June 16, 2003--The Blue Book of Building and Construction, the industry's premiere vendor database with over 1,000,000 regionally categorized listings, has launched a new "Invitation to Bid" messaging system called "Taking Bids." This fast and easy way to contact qualified contractors and suppliers is now available within private online plan rooms hosted by Plan Express. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Plan Express specializes in distribution of construction documents nationwide through an online document management system coupled with a sophisticated print distribution process through overnight carriers or local reprographers. Users of the "Taking Bids" system - typically, project estimators, purchasing agents and facility managers - can solicit bids from local contractors and suppliers by promoting their projects to the specific trades needed for the job. Upon receiving the "Invitation to Bid" in BidScope - The Blue Book's online "Targeted Project Lead System" - vendors can link directly to the user's private plan room where they can view and order plans and specifications with expedited delivery through Plan Express.
"The 'Taking Bids' messaging system demonstrates The Blue Book's ongoing commitment to expedite the communication process for buyers during a project's time sensitive bidding stage. It also demonstrates our ability to integrate user-friendly messaging tools to enhance other industry applications and provide sellers with new bid opportunities as well," said Rich Johnson, Director of Operations for The Blue Book.
"We are very excited about the addition of the 'Taking Bids' feature within the private plan room process. This enhancement assures our plan room owners that they are not missing any competitive bids that they would otherwise be unaware of," said DeWayne Adamson, President of Plan Express. Adds Mr. Adamson, "Being available at no cost and powered by The Blue Book makes this plan distribution and bidding process unmatched in the industry."
For more information on the new Taking Bids application, contact: Ed Haege, BB-Bid Product Manager 800-431-2584 ext. 307 [email protected].
About The Blue Book...
Since 1913, The Blue Book of Building and Construction has provided the industry's most comprehensive database of general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers working within the building and construction industry. This year, over 650,000 copies of The Blue Book will be distributed - free of charge - to all buyers of construction-related products and services throughout the United States. Online, thebluebook.com features over 1,000,000 company listings, display ads and profiles in 560 'Industry Classifications' and is searchable by keyword or company name. BB-Bid, the industry's premier online bid management system, is available free-of-charge at thebluebook.com and delivers an average of over 5,000,000 project messages annually.
About Plan Express...
Established in 1994, Plan Express is a reprographic service providing overnight construction plan and specification reproduction. Located in Memphis, Tennessee (also the distribution hub for FedEx) the company's mission is to offer the best service in centralized print ordering and distribution. For more information visit www.planexpress.net.
