Free Construction Bidding Sites: The Complete 2026 Directory for Contractors
Finding new projects is the lifeblood of any construction business. But paid bid services can run $200 to $500 per month, a steep cost for small and mid-size contractors who are already managing tight margins. The good news is that dozens of platforms offer free or freemium access to construction bids, from federal government portals to private-sector bid boards.
This directory covers every major free bidding resource available to contractors in 2026, organized by type so you can quickly find the platforms that match your trade and market.
Construction Bidding
Free Bid Platforms for Subcontractors
These platforms are built specifically to connect general contractors with subcontractors. Most offer free access for subs, charging the GCs or project owners instead.
PlanHub
PlanHub is one of the largest free bid boards for subcontractors in the United States. General contractors post projects and invite subs to bid.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Free for | Subcontractors |
| Paid tier | GCs and project owners pay for posting and management tools |
| Best for | Commercial subs in all trades |
| Coverage | National |
| How to access | Register at planhub.com |
PlanHub lets subcontractors search active projects by trade, location, and project type. You can download plans and specs for free, submit bids directly through the platform, and set up email alerts for new projects matching your criteria.
ConstructConnect
ConstructConnect operates one of the largest construction project databases in North America. While its premium products carry a subscription fee, the platform offers a free bid board where subcontractors can view and respond to invitations.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Free for | Subcontractors responding to bid invitations |
| Paid tier | Full project database access, preconstruction tools |
| Best for | Commercial and institutional subcontractors |
| Coverage | United States and Canada |
| How to access | Register at constructconnect.com |
The free tier gives you access to bid invitations sent directly by GCs using the platform. The paid tier unlocks the full project database with advanced search and filtering.
BidPlanroom
BidPlanroom is a free plan room and bid management tool for subcontractors. General contractors upload project documents, and subs can access them at no cost.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Free for | Subcontractors |
| Paid tier | GCs pay for project hosting and management |
| Best for | Small to mid-size commercial subs |
| Coverage | National |
| How to access | Register at bidplanroom.com |
Blue Book Network
The Blue Book Network (thebluebook.com) is a contractor directory and bid notification service. The free tier allows subcontractors to create a company profile and receive bid invitations from GCs searching for qualified subs.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Free for | Basic company profile and bid notifications |
| Paid tier | Enhanced visibility, priority placement, lead management tools |
| Best for | Subcontractors seeking private-sector commercial work |
| Coverage | National |
| How to access | Register at thebluebook.com |
Construction Bid Source
Construction Bid Source aggregates publicly available bid opportunities and posts them in a searchable directory. Basic access is free.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Free for | Browsing public bid listings |
| Paid tier | Premium search filters, email alerts, document downloads |
| Best for | General contractors and subs seeking public-sector work |
| Coverage | National |
| How to access | Visit constructionbidsource.com |
Government Bid Portals
Government agencies at every level are required to post construction bids publicly. These portals are completely free to access and represent billions of dollars in annual construction spending.
Federal Government
SAM.gov (System for Award Management)
SAM.gov is the official portal for all federal contracting opportunities, including construction. Every federal agency posts its bids here.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Cost | Completely free |
| Best for | Contractors pursuing federal projects (military bases, federal buildings, infrastructure) |
| Requirements | Must register in SAM.gov to bid; registration includes obtaining a UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) |
| How to access | Search contract opportunities at sam.gov |
Federal construction projects range from small repair jobs under $25,000 to multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects. Many federal contracts include set-asides for small businesses, disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs), and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
USASpending.gov
While not a bid board, USASpending.gov lets you research federal spending patterns. Use it to identify which agencies are spending on construction in your area and what types of projects they fund.
