Quick Overview
- 1#1: BuildingConnected - Cloud-based platform that streamlines subcontractor bid invitations, submissions, and comparisons for general contractors.
- 2#2: Procore - Comprehensive construction management software featuring a robust bid board for managing bids and subcontractor outreach.
- 3#3: ConstructConnect - Provides project leads, digital plan rooms, and bid management tools to connect contractors with opportunities.
- 4#4: PlanHub - Online network facilitating collaboration between general contractors and subcontractors for bidding and project sourcing.
- 5#5: Stack - Modern bid management platform that automates subcontractor outreach and bid leveling for efficient award decisions.
- 6#6: HCSS HeavyBid - Specialized bidding software for heavy civil construction with advanced estimating, bid analysis, and item management.
- 7#7: BidClerk - Subscription-based service delivering private and public construction bid leads and project intelligence.
- 8#8: Togal.AI - AI-powered takeoff software that automates quantity extraction from plans to accelerate bid preparation.
- 9#9: Bluebeam Revu - PDF markup and takeoff tool used for accurate estimating and collaboration during the bidding process.
- 10#10: PlanSwift - Digital takeoff and estimating software enabling point-and-click quantity takeoffs for quick bid assembly.
Tools were evaluated based on feature depth, user-friendliness, technical reliability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse needs, from general contracting to heavy civil construction.
Comparison Table
Effective construction bid management is essential for streamlining workflows, and choosing the right software can enhance efficiency and outcomes. This comparison table outlines top tools—such as BuildingConnected, Procore, ConstructConnect, PlanHub, Stack, and others—exploring key features, pricing models, and usability to help businesses identify the solution that best fits their needs. Readers will gain clear insights into each platform's strengths, enabling informed decisions that align with project requirements and budgetary considerations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BuildingConnected Cloud-based platform that streamlines subcontractor bid invitations, submissions, and comparisons for general contractors. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Procore Comprehensive construction management software featuring a robust bid board for managing bids and subcontractor outreach. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | ConstructConnect Provides project leads, digital plan rooms, and bid management tools to connect contractors with opportunities. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | PlanHub Online network facilitating collaboration between general contractors and subcontractors for bidding and project sourcing. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Stack Modern bid management platform that automates subcontractor outreach and bid leveling for efficient award decisions. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | HCSS HeavyBid Specialized bidding software for heavy civil construction with advanced estimating, bid analysis, and item management. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | BidClerk Subscription-based service delivering private and public construction bid leads and project intelligence. | other | 7.1/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 8 | Togal.AI AI-powered takeoff software that automates quantity extraction from plans to accelerate bid preparation. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Bluebeam Revu PDF markup and takeoff tool used for accurate estimating and collaboration during the bidding process. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 10 | PlanSwift Digital takeoff and estimating software enabling point-and-click quantity takeoffs for quick bid assembly. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
Cloud-based platform that streamlines subcontractor bid invitations, submissions, and comparisons for general contractors.
Comprehensive construction management software featuring a robust bid board for managing bids and subcontractor outreach.
Provides project leads, digital plan rooms, and bid management tools to connect contractors with opportunities.
Online network facilitating collaboration between general contractors and subcontractors for bidding and project sourcing.
Modern bid management platform that automates subcontractor outreach and bid leveling for efficient award decisions.
Specialized bidding software for heavy civil construction with advanced estimating, bid analysis, and item management.
Subscription-based service delivering private and public construction bid leads and project intelligence.
AI-powered takeoff software that automates quantity extraction from plans to accelerate bid preparation.
PDF markup and takeoff tool used for accurate estimating and collaboration during the bidding process.
Digital takeoff and estimating software enabling point-and-click quantity takeoffs for quick bid assembly.
BuildingConnected
enterpriseCloud-based platform that streamlines subcontractor bid invitations, submissions, and comparisons for general contractors.
Industry-leading subcontractor database with 400,000+ prequalified vendors for rapid bid invitations and reliable responses
BuildingConnected, now part of Autodesk, is a premier construction bid management platform designed to streamline the entire bid process for general contractors. It enables users to create digital bid invitations, manage subcontractor responses through a centralized bid board, and automate bid leveling for accurate comparisons. The software facilitates document sharing, real-time collaboration, and integration with tools like Procore and Autodesk BIM 360, making it ideal for complex, high-volume bidding projects.
Pros
- Vast prequalified subcontractor database with over 400,000 verified subs
- Seamless integrations with Procore, PlanGrid, and Autodesk ecosystem
- Automated bid leveling and real-time tracking for efficient decision-making
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy teams
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small contractors
- Limited advanced analytics compared to some competitors
Best For
Large general contractors and enterprises handling high-volume, multi-trade bids across multiple projects.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $500-$1,000/month based on user count, projects, and features; free trial available.
Procore
enterpriseComprehensive construction management software featuring a robust bid board for managing bids and subcontractor outreach.
