FAQ

All Questions About PQBids Answered Here:

The pre-qualifcation regulations can be complex and PQBids is committed to simplifying the process for both public agencies and contractors. Below are the most common questions we encounter about this process.

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If I Am Not Approved, Does My Application Expire?

After 90 days, your application will expire if you are not approved. Please check your email for any requests from the PQBids Admin team regarding your application's required files.

What is the New Pre-qualification Process?

AB 1565 was signed into law September 30, 2012, and became effective January I, 2014. It requires a school district to use pre-qualification for any school facility construction project costing $1 million or more and receiving funds from the Leroy Green School Facilities Act of 1998 or any future school bond. The pre-qualification process adopts and applies a standardized questionnaire, financial statement and a uniform system of rating bidders using the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) forms as a model guideline.

How do I apply?

It’s easy! Either select Option 1 or Option 2 then follow the prompts, fill in the blanks and attach the documents.

What documents must be submitted to PQBIDS?

PQBids requires both a single job and an aggregate capacity bondability letter. Additionally, you will need to furnish 2 years of financials. These documents are submitted for verification to PQBids through our secure website and are only released to the awarding agency if requested and are NOT for public use. Your privacy is our number one priority.

How long does the pre-qualification process take?

Within minutes of our receipt of your completed application PQBids will provide a preliminary determination. An application is complete once PQBids has received all required documents. If Option 2 is selected, you will follow the school district's guidelines which typically take no longer than 2 weeks. For additional information contact each school district directly.

How do I renew my prequalification certificate and is there a fee?

It is the responsibility of each contractor to ensure that their pre-qualification does not lapse. To renew your PQBids pre-qualification certificate, you will need to update each section of your online application and submit all required documentation. As a courtesy, PQBids will notify firms by e-mail approximately 60 days prior to the expiration of their pre-qualification. Note: Emails will be sent to the contact person listed on the pre-qualification application and the userID (email address) on the application.

What happens if my pre-qualification application is denied?

  1. The contractor will be notified by email that their application has been denied. At that point they will need to contact the school district directly and follow the districts appeal procedures.
  2. The contractor will also be notified that the reason for denial is that they did not meet the minimum score set by the DIR.
  3. The contractor will receive their results and their overall score by email immediately upon completing their application.
  4. If at anytime during phase 1 or phase 2 of the pre-qualification procedure the contractor does not meet the minimum score, they will not be permitted to go further and will be denied on the basis of not meeting the minimum score. All appeals are taken directly to the school districts.
  5. All school districts have the right to refuse any contractor based on omission or falsification of any requested information.
  6. All school districts reserve the right to determine disqualification on the basis of information secured from any source(s)

How long do I have to wait to resubmit?

That will vary on a case-by-case basis and will depend on the reasons for the denial.

What does the Contractor Performance Evaluation involve?

PQBids will contact the individual(s) referenced on the application regarding 2 prior construction projects and they will be asked the questions found on the Phase 3 questionnaire. Since your score depends on that questionnaire, having PQBids conduct the interview will maintain neutrality and eliminate any possible bias.

Do subcontractors who participate on these projects have to be pre-qualified?

Yes. As of January 1, 2014 no company whose contract exceeds one million dollars in value may perform work as a sub-contractor on said projects. The law applies only to: mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors.

What are the criteria for pre-qualification?

PQBids meet the minimum criteria set by the Department of Industrial Relations. Criteria may vary among agencies.

How long does my initial pre-qualification last?

This depends on the requirements of the agency involved and is subject to change. PQBids issues a certificate of pre-qualification to any applicant who meets the requirements as outlined by the DIR. Your certificate will be effective for 1-year from the date of issue and will indicate the contractor’s pre-qualification classification.

What is my bid limit?

Your bid limit is up to the amount that is on your surety letter that you submitted with your application.

What is the status of my application?

When you log in to your account, please go to "My Agency Applications" and you will see the status there. If you want a definition of each icon, please click the ? next to "Status".

How do I apply to agencies on your website?

Once you create an account on PQBids, you will need to login to your dashboard by going to go.pqbids.com. Once you are logged in, you can apply to any agency on our system by going to "Apply To Agency."

Will my application save if I leave the site?

Yes, your application will save automatically to the last step you completed. To get back to your application, you will need to log back into your account and go to "Apply To Agency" to finish the application.

Who would we contact to check the status of our CUPCCAA applications?

If you are wanting to hear about the status of your CUPCCAA application, please contact the agency you applied for. CUPCCAA applications are handled in-house by the agencies in our system.

What if the employee that set up the account does not work at our company any longer?

Please send an email to Info@PQBids.com letting us know that and what you would like the new username to be. We will update the system and email you back as soon as we have processed your request.

What type of financials are required for CUPCCAA or AB2031?

CUPCCAA - You can upload any type of financial document you have. (i.e. In-house financials, audited financials, reviewed financials, compiled financials, etc.) AB2031 - You will need audited or reviewed financials from an accountant. However, if you are a small business, you can receive a Small Business Certificate from the state of California at dgs.ca.govand this would exempt you from the financial requirement for most agencies on our website.

Which web browser should we use for PQBids?

We recommend using Google Chrome. Our website is optimized on Google Chrome. If you are having an issue, please try using Google Chrome before contacting technical support.

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