New features in version 8.11

Fixed an issue that occurred when applying signatures with certain D-Trust 5.1 signature cards

The file size limit for attachments of bidder messages has been increased to 1 GB

New features in version 8.10

Integration of the new winGEAB v6

New features in version 8.9

Information on rebates, discounts and the evaluation with net prices is now also retained in award procedures with lot-split workflow

New features in version 8.8

Offers and participation requests can now also be encrypted with ECC algorithms

Submission of offers and participation requests are now possible in procedures carried out via the AI VERGABEPORTAL

Updating the smartcard and card reader libraries to MCARD 2.10.0

Updating the Java Runtime to OpenJDK 11.0.22_7

New features in version 8.7

Revision of the system-supported verification mechanisms for the submission of tenders

Within the submission process, in case of:

• omission of mandatory fields in screen masks (e.g. electronic letter of offer)
• GAEB files not enclosed with the tender or unprocessed

only a warning is issued, but the application still allows the actual submission.

New features in version 8.6

Bug fixes and performance optimisations

New features in version 8.5

Minor bug fixes and performance optimisations

New features in version 8.4

Improved user support after the deadline

Should the user wish to submit a request to participate or a tender even after the deadline has expired, the application now indicates this fact more prominently and additionally ensures an improved user experience within the actual submission process. The following measures have been taken to achieve this:

• If the application or tender deadline has already expired, but the submission process is still started, the application now additionally points out this circumstance in the form of a notification dialogue (see figure 1).

• Note: If the submission process was started before the deadline expired, but the deadline expires during the actual process (i.e. the user has not yet clicked the "Submit" button in the last process step), a corresponding note on the expiry of the deadline (see figure 1) is also displayed in such a case.

• In the step of the participation application or offer check, the user is already informed by the application of an expiry of the deadline. This notice has been edited visually (new icon) as well as in terms of content (editorial revision and output of the current date to the second) and now clearly indicates possible consequences (see figure 2).

• Another new feature is the necessity to explicitly confirm the expiry of the deadline. If the acknowledgement and documentation within the application was limited exclusively to all notes within this review step, the application now differentiates between notes explicitly on the documents and a possible expiry of the deadline. The submission process can only be continued after the user has taken note and confirmed this (see figure 2).

• The content of the confirmation of receipt after a (late) submission has also been revised. Coloured elements now also clearly indicate the circumstance of late submission. The notices have also been edited and the original application or bid deadline has been added. In this way, a comparison can be made at a glance between the actual deadline and the actual submission (see figure 3).
  
  Note: The revised acknowledgement of receipt is only valid for AI TENDERINGPLATFORM systems without a connected Governikus intermediary!

New features in version 8.3

PDF view for messages

• As of version 8.3, the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT enables the display or output of messages in PDF format. It does not matter whether these are incoming messages from the contracting authority, or drafts or sent messages from the bidder.

• For this purpose, the application offers the function "PDF view" both on the message overview (via context menu; see illustration 1) and in the message details (when the message is open; see illustration 2).

• The result is a dynamically generated PDF document (see illustration 3), which is opened with the PDF application installed on the operating system and can then be printed, forwarded or saved.

• When saving, a generic file name guarantees the reference to the specific tender at all times, including message type (input, draft, output) and time stamp.

Tip for importing multiple attachments

• As of version 8.3, the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT also supports the user with regard to the often occurring question of how to proceed when sending multiple attachments.
  Note: Due to technical restrictions, it is currently only possible to send a single attachment. In addition to common Office formats, this attachment may also be a ZIP file, which in turn may consist of several files.

• In future, the application will draw the users attention to precisely this circumstance by displaying a corresponding help message in the form of a "tip" (see Illustration 4 + 5).

New features in version 8.2

Support for new signature cards and readers

• Support for a variety of new signature cards and readers, including the new D-TRUST Card 4.1.

• Official release of the application under macOS 11 (Big Sur) regarding the support of signature cards and readers.

