and specifications when I know that I have uploaded them in my plan room?
Subs may only view bid packages. Make sure that the plans and specifications are included in the bid package(s) that the subs were invited to bid on. Click here for more information on adding documents to a bid package.
What does Setup, Active, and Inactive mean on the projects in my plan room?
In the Setup phase, the plan room owner is developing
the hosted project description, bid packages, and other activities. During this phase there is no bidding or communication between the plan room owner and the the bidders.
During the Active phase, bidders and plan room owners communicate. This is the phase where bids are submitted.
Inactive projects may be those which have ceased development for the moment or
projects which have already bid. No communication or bidding takes place between the plan room owner and the bidders.
