# Invite Bidders

## Summary
Invite subcontractors to submit bids on your project’s bid packages directly in BuilderPal. This is the primary way to collect competitive proposals, control visibility, and start bid conversations.




## How-To Video
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UYZ_ryTGEME?si=fljxZkVffZXdhfKy" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## Prerequisites
- An active project in BuilderPal
- A bid package (existing or new)
- Role: Admin, Team Business Manager, or Team Project Manager

## Steps

1. **Open your project** — Navigate to the project you want to send bids for.

    ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.amazonaws.com/files/2025-11-19/558fd7db-7abf-49f4-b8b3-48e85032bc1c/stack_animation.webp)


3. **Go to the Bidding section** — Click **Bidding** in the left navigation menu.


    ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.amazonaws.com/files/2025-11-19/6571c7b3-2873-4489-815f-39ec85339f02/stack_animation.webp)


4. **Open or create a bid package** — Click an existing bid package or click **New** to create one.


    ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.amazonaws.com/files/2025-11-19/e36daf66-c1df-4423-afab-d92ee5b0c79e/stack_animation.webp)


5. **Reach the Invite bidders step** — Continue through the bid package steps until you arrive at **Invite bidders**. Use the search bar to find existing contacts or click **Add new contact** to create one on the fly.

    ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.amazonaws.com/files/2025-11-19/0902ad87-d947-4f14-9899-af876d00e715/stack_animation.webp)

6. **Add or import bidders and release** — Select contacts, use the **BuilderPal AI helper** (CSV, document, or pasted text) if needed, review settings, then click **Release for bids** (or save & publish).

    ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.amazonaws.com/files/2025-11-19/e173dc70-77de-4e81-8f8f-381aaf3d3781/stack_animation.webp)

7. **Alternative: Start from Subcontractors page** — From the project menu, click **Subcontractors**.

    ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.amazonaws.com/files/2025-11-19/91e68e9f-7467-4557-85ee-b00af24e9d53/stack_animation.webp)

8. **Select a trade and invite** — Click the desired trade slot → **Create Bid Package** or **Assign Bid Package** → proceed to **Invite bidders** and add contacts the same way as above.

    ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.amazonaws.com/files/2025-11-19/f49b8269-534f-457c-a935-90e454a3cc3f/stack_animation.webp)

9. **Invitations sent** — Once the package is released, selected bidders receive email and in-app notifications and can view the package immediately.

    ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.amazonaws.com/files/2025-11-19/35f15adf-4aba-4747-89f8-2d56f99b0812/stack_animation.webp)

## Confirmation
The bid package shows as “Released” and invited bidders appear in the bidders list with a “Invited” status. They receive an email and in-app notification and can access the package right away.

## FAQ

**Can I add a subcontractor who isn’t in my contacts yet?**  
Yes — click **Add new contact** directly in the Invite bidders section or see [Invite Contacts](https://docs.builderpal.com/books/team-office/page/invite-contacts) for details.

**Can I import many bidders at once?**  
Yes — use the **BuilderPal AI helper** button to upload a CSV, PDF, or paste text; it will extract and add contacts automatically.

**Do invitations go out automatically?**  
Invitations are sent only when you **Release for bids** (or save & publish). You can edit the list until the package is released.



**Do bidders need a BuilderPal account to receive the invitation?**  
No — they will receive an email invite and can sign up or log in when they click the link.

## Related Articles
- [Invite Contacts](https://docs.builderpal.com/books/team-office/page/invite-contacts)
- [Create a Bid Package](https://docs.builderpal.com/books/team-office/page/invite-contacts)
- [Release a Bid Package](https://docs.builderpal.com/books/team-office/page/invite-contacts)
- [View & Compare Bids](https://docs.builderpal.com/books/team-office/page/invite-contacts)
- [Award a Contract](https://docs.builderpal.com/books/team-office/page/invite-contacts)