Intelligent Bid Leveling that automatically standardizes line items across subcontractor bids for apples-to-apples comparisons
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with a dedicated Bidding module tailored for construction bid management. It allows users to create bid packages, send invitations to bid (ITBs), collect subcontractor proposals securely, and perform advanced analysis like bid leveling and cost comparisons. The tool integrates seamlessly with Procore's broader suite for estimating, scheduling, and project execution, streamlining the preconstruction workflow.
Pros
- Robust bid invitation and subcontractor management with real-time collaboration
- Advanced bid leveling and comparison tools for accurate analysis
- Seamless mobile access and integration with full construction PM suite
Cons
- High cost, especially for smaller firms
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Custom pricing lacks transparency
Best For
Mid-to-large general contractors and construction firms needing integrated bid management within a full project lifecycle platform.
Pricing
Quote-based and customized; typically $500–$1,000+ per month per project or user, depending on modules and scale.
ConstructConnect
enterpriseProvides project leads, digital plan rooms, and bid management tools to connect contractors with opportunities.
Industry-leading aggregated project database with exclusive private project intelligence not found on competitors
ConstructConnect is a comprehensive construction intelligence platform that aggregates millions of public and private project leads across North America, enabling users to discover bidding opportunities early. It streamlines bid management with digital planrooms, automated addenda tracking, subcontractor invitations, and integrated takeoff/estimating tools. The software supports collaboration among teams and subs, helping contractors win more work through data-driven insights and document management.
Pros
- Extensive database covering over 600,000 projects annually from public and private sources
- Robust bid management tools including digital planroom and subcontractor collaboration
- Advanced search filters and analytics for targeted lead generation
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature-rich interface
- High subscription costs may deter small firms
- Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Best For
Mid-sized to large general contractors and subcontractors seeking a one-stop shop for project leads and bid management.
Pricing
Custom tiered subscriptions starting at ~$1,200/year for basic leads access, up to $10,000+ annually for premium modules like takeoff and full analytics; volume discounts available.
PlanHub
specializedOnline network facilitating collaboration between general contractors and subcontractors for bidding and project sourcing.
Extensive pre-vetted network of subcontractors for rapid bid sourcing
PlanHub is a cloud-based construction bid management platform that connects general contractors with a vast network of subcontractors and suppliers for project bidding. It enables users to post projects, send invitations to bid (ITBs), manage bid documents, and track submissions in a centralized dashboard. The software emphasizes ease of networking and collaboration, making it suitable for streamlining the pre-construction bidding process without complex setups.
Pros
- Free unlimited project posting and bid management for general contractors
- Access to a large network of over 500,000 verified subcontractors
- Intuitive interface with quick bid invitations and document sharing
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics or reporting compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer integrations with popular construction management software like Procore
- Premium features for subcontractors require paid upgrades
Best For
Small to mid-sized general contractors who need a cost-free, straightforward platform to source and manage subcontractor bids efficiently.
Pricing
Free for general contractors (unlimited projects); subcontractor plans start at $29/month for premium access like advanced search and branding.
Stack
specializedModern bid management platform that automates subcontractor outreach and bid leveling for efficient award decisions.
Instant access to a database of 1M+ verified subcontractors with targeted, automated bid invites.
Stack (stackct.com) is a preconstruction platform designed for general contractors to manage bids efficiently through automated subcontractor outreach and a vast database of over 1 million verified subs. It handles bid invites, response tracking, leveling, and analytics to streamline the entire bid lifecycle and improve decision-making. The software emphasizes collaboration, data-driven insights, and reducing manual processes in construction bidding.
Pros
- Massive verified subcontractor database for quick outreach
- Automated bid management and leveling tools
- Robust analytics for bid trends and market intelligence
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small contractors
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Limited native integrations with some legacy construction software
Best For
Mid-to-large general contractors managing high-volume, complex bids across multiple projects and trades.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting around $1,000/month, scaled by project volume, user count, and features.
HCSS HeavyBid
specializedSpecialized bidding software for heavy civil construction with advanced estimating, bid analysis, and item management.
Bid Day module for real-time bid leveling and what-if analysis during competitive bidding
HCSS HeavyBid is a comprehensive bid management software tailored for heavy civil construction contractors, enabling precise digital takeoffs, cost estimating, and bid preparation. It supports the full bid lifecycle, from quantity takeoff and subcontractor bid tabulation to final bid submission and analysis. The platform leverages historical data and item-centric estimating to improve bid accuracy on complex projects like highways and utilities.
Pros
- Powerful item-based estimating with historical cost data for accurate bids
- Robust subcontractor management and bid tabulation tools
- Seamless integration with HCSS suite (e.g., HeavyJob) and third-party software
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High pricing suitable only for larger firms
- Less intuitive for non-heavy construction or smaller projects
Best For
Large heavy civil contractors managing complex bids with subcontractors and needing integrated estimating.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $1,000–$5,000+/month depending on users and modules.
BidClerk
otherSubscription-based service delivering private and public construction bid leads and project intelligence.
