# Communication in Bids

## Summary  
This article explains how messaging and document exchange works within a bid on BuilderPal. Whether you’re preparing your quote, negotiating terms, or finalizing details after being awarded, all bid-related communication is handled inside the Bid Conversation thread.

## What is the Bid Conversation?  
The Bid Conversation is a private chat between you and the general contractor (GC) that’s tied to a specific trade and job posting. It’s the central place to:

- Ask questions about scope, schedule, or site conditions  
- Share supporting documents (insurance, drawings, certifications)  
- Receive updates about your bid status  
- Accept or decline award notifications  

## How Communication Works  
### When you can send messages  
You can use the Bid Conversation at **any stage** of the bidding process:  
- Before you submit your quote  
- After you submit your quote  
- After you are awarded (until you accept/decline)

### How you are notified  
- Messages appear in the **Inbox**, grouped by bid conversation.  
- If you have the BuilderPal app open, you’ll receive **push notifications** for new messages.  
- If you don’t yet have an account, you’ll receive an **email invitation** containing a signup link and invite code.

### Who can see your messages  
Only your team and the GC’s team see the conversation. Specifically, your message thread is visible to:
- Your team’s Admins  
- Team Project Managers  
- Team Business Managers  
- Team Finance Managers  

No other subcontractors or external parties have access.

## Documents & Files  
You can upload and receive documents directly in the thread, including:
- Insurance certificates  
- WCB or trade certifications  
- Drawings or scope documents  
- Revised quotes or attachments  

All files exchanged remain inside the conversation for easy access and record-keeping.

## Important Things to Know  
- Messages **cannot** be edited or deleted once sent.  
- Awarding your bid does **not** automatically close the conversation—communication remains open as long as the job is live.  
- Any changes or follow-up after bid submission should go through the conversation, not via separate email chains.

## Related Articles  
- [How to Bid on a Job](https://docs.builderpal.com/books/bidding-as-a-subcontractor/page/bid-on-a-job)  
- [Requirements Before Bidding](https://docs.builderpal.com/books/bidding-as-a-subcontractor/page/requirements-before-bidding)  
- [Managing Submitted Bids](https://docs.builderpal.com/books/bidding-as-a-subcontractor/page/managing-submitted-bids)