12 Software for Construction Bids You Should Know
Finding the right software for construction bids can feel overwhelming. You're probably juggling different tools: one for finding tenders, spreadsheets for estimating, and a mix of Word documents and shared drives for bid writing. This disconnected process wastes time, causes errors, and makes it hard to produce quality bids.
This guide cuts through the noise. We've organised a list of the best software for UK construction firms, focusing on tools that solve specific bidding problems. We'll cover everything from finding new public sector tenders to writing responses and estimating project costs.
We won't use generic marketing descriptions. Instead, we'll give you an honest look at each platform's features and limits. You'll see who it's for, what it costs, and how it fits into your workflow, with screenshots and direct links.
If you're still using spreadsheets, moving to dedicated software is a big step. You can learn more about how construction estimating software can help contractors win more profitable bids before you look at the options.
Our goal is to help you build a complete bidding toolkit. We’ll show you how platforms like Bidwell can centralise your efforts. It combines tender monitoring, a knowledge base, and AI response generation. Let’s find the right software for you.
1. Bidwell
Bidwell is an all-in-one platform for UK businesses wanting to win public-sector construction contracts. Its main strength is combining continuous tender discovery with AI-powered response writing. The platform actively monitors UK portals like Find a Tender and ContractsFinder, sending you daily AI-summarised opportunities.
The standout feature is the AI-assisted response generation. You build a knowledge base with your past responses and company details. When you find a tender, the AI uses this information to generate a first draft in about 30 minutes. This turns a multi-day writing job into a few hours of expert review. To understand how to reduce construction costs is key to making bids competitive.
Key Strengths & Use Cases
- Tender Discovery: Instead of manually checking portals, Bidwell’s system finds opportunities for you. You can vet them with anonymous previews before paying.
- Rapid Response Generation: The AI writer is a huge time-saver. It’s perfect for SMEs without dedicated bid teams, letting them compete for more contracts. Bidwell's AI uses your own data from its built-in knowledge base.
- Knowledge Management: The centralised knowledge base ensures consistent, high-quality bids. Every answer you refine improves the AI’s output for the next submission.
Pricing & Suitability
Bidwell’s pricing is clear and tiered. Subscriptions start from £15/month for tender monitoring. The full suite costs around £40/month. You pay about £5 to see full tender details and around £25 for each AI-generated response. This model works well for smaller firms. The AI output is good but still needs a final review by someone with procurement expertise. If you're new to the process, you can find a good definition of tendering on their blog.
Website: https://bidwell.app
2. CausewayOne Estimating (Causeway Technologies)
CausewayOne Estimating is a UK-built platform for contractors who need to produce detailed and auditable tenders. It moves beyond spreadsheets by connecting every part of the estimating process in one place. Its core strength is creating a single, reliable source of truth for your bids.
This is specialist software for construction bids that handles granular detail. You can perform 2D and 3D takeoffs directly from CAD or BIM files, which reduces manual errors. The system then links these quantities to your cost library for quick pricing. Sending enquiries to suppliers and comparing quotes is all managed within the platform.
Key Features & Use Cases
- Integrated Takeoff (CAD/BIMMeasure): Measure directly from drawings to automatically generate your bill of quantities (BoQ). This eliminates re-keying and saves time.
- Centralised Estimating Database: All your cost data and supplier information live in one place. This makes bids more consistent and provides an audit trail.
- Supplier Enquiry Management: Issue enquiries to your supply chain and analyse their bids in the same workflow, ensuring you're using the best prices.
- UK Cost Data Integrations: It connects with historical UK cost data sources like BCIS, providing good benchmarks for your pricing.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Proven in the UK market, used by many Tier 1 contractors. | Pricing isn't public; you'll need to book a demo for a quote. |
| Reduces manual data entry, saving time and minimising costly errors. | Requires a proper implementation and onboarding process. |
| Creates a consistent, auditable trail for every tender you produce. | Could be overkill for very small contractors with simple bids. |
| Supports multi-user collaboration on complex bids. |
Website: https://www.causeway.com/products/estimating
3. EValuate (Eque2)
EValuate by Eque2 is a UK-focused estimating suite for contractors and quantity surveyors who need to produce accurate bids quickly. It manages the entire tendering process, from measurement to subcontractor comparisons. Its main advantage is its tight integration with Construct for Sage, creating a clear data path from bid to project.