State Government Portals
Every state operates its own procurement portal where construction bids are posted. Here are the major ones:
| State | Portal | URL |
|---|---|---|
| California | Cal eProcure | caleprocure.ca.gov |
| Texas | ESBD (Electronic State Business Daily) | comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor |
| Florida | MyFloridaMarketPlace | myfloridamarketplace.com |
| New York | NYSCS (NY State Contract System) | ogs.ny.gov |
| Illinois | BidBuy | bidbuy.illinois.gov |
| Pennsylvania | eMarketplace | emarketplace.state.pa.us |
| Ohio | Ohio Procurement | procure.ohio.gov |
| Georgia | Georgia Procurement Registry | doas.ga.gov/state-purchasing |
| North Carolina | NC eProcurement | eprocurement.nc.gov |
| Virginia | eVA | eva.virginia.gov |
For states not listed here, search "[your state] procurement portal" or "[your state] construction bid board." Every state has one, and they are always free.
City and County Portals
Large cities and counties also maintain their own bid portals. These are excellent sources for local contractors because competition is often lower than on state or federal bids.
| Municipality | Portal |
|---|---|
| New York City | PASSPort (nyc.gov/passport) |
| Los Angeles | LABAVN (labavn.org) |
| Chicago | Chicago eProcurement (chicago.gov/procurement) |
| Houston | City of Houston Supplier Portal |
| Phoenix | City of Phoenix Procurement |
| Dallas | Dallas Vendor Connection |
| San Diego | PlanetBids (City of San Diego) |
Most counties post bids on their own websites as well. Check your county purchasing department's page regularly, or sign up for their email notification lists.
Private-Sector Marketplace Platforms
These platforms connect project owners, GCs, and subcontractors for private commercial construction projects. Some offer free tiers; others offer free access for certain user types.
BuildingConnected
BuildingConnected (now part of Autodesk) is widely used by GCs to manage the bid process for private commercial projects. Subcontractors can create a free profile and receive bid invitations.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Free for | Subcontractors |
| Paid tier | GCs and owners pay for bid management and analytics |
| Best for | Commercial subcontractors, especially in metro markets |
| Coverage | National, strongest in major metros |
Procore Construction Network
Procore's construction network allows subcontractors to create a free company profile. GCs using Procore's project management platform can search the network and invite subs to bid.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Free for | Subcontractor profiles and bid responses |
| Paid tier | Full project management suite for GCs |
| Best for | Subs who want exposure to GCs already using Procore |
| Coverage | National |
iSqFt (now part of ConstructConnect)
iSqFt was one of the original online bid boards for construction. It has been integrated into ConstructConnect but still operates as a brand. Subcontractors can register for free bid invitations.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Free for | Subcontractors receiving invitations |
| Paid tier | Full project search and preconstruction tools |
| Best for | Commercial and industrial subcontractors |
| Coverage | National |
Dodge Construction Network
Dodge (formerly Dodge Data & Analytics) operates a large project database. While full access requires a subscription, Dodge offers limited free project alerts and a free company profile.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Free for | Limited project alerts, company profile |
| Paid tier | Full project database, advanced analytics, early-stage project leads |
| Best for | GCs and large subs seeking early project intelligence |
| Coverage | National |
Comparison Table: All Free Bidding Platforms at a Glance
| Platform | Type | Free Access Level | Best For | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlanHub | Bid board | Full access for subs | Commercial subs | National |
| ConstructConnect | Bid board + database | Bid invitations only | Commercial/institutional subs | US + Canada |
| BidPlanroom | Plan room | Full access for subs | Small-mid commercial subs | National |
| Blue Book Network | Directory + bids | Basic profile + notifications | Private-sector subs | National |
| Construction Bid Source | Aggregator | Browse public listings | Public-sector work | National |
| SAM.gov | Federal portal | Full access | Federal projects | National |
| State portals | State portal | Full access | State projects | By state |
| City/county portals | Local portal | Full access | Municipal projects | By municipality |
| BuildingConnected | Marketplace | Full access for subs | Metro commercial subs | National |
| Procore Network | Marketplace | Profile + bid responses | Subs seeking GC connections | National |
| Dodge Network | Database | Limited alerts + profile | Early project intelligence | National |
How to Set Up Bid Alerts
Most platforms allow you to create saved searches or email alerts so you receive notifications when new projects matching your criteria are posted. Here is how to set them up effectively.
