BidMatrix vs Downtobid: An In‑Depth Side-by-Side Review
Written by Bridget Cooper
General contractors face two distinct challenges in the bidding process: getting enough quality bids from subcontractors, and then analyzing those bids quickly to make the right awards. BidMatrix and Downtobid each tackle one side of this equation.
BidMatrix is a bid analysis platform designed to help estimators compare and finalize subcontractor selections on bid day. Downtobid is an AI-powered automation tool that handles the front-end work of finding subs, sending invites, and driving participation.
While both platforms aim to improve bidding workflows, they serve different purposes and solve different problems. Here's a detailed comparison to help you determine which tool fits your team's needs.
Note: Have a project? Streamline bidding with Downtobid. Upload your plans and instantly reach the right subs—with automated invites, scope detection, and follow-ups. Claim your free demo here.
What Is Downtobid?
Downtobid is an AI-powered bidding automation platform that helps general contractors handle the front-end of the bid process. From identifying scopes to sending out personalized ITBs to following up with unresponsive subcontractors, it’s built to improve sub engagement and eliminate manual data entry or bidding tasks.
A GC starts by uploading project plans. Downtobid’s AI scans the drawings, identifies required trades, and builds a suggested list of subs from a verified database. The platform then drafts personalized invitation emails with scope summaries embedded directly in the message—no login required. Subs can click through, view plans instantly, and decide if they want to bid.
Downtobid is optimized for response rates. The platform tracks opens, downloads, and interest in real time. If a sub doesn’t respond, it sends automated reminder emails to nudge them. It also shows the GC a live coverage dashboard: who’s bidding, who isn’t, and who’s been silent.
In short, Downtobid automates the messy pre-bid work—finding subs, sending invites, organizing plans—and improves your shot at complete coverage without endless follow-ups. It’s especially valuable for GCs operating in new regions, juggling lean teams, or trying to increase participation with minimal overhead.
What Is BidMatrix?
BidMatrix is a cloud-based bid analysis platform built to help general contractors in the construction industry compare subcontractor proposals quickly and accurately. It’s designed for the final stretch of preconstruction—bid day—when GCs are reviewing a flurry of subcontractor quotes and trying to identify the best combinations across trades.
Originally developed by Bridgetown Software and now backed by Sage, BidMatrix allows estimators to input or import subcontractor pricing into an interactive matrix. As quotes come in, BidMatrix automatically levels them, flags gaps or overlaps in scope, and identifies the lowest-cost coverage across all divisions. This real-time bid comparison speeds up decision-making and reduces the risk of missed scope or mis-awarded trades.
The platform is entirely web-based and supports real-time collaboration, so multiple team members and project managers can work in the same bid file simultaneously. BidMatrix also integrates with estimating platforms like Sage Estimating, WinEst, and tools like SmartBid and Procore, making it a strong fit for companies already invested in Sage’s ecosystem or complex workflows.
BidMatrix is not designed to manage ITB distribution or sub outreach. Its purpose is singular: help your estimating team analyze and finalize subcontractor selections fast, cleanly, and confidently.
Key Core Features of Downtobid
Downtobid is built for pre-bid automation. Once a project is uploaded, the platform scans the documents and determines which trades are required. It recommends matching subcontractors based on trade and location, pulling from an up-to-date, verified network.
Downtobid then auto-generates personalized bid invites. Each email includes a short project description and relevant scope detail so subs can decide quickly if it’s worth their time. There’s no login barrier: subs can access the project planroom immediately through a direct link.
Every planroom is pre-organized. Drawings, specs, photos, and addenda are sorted and searchable. Drawing sheets are indexed by number and title, so subs can jump directly to their section.
Most critically, Downtobid automates follow-ups. If a subcontractor doesn’t respond, the system sends polite, scheduled reminders. GCs get a live dashboard showing invite status and bid coverage—eliminating the need to chase down every sub manually.
It’s a tool designed to drive more bids, faster, and with fewer resources spent.
Key Bid Management Features of BidMatrix
BidMatrix is centered on speed and accuracy during bid analysis. The platform gives GCs a live spreadsheet view of every sub’s quote, broken out by trade and scope. It automatically identifies the lowest-cost path through all submitted bids, even if some quotes are partial or offer alternates.
The software allows you to compare inclusions and exclusions side-by-side, highlight missing scope, and sort combinations in real time. For complex projects with multiple bidders per division, this can save hours of last-minute scrambling.