This software bridges the gap between pre-construction and finance. You can perform on-screen takeoffs from drawings, which automatically builds your bill of quantities (BoQ). This BoQ is then linked to your pricing libraries. Subcontractor enquiries are managed through a dedicated portal, keeping all quotes organised.
Key Features & Use Cases
- Integrated Digital Takeoff: Measure directly from 2D plans on-screen to create quantities. This instantly populates your BoQ, reducing manual input errors.
- Subcontractor Enquiry Portal: Send out tender packages and receive quotes directly in the system. This makes it simple to analyse prices.
- UK Pricing Libraries: Option to integrate established cost libraries like Laxton’s (NRM/SMM), giving you a solid baseline for your pricing.
- Construct for Sage Integration: A direct data flow from your winning tender into Eque2’s job costing solution prevents post-award data re-entry.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Designed for UK construction workflows with strong Sage integrations. | Public pricing isn't listed for larger deployments; a demo is needed. |
| Modular licensing and rental options are suitable for freelancers and PQS. | The full suite requires a planned training and implementation period. |
| Centralises subcontractor quotes for easier comparison and selection. | May be too feature-rich for contractors with very simple bidding needs. |
| Connects the bid team directly with the finance/operations team. |
Website: https://www.eque2.co.uk/construction-software/estimating/
4. ConQuest Q‑Series
ConQuest Q‑Series is a long-established estimating system used by many UK main contractors. It runs on a Windows/SQL server-client setup, providing a familiar environment for teams handling takeoffs and subcontractor enquiries. Its reputation is built on reliability.
This software has become an industry standard for many. You can import a bill of quantities from Excel or perform an on-screen takeoff to build your tender. A key part of its workflow is the integrated online enquiry system and "Noticeboard," which helps you engage with subcontractors and get prices back efficiently.
Key Features & Use Cases
- Integrated Estimating & Valuations: Manages the entire process from initial cost planning through to post-contract valuations in a single system.
- Online Enquiries & Noticeboard: A dedicated module for sending out enquiries and receiving quotes directly, speeding up tender preparation.
- On-Screen Takeoff: Allows for direct measurement from drawings to quickly and accurately generate quantities for pricing.
- Bid Comparison Workflows: Built-in tools to analyse subcontractor bids, helping you select the most competitive offers for your tender.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Deeply established in the UK, with many estimators already trained on it. | Primarily Windows/SQL based and not cloud-native by default. |
| A proven system for managing subcontractor enquiries and bid comparisons. | Pricing is not published and requires direct contact with sales. |
| Strong support and a reputation for reliability over many years. | The interface may feel dated compared to newer, web-first tools. |
| Handles complex estimating, cost planning, and valuation workflows. |
Website: https://www.conquest.ltd.uk
5. EstimatorXpress (HBXL)
EstimatorXpress by HBXL is a well-known estimating tool aimed at UK small-to-mid-size builders. It’s designed to replace complex spreadsheets with a structured process. Its main purpose is to help builders produce professional and accurate quotes quickly.
This is a practical piece of software that focuses on the domestic and light commercial sectors. It comes with hundreds of pre-configured "calculators" for common building jobs. You just input your dimensions, and it works out material, labour and plant costs. Its Price Tracker+ service provides live material price updates from major UK merchants.
Key Features & Use Cases
- Pre-built Estimating Calculators: A huge library of templates for jobs like brickwork or roofing speeds up the pricing process.
- Price Tracker+: Provides live, local material prices directly within the software, so you don't have to check supplier websites.
- Professional Quote Generation: Automatically produces client-facing documents, from a simple quote to a detailed breakdown and payment schedule.