• All supported combinations of signature cards and readers in conjunction with a specific operating system can be found in this document as usual

Weitere Produktverbesserungen und Fehlerbehebungen

New features in version 8.1

KoSIT Standard "Latin Characters in UNICODE"

• Adaption of the technical communication with supported AI TENDERINGPORTAL systems to the UTF-8 encoding to implement the KoSIT standard "Latin characters in UNICODE" (character set String.Latin)

Improved readability of AI screen masks and AI specification sheets

• The problem of the sporadic mixing of fonts in AI screen masks (so-called AIFORM files) and AI specification sheets (so-called AIDF files) has been solved. This ensures - not least due to the choice of a new, more modern font - an improved and more pleasant readability.

macOS 11 (Big Sur)

• Official release of the application under macOS 11 (Big Sur) and inclusion in the system requirements. Please note that there is no official release for the mentioned operating system version regarding the support of signature cards / card readers. Full support will follow in version 8.2.
  All currently supported combinations of signature cards / card readers in conjunction with a specific operating system version can be found in this document.

Further product improvements and bug fixes

New features in version 8.0

Support of UHD displays

• The application supports scaling settings on the operating system in order to be able to display fonts in a legible manner even at UHD resolutions.

Simplified launch process

• The start of the application via homepage has been revised and now offers improved, guided support for the user in the form of an easily understandable dialogue.

  

Discontinuation of Java Web Start support

• As already announced, the application requires the installation of AI WEBLAUNCHER for further use as of 1 December 2020!
  
  The attempt to start via Java Web Start will permanently result in a notification message, which points out this fact and offers a download option for AI WEBLAUNCHER.

  

Further product improvements and bug fixes

New features in version 7.31

Discontinuation of Java Web Start support

• Since the AI WEBLAUNCHER technology has been established for over a year, the transition period for the extended support of Java Web Start officially ends on 30 November 2020. After this date, i.e. from 1 December 2020, the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT will no longer be able to be started via Java Web Start, but will require an installation of AI WEBLAUNCHER!
  
  A corresponding message dialog at the start of the application (via Java Web Start) points out this fact and requests that the program be installed as soon as possible

  

Further product improvements and bug fixes

• Editorial revision of English hints

New features in version 7.30

Reference to future minimum version of the AI WEBLAUNCHER

• Due to a planned technical changeover of the application to the Java 11 runtime environment (in Q4/2020), a local installation of the AI WEBLAUNCHER in the minimum version 1.1.4 is required for compatibility reasons. With lower versions the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT will not be able to be started.
  
  In order to inform the users early enough and to give them enough time for a (possibly) necessary update, the update hint at the start of the application has been adapted accordingly.
  If the installed version of the AI WEBLAUNCHER does not correspond to the required minimum version 1.1.4, the user will be informed about this fact and can react accordingly early; a continuous usability of the application is thus guaranteed.

  

Size limitation for the preparation of a bid

• If the total size of the created bid (or participation request) exceeds the maximum permitted size (in MB) specified by the platform operator, the file import is stopped and a corresponding message is displayed.

Further product improvements and bug fixes

New features in version 7.29

New types of procedure

• Support of the new "Planning competition" procedure type

• Support of the new "Direct placement following competition" procedure type

External signature

• Revision of the information message when importing a corrupted or wrong main part of the offer

• Revision of the help texts regarding the possibility of interrupting/pausing the submission process

Further changes

• The acknowledgement of receipt after submission of the tender now also includes the platform URL of the connected AI TENDERINGPLATFORM

• Stabilization of the application during user change

• Stabilization of the application in the archiving area of tenders without local dataset

• Showing the AI WEBLAUNCHER update dialog at application start if locally installed version < 1.1.4

• Further product improvements and bug fixes

New features in version 7.28

Note for new AI WEBLAUNCHER version

• When the application is started, the installed AI WEBLAUNCHER version is now checked for up-to-dateness. If a new version is available, a corresponding update note is displayed

  

Deadline updates

• An update of the deadline for applications and tenders for applications and tenders by means of a new publication of a corrected notice (without simultaneous publication of a new document version) now also leads to an update of terms in the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT. Accordingly, when submitting tenders and/or requests to participate, the new deadline will now also be checked.

Further changes

• A problem was solved where the status of a sent message was not set correctly under certain circumstances

• Further product improvements and bug fixes

New features in version 7.27

Archive

• Stabilization of the application when changing a user

• Problem solved: messages of archived tenders continue to be synchronised

Proxy configuration

• Stabilization of the application when creating/editing the proxy exception list

Questionnaire of qualification test

• Editorial revision of the information text while tender evaluation and the revision of the test mechanism: In a lot based tender procedure it is now possible to submit a questionnaire that has not been completed in a specific area

Further changes

• Menu “Settings”: An accidental storage of the “Storage location for tender files” under the directory “Temporary working directory” is now prevented

• Stabilization of the application when pausing the tendering (refers to the use of an external signature signature)

