How do I get an NSN assigned to our part number(s)?

First do some research in the NSN database (NSN Lookup / Part #) to see if one exists, there may be one listed or possibly a competitors part number listed. The DoD or more specifically the Inventory Control Points (ICP) are the only ones that can submit action for an NSN assignment. This is based on reoccurring supply demands, or a service/agency requirement to support a weapon system.

What percentage of Government bids are covered by BidLink?

BidLink covers approximately 94% of all U.S. Government bids from the BidLink supported buying centers.

Can I bid directly to the Government through BidLink or from the BidLink website?

BidLink does not currently provide direct online bidding and is not supported. To submit a bid you must contact the buyer or Government agency directly. In most cases there is a convenient link or button located on the “Bid Details” screen (the right side of the screen) which will take you directly to the appropriate Government agency or website to place your bid. Telephone numbers and points of contact are listed for each bid.

Where does BidLink get its data?

BidLink does not limit its procurement data by dollar threshold, RFQ classification, or Government advertising method. All bids in the defense market are treated equally. BidLink obtains its bid data from various sources including direct data links from many U.S. Government buying activities under the Freedom of Information Act. Buying centers which cannot provide direct data links are researched in many different ways including EBB downloads and on-site personnel, recording bids as they are posted in the bid rooms.

How often will I receive automatic e-mails with new bids?

Saved search processing is performed at the end of the day on all new bids accumulated that day. You will receive an e-mail identifying all new bids matching your saved search parameters.

Do I need to create an account in order to try your service?

You can review the tutorial for BidLink without creating an account. However, to use the trial application you must register by creating an account. This will only take a minute and there is no cost or obligation.

What is the Trash for?

The trash is the place where the bids which are dumped (deleted) go.

How will I be billed?

BidLink accepts all major credit cards. For alternative methods of payment Contact BidLink directly.

Can I access the BidLink website from more than one computer in my office?

The standard BidLink packages are for single-user use only. This means that you will receive one user name and one password. To establish a multi-user account Contact BidLink directly.

What credit cards do you accept?

BidLink accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards.

How do I empty the trash folder?

First click on the folders icon then click “Empty Trash”

How are contract estimated values calculated?

BidLink uses a proprietary algorithm for determining estimated contract values (ECVs). ECVs are determined by a combination government ML-C pricing and past procurement history with adjustments for date and quantity variations. ECVs should only be used as a guideline in determining which bids you are interested in.

How do I import data into a bid search?

The easiest way to import your part number lists, NSN lists, or item name lists is by the copy and paste method.

1) Export your data into a text file. If you are using a D base, Microsoft Access, Excel or other windows friendly database management programs you can export the data directly into a text file. Delimit the data with a CRLF so that one data element (part number, NSN, etc.) appears on each line of the text file.

2) Open the file using Microsoft WordPad and then simply copy and paste the data into the textbox on the bid search page. If you are unable to copy and paste your search data, Contact Us directly for other data importing options.

How do I remove items from the trash folder?

Click the icon of the trash can in the upper right hand corner and drag the bid in question to "Remove from folder" on the pop-up folder panel.

How do I sort the bids in my bid search results table (eg stock number, due date etc.) ?

You can sort the bid search results table by clicking the field headers at the top of the table. Click twice to reverse the sort order.

How do I change the items displayed in my search results table ?

By clicking the field preferences button from the bid results screen you can select the items to appear in your search results table. The order that the items appear in the table cannot be changed.

How do I print bids ?

Their are two ways to print bids at the BidLink site.

1.By clicking Bid Report - Summary or Bid Report Full on the bid details on the right.

2.From the bid search results page you can select multiple bids for printing by clicking the print box for each bid you wish to print. Then press the Print Button button.

How do I create a saved search ?

From the My Saved searches screen click add new search or from the main menu select bid search. Create your bid search then enter a name for your search and click save. For help with creating your search see HELP WITH SEARCHING FOR BIDS. With the basic plan you are allowed up to thirty saved searches.

How do I edit a saved search ?

From the My Saved searches screen click edit for the search you wish to modify. Once you have made the changes click save which will overwrite your old search.

How do I delete a saved search ?

From the My Saved Search Profiles screen click the red X to delete the search you wish to remove - this action is permanent.

How can I receive automatic e-mail notification of new bids matching My Saved searches ?

From the My Saved searches screen, by selecting the check box for automatic e-mails you can mark a search for automatic e-mail notification. E-mail processing is performed each night on the new bids released that day. If you do not receive an e-mail this means that no new bids matched your saved searches. You can verify this by manually running your saved searches from the saved searches screen.

What is a saved search ?

Saved searches are searches that you create for locating open bids. These searches can be processed at any time. They will automatically be processed each night on the new bids released that day. These searches can also be selected for automatic e-mail notification of any new bids matching the search. Basic subscription package allows up to thirty saved searches.

Does BidLink offer onsite demonstrations and training?

BidLink currently provides some onsite demonstrations and training depending upon region. For additional information Contact BidLink directly.

Can more than one question be displayed in a help window?

Yes. Often there will be many questions that are displayed. Sometimes an answer might include a table. The system does not display questions which are not marked as active.

How often is procurement history updated?

Most procurement history and part number data is updated daily depending upon when the individual buying centers update their data.  All other archive data is updated with the same frequency that the Government uses to update its data (e.g. Cage Code, MLC, and FIIG data are typically updated monthly).

How can I find the information on other contractors/vendors ?

