TxDOT maintains an Electronic Bidding System (EBS) for submitting bids online.

Before submitting an electronic bid for the first time, review the current Standard Specification and Special Provisions to Item 2, "Instructions to Bidders." The specifications outline the requirements for submitting an electronic bid.

Digital Certificate

A digital certificate, issued by TxDOT at no cost, is used to sign an electronic bid. Complete and submit Form 2196 to request a digital certificate. To revoke a digital certificate, complete and submit Form 2198.

New Users: Install Contractors Desktop Application (CDA)

The Contractors Desktop Application (CDA) is available as a free download. Microsoft .NET Framework and Crystal Reports Basic will install along with the CDA. The CDA contains a help menu for setting up and using the software.

Note: Installing CDA for the first time may take several minutes.

Existing Users: Update Contractors Desktop Application (CDA)

1. Update Contractors Desktop Application (CDA) to the most recent version.
2. Update Contractors Desktop Local Database to the most recent version.

Electronic Bonding

Bidding electronically requires an electronic bid bond. Paper bid bonds and checks cannot be used as bid guaranties on electronic bids. Surety agents can facilitate account set up with one of the two electronic bond clearinghouses:

• For Surety 2000, call (800) 660-3263
• For Surepath, call (818) 783-3460

Note: The initial setup of the electronic bonding process can take as much as a week. Additionally, bond clearinghouse companies charge a fee for service.

Contact Us

Call (512) 416-2500 for help with the electronic bidding setup process. After business hours, call (512) 484-9435. You may also email us.