Step 1: Define Your Criteria
Before setting alerts, decide:
- Trades: Your specific CSI division codes or trade categories
- Geography: How far you are willing to travel (typical ranges: 50, 100, or 200 miles from your base)
- Project size: Minimum and maximum project value
- Project type: Commercial, residential, institutional, industrial, infrastructure
- Owner type: Public, private, or both
Step 2: Register on Multiple Platforms
No single platform captures every opportunity. Register on at least three to five platforms to maximize your coverage:
- One or two free sub bid boards (PlanHub, ConstructConnect)
- Your state and local government portals
- One marketplace platform (BuildingConnected or Procore)
- SAM.gov if you pursue federal work
Step 3: Create Targeted Alerts
Set up separate alerts for different criteria rather than one broad alert. A roofing contractor, for example, might create:
- Commercial roofing projects within 100 miles
- Roof repair and maintenance within 50 miles
- Government roofing projects statewide
Step 4: Check Daily
Even with alerts, check your platforms daily. Some bids have short response windows; five to ten business days is common for public bids.
Which Platforms Work Best by Trade
Different platforms tend to attract different types of projects. Here is a general guide:
| Trade | Best Free Platforms |
|---|---|
| General Contracting | SAM.gov, state portals, Dodge Network |
| Electrical | PlanHub, ConstructConnect, BuildingConnected |
| Plumbing/Mechanical | PlanHub, Blue Book Network, ConstructConnect |
| HVAC | PlanHub, BuildingConnected, state portals |
| Roofing | PlanHub, BidPlanroom, government portals |
| Concrete/Masonry | ConstructConnect, government portals, Dodge |
| Painting | PlanHub, BidPlanroom, Blue Book Network |
| Landscaping | Government portals, Construction Bid Source |
| Demolition | SAM.gov, state portals, ConstructConnect |
Tips for Writing Winning Bids
Finding bids is only the first step. Winning them requires a clear, competitive, and professional bid submission.
Price It Right
- Research recent awarded bids in your area for comparable projects (many government portals publish award amounts)
- Account for current material costs, since prices can change rapidly
- Include a reasonable margin but stay competitive
- Break out line items clearly so evaluators can see exactly what they are getting
Make Your Bid Easy to Evaluate
- Follow the bid format requested in the invitation exactly
- Answer every question and fill in every blank
- Include all required attachments: licenses, insurance certificates, bonding letters, references
- Submit early and do not wait until the deadline
Demonstrate Qualifications
- List relevant completed projects with references
- Include your license number and proof of insurance
- Mention any certifications (OSHA, trade-specific certs, manufacturer certifications)
- If bidding government work, reference your SAM.gov registration and any applicable set-aside certifications (DBE, SBE, SDVOB)
Follow Up
After submitting a bid, follow up with the GC or project owner:
- Confirm they received your bid
- Ask if they have questions about your scope or pricing
- If you do not win, ask for feedback on why
Get Your Paperwork Ready Before You Win
When you win a bid, the last thing you want is delays from missing paperwork. In addition to your contractor license and insurance, make sure your resale certificate is current. A valid resale certificate lets you purchase construction materials tax-free for qualifying projects, a savings that directly improves your margins on every job. Use our savings calculator to see how much you could save.
Get Your Resale Certificate -->
Key Takeaways
- Dozens of platforms offer free bid access for subcontractors. PlanHub, ConstructConnect, BidPlanroom, and BuildingConnected all provide free access for subs.
- Government portals are always free. SAM.gov, state procurement sites, and city/county portals represent billions in annual construction spending.
- Register on multiple platforms to maximize your exposure to new opportunities.
- Set targeted bid alerts so you never miss a project in your trade and territory.
- Win more bids by pricing competitively, following instructions precisely, and submitting professional proposals.
- Keep your resale certificate current so you can purchase materials tax-free the moment you land a new project.
Get Your Resale Certificate -->
Need help getting your tax documents in order before your next project? Contact our team for guidance.
Related Articles
- How a Resale Certificate Helps Contractors Win More Bids - Once you find bids, learn how tax savings can make your proposals more competitive.
- Construction Materials Sales Tax: The Complete Guide - Understand the tax rules before you price your next project.
- Contractor License Requirements by State - Make sure your licensing is in order before bidding on new projects.