From the vendor look-up screen you can locate other contractors by such items as cage code, company name, city, state, etc... For example if you enter CA. for the state and click search you will find every contractor in the state of California or you can enter a specific company's name and cage code in which case you will find information on that specific company only.



What type of contractor/vendor information can I find ?

You can view a complete profile of every contractor including such items as

How often is contractor/vendor information updated ?

Contractor cage code data is updated monthly as it is released from the Government. Government procurement history is updated daily from most buying activities.

How can I find information on a specific item (NSN, part number, etc...) even when the item is not currently up for bid ?

Bidlink maintains a complete database of all part numbers, stock numbers, and procurement history in the US DOD System. You can look up any part number, stock number, item name from the NSN lookup screen. Once at the NSN lookup screen enter the desired search parameters by checking IrequiredI for a search paramenter. You will only find items containing that search parameter for example if you select part #12345 and Item Name power supply with the required box you will return all power supplies with a part number of 12345. Without the required box checked you will return all items with part #12345 and all power supplies. Once you have completed the NSN lookup form click search to process your search. If only one item is found, full details of that item will be displayed. If more than one item is found a table will be displayed listing all of the found items. To view the full details for a specific item click on the National Stock Number.

What type of information will I find in the archived data for a specific NSN or part number ?

The archived item data display contains the following elements: WIthin the display data you will find several links to additional information such as FSC, INC, FIIG, descriptions and contractor data.

How can I sort the archived data when multiple stock numbers are found ?

Archived data can be sorted by clicking on the table headers in the search results table. Click twice to sort in reverse order.

How often is NSN data updated ?

NSN data is updated with the same frequency that the Government uses to update its data (e.g. Cage Code, MLC, and FIIG data are updated monthly).

How long do bids stay in the BidLink system?

Bids are considered active and open in the BidLink system through the bid due date. Bids are closed and archived after the bid close date. Archived bids are maintained for six months and are available to BidLink clients for research and review.

How long is bid award data archived by BidLink?

BidLink maintains bid award data for a period of 60 days from the date of the award.

What bids are covered by BidLink ?

BidLink covers up to 95% of all U.S. Defense purchases.

What browsers are supported?

To help ensure the security of your information, BidLink requires the use of one of the following browsers: Netscape 4.08 and above, Microsoft® Internet Explorer 4.0 and above for Windows or Internet Explorer 4.51 or above for Macintosh. From this list, we suggest you upgrade to the most recent version your computer will support. Remember that your browser must be a version that supports strong encryption (128-bit) in order for you to have access to BidLink. (If your browser has 128-bit encryption you may see some or all of the following terms "128-bit", "supports U.S. security", and DES-3." If you see "supports international security" you have 40-bit encryption.)

What size monitor is recommended?

Although you can view BidLink with any size monitor, for optimal viewing, we recommend at least a 17 inch screen.

How can I obtain the appropriate browser?

As a general rule, before upgrading or installing any new software, be sure to back up any critical files. If you determine that you need a browser, select one of the following browsers to download: For Microsoft Internet Explorer: Windows: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/worldwide-sites.aspx IE browsers download with standard encryption. After the download is complete you must then download the 128-bit encryption. If you already have a 4.0 or higher version of Internet Explorer, you can download a small 128-bit patch at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/download/128bit/intro.htm.

What are the computer system requirements for this service?

BidLink is designed to work with version 6.0 or higher of Netscape Navigator®, Microsoft® Internet Explorer, and America Online®. JavaScript™ must be enabled in your web browser. Your computer also must meet the following minimum requirements: For Windows® users: Windows 95 or greater or NT 4.0-each with 32 MB RAM For Macintosh® users: Mac® OS 8.0 or greater with 32 MB RAM, plus 32 MB memory allocated to your web browser.

Will you disclose my personal information to third parties?

No. All BidLink client information is considered confidential and will not be released to third parties for any reason.

What if I forget my password?

You can send an e-mail to support@bidlink.net requesting your user name and password. Be sure to include your full name and phone number; you must be the person listed on the contract when you signed up.

Why do I need to verify my account?

Account verification adds an extra layer of security. The purpose is to ensure that you have provided a valid e-mail address that corresponds to you and the password you have created. Security is very important to us and this is another way of providing it.

Who do I contact if I have a question about a credit card charge?

If you have a question about a credit card charge, please send e-mail to billing@bidlink.net. Please include the date of the charge. We will respond to your inquiry promptly. Thank you

Where is my information stored?

Information you enter into BidLink is stored on servers maintained by us. Our data center operates under very strict security protocols. Extensive backup systems protect against data loss and intrusion. All of your information is transmitted over secure, private connections. For further details, please review our privacy policy.

How long will BidLink retain my information?

BidLink will retain your information for up to six months. Occasionally we may identify accounts that have been inactive for a period of time and contact you to determine if you will be using this account. It's important that your personal contact information associated with your BidLink account remains current.

Can I have more than one account?

We have designed BidLink to easily manage multiple saved searches within the same company. However, if you wish, you can maintain more than one account with BidLink.

Are other users able to access my information that I create in my saved searches?

No. BidLink considers all search data (eg part number lists, NSN lists etc.) to be proprietary to the company owning the BidLink account. Data is not accessible to other BidLink clients and it will not be released to other clients or to third parties for any reason.

Will context specific help be available for this topic?

Yes. We are currently working on context specific help for this topic. This help may or may not also be available in the frequently asked questions. Also, more than one question may appear for this topic.