- Optional PlansXpress Integration: It links with HBXL's CAD software to automate the takeoff process from drawings.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very approachable for SMEs and sole traders without dedicated estimators. | Heavily focused on residential building, less suitable for large Tier 1 projects. |
| Speeds up the quoting process and reduces administrative work. | The most powerful features, like automated takeoff, require buying extra modules. |
| Clear UK pricing is available, with subscription or one-off licence options. | Some users may find the interface less modern than newer cloud-based platforms. |
| Produces a full suite of professional job-winning documents. |
Website: https://hbxl.co.uk/product/estimatorxpress/
6. Procore Bid Management (part of Procore Preconstruction)
Procore Bid Management is a module within the larger Procore construction platform. It’s for contractors who want to manage their entire project lifecycle in one place. The system organises the process of creating bid packages, inviting subcontractors, and managing all communication in a central hub.
This tool is a piece of a much bigger puzzle. You can create standardised bid forms to receive quotes in a like-for-like format, making comparisons much easier. When a bid is successful, it can be converted into a formal contract within the same system. It’s a powerful tool if you're already bought into the Procore ecosystem, and understanding it is crucial for winning a tender.
Key Features & Use Cases
- Integrated Bid Packages: Create and send complete bid packages with all documents from a central planroom, tracking who has viewed files.
- Bid Levelling: Use structured bid forms to force suppliers into a standard format, allowing for direct, side-by-side comparison.
- Subcontractor Sourcing: Tap into the Procore Directory to find and invite pre-qualified subcontractors to tender for your packages.
- Award to Commitment Workflow: Convert an awarded bid into a subcontract, connecting your bidding process directly to project financials.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fully integrated with Procore's project and financial management tools. | Pricing is quote-based and represents a significant investment. |
| Offers a single source of truth from preconstruction to project closeout. | Best value is realised when using the entire platform, not as a standalone tool. |
| Supported by a mature ecosystem with extensive training and support. | Can be overly complex for smaller contractors with simpler bidding needs. |
| Provides UK data residency options for data sovereignty compliance. |
Website: https://www.procore.com/en-gb/bid-management
7. BuildingConnected (Autodesk Construction Cloud)
BuildingConnected is a major player in the preconstruction space. It works as a bid management suite for both main contractors and subcontractors. BuildingConnected Pro helps manage the bid invitation process, while Bid Board Pro helps subcontractors track incoming tender opportunities. Its biggest advantage is the vast network of users on the platform.
This software standardises communication between General Contractors and subcontractors. You can issue invitations to tender (ITTs) using custom forms, ensuring you get comparable information back. The platform then lets you compare bids side-by-side. It connects your bid management directly with your project management and document control via Autodesk Construction Cloud.
Key Features & Use Cases
- Bid Invitation & Management: Quickly create and issue ITTs to a large network of subcontractors and track their responses.
- Bid Comparison & Analytics: Analyse returned bids side-by-side. The integration with TradeTapp also adds a subcontractor qualification and risk analysis layer.
- Subcontractor Network: Access a large, active network of subcontractors, making it easier to find qualified bidders.
- Autodesk Construction Cloud Integration: Connects with tools like Autodesk Docs and Build, creating a unified workflow.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong network effects make it easier to find and engage subcontractors. | Pricing is quote-based with no public list prices. |
| Active product development and deep preconstruction integrations. | Works best when used within Autodesk’s broader ecosystem. |
| Standardises the bid return process for easier comparison. | Can be a significant investment for smaller companies. |
| Combines bid management with subcontractor qualification. |
Website: https://construction.autodesk.com/products/buildingconnected/
8. Asite Tender Manager
Asite Tender Manager is a tender management application inside the broader Asite Common Data Environment (CDE). It’s for organisations that want to manage the entire tender process within the same platform where their project documents are stored. This creates a secure and fully digital workflow for issuing and receiving bids.
The platform enforces consistency. You can create custom return forms, ensuring every subcontractor provides their pricing in the same format. This removes the pain of comparing bids submitted in different spreadsheets. All queries and clarifications are logged, providing a clear audit trail.
Key Features & Use Cases
- End-to-End Tender Workflows: Manage the full lifecycle from Expression of Interest (EOI) to secure bid submissions and award notifications.
- Custom RFx Return Forms: Build your own forms to standardise how suppliers submit bids, making comparison more direct.
- Secure Bid Box: All submissions are held in a secure digital 'bid box' which cannot be opened until the tender deadline has passed.
- Bid Comparison Reporting: Generate reports to analyse and compare the bids you've received, helping you make informed decisions.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Integrates neatly with the Asite CDE for seamless document management. | Tender Manager is an add-on; pricing depends on your overall plan. |
| Strong UK presence and widely used in the public and private sectors. | The user experience is tied to your wider Asite configuration. |
| Supplier access can be free under the Asite Marketplace model. | May be too complex if you only need a simple bid submission tool. |
| Creates a very strong, defensible audit trail for every tender. |
Website: https://www.asite.com/pricing
9. Delta eSourcing (BiP Solutions)
Delta eSourcing is a major UK public-sector tendering portal, not a traditional bid management tool. It’s where contracting authorities, from local councils to government departments, publish their tenders. Construction firms don’t choose to use Delta; you use it because the client requires you to submit your bid through their portal.
This platform is about process and compliance. It’s where you officially download tender documents, ask clarification questions, and upload your final submission. Understanding its workflows is essential for winning public contracts. While it's not software for writing or estimating, it is the environment where those bids are formally submitted.
Key Features & Use Cases
- Compliant RFx Management: Its core function is to enable buyers to run procurement exercises that meet UK regulations.
- Free Supplier Registration: You can register your business for free, set up alerts for construction opportunities, and express interest in tenders.
- Secure Messaging & Submissions: Provides a secure communication channel between you and the buyer, and a formal system for uploading your bid.
- Widespread Public Sector Use: Used by central government and local authorities, making it a key platform to know.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Widespread UK public-sector adoption means lots of opportunities. | Supplier experience can feel clunky and process-heavy. |
| Free for suppliers to register and view tender opportunities. | The interface and features can vary slightly between buyer portals. |
| Provides a clear, auditable trail for all bid communications. | It's a submission portal, not a tool to help you write better bids. |
| Clear buyer pricing is published via G-Cloud listings. |
Website: https://www.delta-esourcing.com
10. In‑tend e‑Tendering
In-tend is an e-procurement suite used across the UK public sector, especially by councils and universities. For construction firms, this isn't a tool you buy, but one you must use to bid for work. It covers the entire tender lifecycle, from opportunity publication to submission.
This is buyer-side software, but suppliers must master its interface to compete. The platform manages tender document distribution, hosts the Q&A process, and provides the secure portal for submission. Its Sell2UK service also offers alerts for new tenders, acting as a basic opportunity finder. Tools like Bidwell provide more specific tender monitoring.
Key Features & Use Cases
- Public Sector Tendering: The primary use case is for suppliers responding to tenders from public bodies who use In-tend.
- Secure Document Exchange: A centralised system for downloading tender packs and uploading your completed bid documents.
- Clarification and Communication: Manage all official tender-related questions directly with the buying authority through the portal.
- Supplier Alert Service (Sell2UK): A free service that notifies you of opportunities published across the In-tend network.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Widely used in the UK public sector, so experience is transferable. | Pricing is not applicable to suppliers, but its use is mandatory. |
| Provides free training resources and events for both buyers and suppliers. | More of a generalist eSourcing suite than a construction-specific tool. |
| Centralises all tender communication and documents in one place. | The user interface can feel dated compared to modern SaaS products. |
| The Sell2UK alert service is a useful, free starting point for leads. |
Website: https://in-tend.com/
11. Proactis eSourcing + myTenders (Proactis Tenders)
Proactis is a familiar name for anyone who bids on UK public sector work. While not a dedicated construction tool, its platform is the engine behind many government tender portals. It’s the digital environment where buyers create tenders and suppliers submit responses.
This platform is software for the buyer's perspective, but you'll use it as a supplier. It manages the formal process, from publishing notices on portals like myTenders to handling Q&A. Its strength is providing a highly structured, auditable trail, which is critical for public procurement.
Key Features & Use Cases
- Structured RFx Creation & Submission: Buyers build tenders using templates, and you respond within the same rigid format. This ensures every bidder answers the same questions.
- Auditable Q&A and Communications: All communication between you and the buyer is logged within the portal, creating a transparent record.
- myTenders Publishing Platform: Proactis powers the myTenders portal, which allows public sector buyers to publish their opportunities.
