Get help with common issues and frequently asked questions below. If you don't see your question or issue below, contact us at ebusiness@portauthority.org for further assistance.
We are unable to open the eBusiness log-on page.
If you are having difficulty opening the log-on page from ebusiness.portauthority.org, you may receive one of the following error messages:
- Cannot find server or DNS Error
- The page cannot be displayed
Your company may have firewall restrictions prohibiting access to certain websites, and this may be causing the error. Please consult with your company's IT department if you encounter one of these errors. Additionally, eBusiness has changed from port access to internet standard since the initial startup. If you created a shortcut or bookmark, please delete any existing shortcuts/bookmarks and reload ebusiness.portauthority.org.
We are unable to log in as an existing user.
Once you successfully register as a bidder, you will receive an email from ebusiness.portauthority.org confirming that your bidder registration was approved along with your user ID and password. If you have received this email but are unable to log in to eBusiness, try to log in by copying and pasting your user ID and password from the email into the fields on the eBusiness log-in page. Your user ID and password are both case-sensitive.
We can't see the bidder registration questions.
If you have not already registered as a bidder, open the eBusiness log-in page and sign in using the following information:
User ID: BIDDER
Password: BIDDER1
Then click on "Register as a Sourcing Bidder." Note: User ID and password are both case-sensitive.
We are unable to complete bidder registration and are receving errors.
You may be receiving an error message such as:
- The following errors need to be corrected:
- Errors for Contact: Jane Doe
- Please enter a phone number. (18058,826)
In this case, please verify that all required fields indicated with an asterisk (*) have been completed properly.
We are unable to open/view event attachments.
Review your pop-up blocker setting or consult your company's IT department.
We have forgotten our password or user ID.
For help with recovering passwords or user ID, contact Padu Byrappa at 412-566-5161 or pbyrappa@portauthority.org.
When attempting to submit an event I get the following error: “You must enter a response for Line Item Question.” Where are the line item questions? (Bid Factors)
In step two of the event detail's “Enter Line Bid Responses,” click “Bid” to view these questions.
After responding to line item questions how do you get back to the main page?
Click on the “Start Page” button to return to the main page.
How do I avoid receiving notifications for events and projects out of the scope of the services our firm provides?
After logging into eBusiness, click on “My Categorizations” and change/select categories to suit your firm’s potential offerings.
How secure are bids submitted via eBusiness?
All bids submitted over the eBusiness network are confidential until they are publicly opened.
How can we view the specifications?
Click on the “View/Bid on Event” button, then click on the “View/Add General Comments and Attachments” link in the first box under Event Details. Click on the yellow “View” button to read any attachments.
How do we know if our bid has been submitted and successfully transmitted?
An automatic notification will be emailed to the address associated with your account once the bidding process is successfully completed.
We currently hold a contract with Port Authority and the contract expires soon. Will we receive an automatic notification when the bid is solicited by Port Authority for the next contract?
While the Port Authority makes every attempt to ensure current vendors are notified of upcoming solicitations, it is the responsibility of the vendor/bidder to periodically check the website for solicitations and to keep their eBusiness profile current with updated contact information, including an email address.
How do I find the event for which I wish to submit a proposal/bid? When I use the search function, it doesn’t find the event.
Please see Section 2.2 of the “Bidder’s Quick Guide to eBusiness” for instructions on how to use Advanced Search.
I am having difficulty submitting my proposal using the eBusiness system. Can I just send the proposal/pricing via email?
No. Port Authority will only accept proposals through the eBusiness system. If you are having difficulty submitting your bid, please contact the Contract Administrator listed on the solicitation. Proposals submitted via email will not be considered.
I started to upload my proposal before the submission deadline, but the upload was not completed before the deadline. Has my proposal been accepted?
No. Only those proposals that have been completely uploaded before the deadline are accepted. Please ensure you have started your upload with plenty of time to complete your upload. Port Authority is not responsible for connection speeds.
For Additional Information:
Please download the Bidder Registration Instructions (PDF).
Contact us at ebusiness@portauthority.org for additional assistance.