Extensive aggregation of hard-to-find private invite-only bids alongside public opportunities
BidClerk is a lead generation platform designed for construction contractors and subcontractors, aggregating thousands of public and private bid opportunities across the United States. Users can search projects by location, trade, value, and keywords, with options for email alerts and plan downloads. While it excels at discovering bidding leads, it lacks advanced tools for bid preparation, estimating, or collaboration.
Pros
- Vast nationwide database of bid leads from public and private sources
- Simple search filters and customizable email alerts
- Access to project documents and plans for download
Cons
- Limited features for actual bid management or estimating
- Variable lead quality and competition levels
- Outdated interface with occasional usability issues
Best For
Small to mid-sized contractors focused primarily on finding new project leads rather than full bid lifecycle management.
Pricing
Subscription tiers starting at $49/month for basic access (up to $199/month for premium unlimited leads), with annual plans offering discounts.
Togal.AI
specializedAI-powered takeoff software that automates quantity extraction from plans to accelerate bid preparation.
Patented AI computer vision that automatically detects, classifies, and measures thousands of plan elements instantly without templates
Togal.AI is an AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates the extraction of quantities from blueprints and PDFs using advanced computer vision technology. It enables estimators to generate accurate measurements for elements like walls, doors, and fixtures in minutes rather than hours or days. Primarily focused on accelerating bid preparation, it integrates with popular estimating software to streamline the transition from takeoff to full bid assembly.
Pros
- Lightning-fast AI-driven takeoffs that reduce manual work by up to 90%
- High accuracy on standard 2D plans with minimal training data needed
- Cloud-based platform supporting team collaboration and scalability
Cons
- Premium pricing limits accessibility for small contractors
- Requires some user oversight for complex or non-standard plans
- Integrations with bid management tools are still expanding
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms with high-volume bidding needs seeking to automate takeoffs and gain a competitive edge in speed.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at approximately $1,500/month per user/team; volume discounts and trials available.
Bluebeam Revu
enterprisePDF markup and takeoff tool used for accurate estimating and collaboration during the bidding process.
Dynamic Quantity Takeoff with customizable assemblies for precise material and cost calculations directly from PDF plans
Bluebeam Revu is a specialized PDF editor and markup tool designed for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, enabling users to review blueprints, perform quantity takeoffs, and collaborate on project documents. It supports bidding workflows through precise measuring tools, custom markups, and integration with estimation processes via its Studio cloud collaboration platform. While it excels in document handling and basic estimating from PDFs, it lacks comprehensive bid management features like subcontractor outreach, bid compilation, or automated pricing databases.
Pros
- Powerful quantity takeoff and measurement tools for accurate bid estimates from plans
- Real-time collaboration via Studio Sessions for team reviews and markups
- Robust PDF editing and stamping capabilities tailored to construction workflows
Cons
- Not a dedicated bid management platform; lacks subcontractor management and bid invitation tools
- Subscription pricing can be expensive for small firms or occasional users
- Advanced features require significant training despite intuitive interface
Best For
Estimators and construction teams focused on PDF-based plan takeoffs and document collaboration during the bidding phase.
Pricing
Subscription-based: Basics ($15/user/month), Core ($20/user/month), Complete ($25/user/month) billed annually; perpetual licenses available starting at $349/user.
PlanSwift
specializedDigital takeoff and estimating software enabling point-and-click quantity takeoffs for quick bid assembly.
Revolutionary point-and-click takeoff engine that measures areas, lengths, and counts in seconds without drawing tools
PlanSwift is a desktop-based digital takeoff and estimating software designed for construction professionals to perform precise quantity takeoffs directly from PDF, CAD, or scanned plans using intuitive point-and-click tools. It streamlines bid creation by allowing users to build assemblies, apply costs, and generate detailed reports for accurate bidding. While powerful for pre-construction estimating, it focuses more on takeoffs and assemblies than full bid invitation or subcontractor management workflows.
Pros
- Extremely fast point-and-click takeoffs from digital plans
- Highly customizable assemblies, formulas, and databases for tailored estimating
- Strong integrations with Excel, QuickBooks, and other accounting tools
Cons
- Desktop-only application with no native cloud or mobile access
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and customization
- Higher cost may not suit very small firms or infrequent users
Best For
Mid-sized construction estimators and contractors focused on rapid, accurate takeoffs and bid assembly from digital plans.
Pricing
Annual subscription starts at approximately $1,599 per license; volume discounts and training options available.
Conclusion
Across the reviewed tools, BuildingConnected claims the top spot, leading in streamlining subcontractor bid invitations and comparisons for general contractors. Procore and ConstructConnect closely follow, offering exceptional alternatives—Procore with its comprehensive construction management features and ConstructConnect with robust project lead and plan room tools—each tailored to distinct needs. Together, these three exemplify the best in modern bid management, ensuring efficiency and clarity in the bidding process.
To take control of your bid management, begin with BuildingConnected—its intuitive platform can transform how you connect, compare, and award bids, setting a new standard for success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison