User Guide

Creating an Account

Learn how to create your Bids Advantage account and gain access to all features.

Overview: 

To use Bids Advantage features such as My Dashboard, Contract List/Map, and more, you must first create an account. 

How to Sign Up: 

1. Click SIGN UP in the top-right corner of the homepage. 

2. Click Sign up with Google. 

3. Enter your email address and password. 

4. Click Sign Up. 

5. Check your email for a verification code. 

6. Enter your verification code and confirm. 

7. Await approval by an admin. 

Alternative Sign Up Options: 

You can also sign up using your email or other social account by selecting the corresponding option on the Sign Up screen. This method bypasses the custom signup form and takes you directly to your Dashboard once you complete the process and receive approval from an admin. 

Troubleshooting: 

• Email already in use: Try signing in or resetting your password instead. 

• No verification email: Check your spam folder. 

• Page not loading: Refresh and retry, or clear browser cache if needed.

Navigating the Website

Learn how to navigate the Bids Advantage interface, including the Explore dropdown and key page links.

Overview: 

The Bids Advantage navigation bar provides quick access to the main areas of the platform, including your Dashboard, the Explore section, and your Account settings. This layout ensures users can reach essential pages with minimal clicks. 

Main Navigation Bar: 

The navigation bar is located at the top of every page. It includes - 

• Bids Advantage Logo: Returns you to the Home page from anywhere on the site. 

• Explore: Opens a dropdown menu on hover, showing links to key sections. 

• Search Icon: Opens the search input to look for specific content or contracts. 

• Profile Icon: Displays your user menu when logged in (includes My Account and Log Out). 

• SIGN UP / LOGIN: Opens the lightbox to create or access your account. 

Explore Dropdown Menu: 

Hover over Explore to reveal the full navigation list - 

• My Dashboard: Opens your personalized workspace after logging in. 

• Home: Returns to the main landing page. 

• The Advantage: Provides details about Bids Advantage’s platform and services. 

• Inside the Vision: Shares the company’s goals and approach. 

• My Account: Opens your user profile for editing details or checking membership info. 

• Membership: Displays your current plan and subscription options. Tips: 

• Hover over Explore to navigate directly to any section without leaving the current page. 

• The navigation bar remains visible across the site for fast access. 

• When logged in, your profile icon replaces the Sign Up button for easier account management. 

Troubleshooting: 

• Navigation links not responding: Clear your browser cache or retry after a few minutes if updates are in progress.

Navigating the Dashboard

Learn how to navigate the Bids Advantage dashboard using the left-hand sidebar, including quick access to your workspace, proposal tools, saved drafts, and key platform sections.

Overview: 

The Bids Advantage dashboard uses a persistent left sidebar to give you fast access to core areas of the platform. This layout keeps navigation consistent and available at all times while you browse solicitations or work on proposals. 

Sidebar Navigation: 

The sidebar appears on the left side of the screen and remains visible as you move through the platform. It includes the following links: 

• Bids Advantage Logo: Returns you to the Home page from anywhere on the dashboard. 

• My Dashboard: Your primary workspace. View saved searches, recent activity, and key insights. 

• Home: Takes you back to the main landing or discovery page. 

• User Guide: Opens documentation and help articles to guide you through using the platform. 

• Inside The Vision: Learn about the goals, philosophy, and direction behind Bids Advantage. 

• Proposal Workshop: Access tools for generating, editing, and managing AI-assisted proposal documents. 

• My Drafts: View and manage saved proposal drafts. If no drafts exist, this section will indicate that no drafts have been created yet. 

Tips: 

• The sidebar remains visible so you can switch sections without losing context. 

• Use My Drafts to quickly resume unfinished proposal work. 

• The User Guide is always available if you need help understanding a feature. 

Troubleshooting: 

• Sidebar links not responding: Refresh the page, clear your browser cache or retry after a few minutes if updates are in progress. 

• Missing sections: Some links may appear only after signing in or based on your membership level. 

• Drafts not appearing: If no drafts exist, the My Drafts section will show a placeholder message until one is created.