- SQ/ESPD Tooling: The software includes specific modules for managing the standardised pre-qualification questionnaires common in UK procurement.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very common in UK public procurement; experience with it is valuable. | A general procurement tool, not tailored to construction specifics. |
| Reduces compliance risk for buyers, making the process highly transparent. | Feature depth and portal usability can vary by buyer's deployment. |
| Free for suppliers to sign up and respond to tenders. | The interface can feel dated and clunky compared to modern apps. |
| Transparent buyer pricing is available via G-Cloud framework listings. |
Website: https://www.proactis.com/uk/products/sourcing-software
12. Bluebeam Revu (with Takeoff/Quantity workflows)
Bluebeam Revu is an advanced PDF collaboration and measurement tool that is an industry standard for UK estimators. While not a full bid management suite, it performs rapid and accurate digital takeoffs. It helps contractors generate the precise quantities that form the foundation of any reliable bid.
This is specialised software focused on the takeoff and quantification stage. You can directly measure areas, perimeters, counts, and volumes from 2D drawings or 3D models. The Quantity Link feature dynamically pushes your measurements straight into an Excel spreadsheet, removing manual data entry.
Key Features & Use Cases
- Advanced Measurement Tools: A full suite of tools for perimeter, area, counts, angles, and volume takeoffs directly on PDF drawings.
- Quantity Link to Excel: (Complete plan only) Creates a live link between your PDF measurements and an Excel spreadsheet, so quantities update automatically.
- Studio Collaboration & Bluebeam Cloud: Allows teams to mark up and measure the same drawings in real-time, ideal for collaborative bid reviews.
- Overlay & Compare Drawings: Easily identify differences between drawing revisions, ensuring your bid accounts for all changes.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Creates fast, accurate takeoffs that reduce quantification errors. | Not a bid management or tender submission portal; it complements them. |
| Clear UK subscription pricing makes it easy to budget and deploy. | Highly specialised 3D or MEP takeoffs may still need other tools. |
| Widely used and recognised, making collaboration with partners simple. | The full feature set, like Quantity Link, requires a higher-tier plan. |
| Excellent for marking up and communicating changes on bid documents. |
Website: https://www.bluebeam.com/uk/pricing/
Top 12 Construction Bidding Software Comparison
| Product | Core features | UX / Quality ★ | Value / Price 💰 | Target 👥 | Unique selling points ✨ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bidwell 🏆 | AI tender matching & monitoring; daily AI summaries; knowledge base; AI draft generation | ★★★★☆ — very fast drafts, human review required | 💰 Tiers £15/£30/£40‑mo; £5 unlocks; ~£25 per AI completion — low cost vs external writers | 👥 UK SMEs & mid‑market firms chasing public contracts | ✨ AI‑generated tailored tender drafts in ~30min; continuous UK portal coverage |
| CausewayOne Estimating (Causeway Technologies) | 2D/3D takeoff (CAD/BIMMeasure); supplier enquiries; auditable estimating DB; UK cost data | ★★★★ — contractor‑grade; demo recommended | 💰 Quote/demo pricing (enterprise focus) | 👥 Main contractors & subcontractors (UK) | ✨ Integrated CAD/BIM takeoff + bid comparison |
| EValuate (Eque2) | Digital takeoff & linked BoQ; subcontractor portal; UK pricing libraries; Sage Construct integration | ★★★★ — modular, Sage‑friendly | 💰 Sales‑led; rental/licence options | 👥 Main contractors, PQS, freelancers | ✨ Sage post‑award flow; modular licensing for freelancers |
| ConQuest Q‑Series | Cost planning, estimating & valuations; on‑screen takeoff; online enquiries; bid comparison | ★★★★ — proven, stable workflows (Windows/SQL) | 💰 Sales/quote pricing | 👥 Established UK contractors / Tier 1s | ✨ Longstanding market adoption and strong support |
| EstimatorXpress (HBXL) | Prebuilt calculators & templates; Price Tracker+; scheduler; optional PlansXpress takeoff | ★★★☆ — SME‑friendly, approachable | 💰 Clear pricing; subscription or perpetual licences | 👥 Small‑to‑mid builders & trades | ✨ Ready‑made templates + live material pricing |