BidMatrix doesn’t handle bid outreach or document management, but it integrates well with systems that do. Estimators who rely on Sage Estimating or SmartBid can pull in projecct data directly and push final numbers out to their budget or project management tool.
Its core value lies in bid-day decision clarity. Estimators can make final calls faster, avoid award errors, and lock in the most competitive sub lineup with confidence. Learn more here.
BidMatrix vs Downtobid: Features Compared
The two platforms differ significantly in their feature sets, reflecting their distinct purposes in the bidding workflow. Here's how they compare across the key areas that matter most to general contractors.
ITB Management — Winner: Downtobid
Downtobid automates trade identification, sub targeting, and ITB distribution—all with personalized messaging and direct plan access. BidMatrix offers no ITB functionality, assuming bids are already in hand. For invitation and coverage, Downtobid leads.
Planroom & Document Access — Winner: Downtobid
Subs accessing Downtobid plans don’t need a login. Files are pre-organized and instantly viewable. BidMatrix doesn’t offer plan sharing tools at all; subs access plans via whatever system you used outside it. Downtobid wins for ease and engagement.
Sub Network & Coverage — Winner: Downtobid
Downtobid helps find and engage new subs through a verified database. Its AI suggests relevant subs and tracks their responsiveness. BidMatrix relies entirely on your existing contacts or external tools. For expanding and managing coverage, Downtobid is built for the job.
Bid Analysis — Winner: BidMatrix
When managing a comprehensive BidMatrix bid package with multiple sub quotes per trade, It calculates the lowest-cost path, highlights gaps, and offers real-time bid leveling across trades. Downtobid does not offer this type of analytical engine. For bid-day clarity, BidMatrix is the better tool.
Follow-Up & Tracking — Winner: Downtobid
Downtobid tracks engagement, interest, and automatically sends reminders to non-responders. It’s proactive, freeing GCs from making dozens of check-in calls. BidMatrix offers no such follow-up—it expects bids to already be collected. Downtobid owns this category.
Workflow Integration — Winner: BidMatrix
BidMatrix ties tightly into Sage Estimating, Procore, SmartBid, and more. It’s built to sit in a broader enterprise stack. Downtobid is more self-contained with limited integrations (for now). Larger firms with existing systems will benefit more from BidMatrix’s connectivity.
Pricing & Value — Winner: Downtobid
Downtobid offers high impact at moderate cost and eliminates paywalls for subcontractors. BidMatrix requires a license per estimator and may also need separate tools for invites and document sharing. For GCs seeking coverage and time savings, Downtobid provides more value.
What Users Are Saying
BidMatrix gets strong reviews from estimators who manage tight bid-day turnarounds. They appreciate how quickly it helps finalize decisions, especially with partial or conflicting bids. Collaboration features also help teams avoid miscommunication under pressure.
Downtobid is praised for making outreach less painful. GCs switching from older platforms report higher sub engagement, more responsive bidding, and less frustration with logins or paywalls. Estimators also note how Downtobid saves hours of manual email follow-up.
Subs have responded positively as well. Many prefer Downtobid’s simple, direct email invites with instant access to plans—no accounts, no fees, and no wasted time.
Choosing the Right Platform
BidMatrix is best suited for GCs who already have strong subcontractor relationships and a reliable flow of quotes. If your team struggles to level bids quickly, catch scope gaps, or finalize awards with confidence, BidMatrix is a powerful tool for optimizing the last mile of preconstruction and the bid day process.
Downtobid is a better fit for GCs who want to increase participation, automate their invite process, and avoid the constant back-and-forth with subs. If your team is lean, your coverage is inconsistent, or you just need more bids per trade with less work, Downtobid delivers.
Some firms may benefit from both—Downtobid for outreach and BidMatrix for final comparison—but many contractors will find that one solves their primary bottleneck.
Final Thoughts
BidMatrix and Downtobid tackle different ends of the same problem. One is built for analyzing bids once they arrive, the other for generating more quality bids in the first place.
If you’re tired of chasing subcontractors and still ending up short-handed on bid day, Downtobid is likely the stronger first step. Its AI, automation, and frictionless experience can increase your coverage and help you bid more jobs with less stress.
If your issue isn’t finding bids but sorting and comparing them, BidMatrix is a clear winner for bid-day optimization. It gives your team clarity when it matters most.
Either way, improving your bidding workflow is one of the fastest ways to become more competitive and efficient. Whether that means starting with better coverage or smarter analysis, the right tool can turn bidding from a bottleneck into an advantage.
Ready to get more bids, faster? Downtobid offers a trial demo so you can see the difference on your next project