Caltrans has begun a pilot program to accept contractor bids through an online bidding system, which reduces project costs and expedites the bidding process.

Previously, contractor bids had to be physically delivered to Caltrans district offices across California, depending on where the job was to be built. But with the new pilot program, bids on all contracts can also be submitted online at www.bidx.com, according to a news release.

“This simplifies an often hectic process and minimizes post-bid cost adjustments,” said Malcolm Dougherty, Caltrans director. “It’s the right way to go.”

More than 600 Caltrans project contracts are awarded annually, with as many as 5,000 total bids submitted.