| Procore Bid Management | Bid packages, structured forms & leveling; planroom; convert awards to commitments | ★★★★ — integrated enterprise UX | 💰 Quote-based; premium TCO (best as full platform) | 👥 Large contractors & enterprise projects | ✨ End‑to‑end link to contracts, financials in Procore suite |
| BuildingConnected (Autodesk) | ITBs, custom bid forms, bid comparison; TradeTapp qualification; Autodesk integrations | ★★★★ — strong network effects | 💰 Quote-based; pricing via Autodesk channels | 👥 GCs & subcontractors with large bidder networks | ✨ Large bidder network + integrated risk/qualification scoring |
| Asite Tender Manager | End‑to‑end ITT workflows; secure submissions; configurable RFx; bid comparison reports | ★★★☆ — UX varies by Asite setup | 💰 Add‑on pricing varies by Asite plan | 👥 Buyers on Asite CDE & their suppliers | ✨ Marketplace model can give free supplier access |
| Delta eSourcing (BiP Solutions) | Compliant RFx creation; secure submissions; free supplier registration; demo sandpit | ★★★☆ — widely used by authorities; process‑heavy for some suppliers | 💰 Buyer pricing via G‑Cloud; free supplier sign‑up | 👥 Central/local government and suppliers | ✨ Widespread UK public‑sector adoption; training sandpit |
| In‑tend e‑Tendering | e‑Tendering & e‑Evaluation; contract mgmt; Sell2UK alerting; MI reporting | ★★★★ — familiar supplier experience | 💰 Sales‑led per authority deployment | 👥 Universities, councils, public bodies | ✨ Strong public‑sector footprint + training/support |
| Proactis eSourcing + myTenders | Structured RFx; supplier Q&A; ESPD/SQ tooling; myTenders buyer publishing | ★★★ — procurement‑focused, configurable | 💰 G‑Cloud buyer pricing examples available | 👥 Public‑sector buyers & suppliers | ✨ myTenders free supplier sign‑on; ESPD support |
| Bluebeam Revu | Advanced PDF measurement; Quantity Link to Excel; Dynamic Fill; Studio collaboration | ★★★★ — fast, accurate takeoffs | 💰 Clear UK subscription tiers | 👥 Estimators & SMEs doing digital takeoff | ✨ Superior measurement tools + Excel quantity linking |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right software for construction bids isn't about finding one tool that does everything. It’s about building a stack of software that solves your biggest problems. This could be finding tenders, calculating costs, or writing winning responses faster.
The key is to pinpoint your main bottleneck. Are you spending too much time searching for opportunities? A tender portal aggregator is your first stop. Is your estimating process slow and error-prone? A dedicated estimating package will give you the best return. Or is the bid writing process itself where you lose hours?
Making Your Decision
Before you commit, map out your current bidding process. Identify where the delays and frustrations happen. This exercise will give you a clear idea of what type of tool you need most.
Consider these factors when evaluating your options:
- Integration: How well will a new tool fit with your existing systems? A standalone estimating tool is great, but one that connects to your project management software might save more time.
- Team Size and Skills: A complex system might be perfect for a large team. For a small SME, a more focused tool is often a better start. Don't pay for features you won't use.
- Public Sector Focus: If you're targeting UK public sector work, ensure your software aligns with those requirements. This is especially true for tender discovery and submission platforms.
Implementing Your New Bidding Software
Once you've made a choice, don't just hand it over to the team. Successful implementation needs a plan. Start with a small pilot project or a single user to work out any issues before a full-company rollout.
Proper training is essential. Most vendors offer support, but you should also dedicate internal time to build best practices. The initial effort to set up your software correctly will pay for itself many times over.
Ultimately, the goal is to move from a reactive, chaotic bidding process to a proactive, organised one. The right technology doesn't just make you faster; it helps you focus your expertise on strategy and quality.
If your biggest challenge is writing bids, managing bid knowledge, and finding relevant tenders, then Bidwell is built for you. It combines tender monitoring with an AI-powered knowledge base and response generator. This helps you write high-quality bids in a fraction of the time. See how it works at Bidwell.