• Support of new country-specific procedure types for Austria (dynamic procurement system)

• Problem solved: during the transmission process the scrollbar no longer performed any action in the elements of tenders overview

New features in version 7.26

Archive

• Tenders are no longer automatically moved to the archive after a certain retention period, but only at the request of the user

• Tenders in the archive can now be permanently opened (both in online / offline mode as well as without authentication or presence of a tendering platform)

• The tender-overview now offers a filter option to show only locally stored tenders (and thus suppressing not yet synchronized tenders for the sake of clarity)

• When restoring an archived tender, the application now checks for a general chance of success, including a warning dialog

Proxy configuration

• Stabilization of the application in terms of proxy configuration

• Implementation of a proxy exception list

Further changes

• Tenders that no longer exist on the corresponding tendering platform or for which an authentication fails can still be opened using the locally stored dataset

• Improvement of the paper-based bidding mechanism

• Editorial revision of the warning dialog when publishing a new version of documents

• Fixed an issue due to the print preview of certain bills of quantities could not be created correctly

• Fixed an issue due to entries in a form were not saved correctly when using the "Cancel" button

• Fixed an issue due to, when exporting a file, an already identical file was overstored without warning

• Fixed an issue due to the total file size of an offer was not calculated correctly when there exists side offers

• Further product improvements and bug fixes

New features in version 7.25

Search option across tendering platforms

• Due to different operating scenarios of individual platform operators, the search option across tendering platforms could no longer be reliably offered because it may provide incomplete information.

Further changes

• Fixed an issue that causes a wrong calculation of the offer file size

• Fixed an issue due to the bidders address data was no longer preallocated in the offer form

• Fixed an issue due to a specification sheet was not saved correctly by using the "OK" button

• Fixed an issue due to the print preview of a specification sheet could not be generated correctly

• Fixed an issue due to the specification sheet could not be saved correctly if the floppy disk icon was used to save

• Fixed an issue due to the specification sheet could be exported as an * .lv file

• Fixed an issue due to files with unauthorized special characters could be imported

• Various corrections to language translations of the tender cover sheet

• Further product improvements and bug fixes

New features in version 7.24

AI WEBLAUNCHER

• Activation of an AI WEBLAUNCHER independent proxy configuration option directly in the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT (including Basic Authentication Method)

Further changes

• Fixed an issue that causes a wrong note when withdrawing an offer after the submission deadline

• Further product improvements and bug fixes

New features in version 7.23

AI WEBLAUNCHER

• Activation of AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT for the general start via AI WEBLAUNCHER

• Adjustment of the prominent "Start now" -button at www.bietercockpit.de for the general start via AI WEBLAUNCHER

New features in version 7.22

AI WEBLAUNCHER

• Implementation of a notice dialog when starting the client of AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT with reference to the technological changes and link to further information.

• Editorial revision of system requirements regarding the release of AI WEBLAUNCHER and the removal of the support by Java 9.

• Revision of FAQ with regard to AI WEBLAUNCHER as well as further general questions and help.

Further changes

• Stabilization of the application in the field of local data processing

• Stabilization of the application regarding the export of individual tenders

• Implementation of the support by D-TRUST Card 3.1

• Negotiation rounds: with each new negotiation round an initial bid will be created automatically.

• Data import: implementation of a verification for valid file names when importing files.

• Bid validation: editorial revision of notice dialog regarding submission of bids by lots (in case of exclusion per lot, pricing of individual lots, etc.)

• Platform configuration: with manual activation of a deactivated AI TENDERINGPLATFORM the check "Access tenders on this platform" will be selected automatically.

• Problem solved: the file status after opening *.aidf and *.lv -files was displayed incorrectly.

• Problem solved: the comparison of bid totals between proposal letter and GAEB-LV led to no consistent results

• Problem solved: special characters and spaces within the tender name resulted in an intern error.

• Problem solved: the status of an imported file changed to "read" instead of "imported"

New features in version 7.21

Focus „Tendering number“

The tendering number is now shown in the Tender overview page as well as in the Archive. Sorting according to tendering numbers is also possible.

 

Via the Filter options available, the overview and archive page allow you to quickly and easily find certain tenders. The filter options now provide the option to filter for Tendering number aside from the previously available Name and Service.

Also, the Standard search and the Expert search have been enhanced by the Display of a tendering number as well as the respective Filter option.

 

 

Button „Create new“

• Instead of the previously rather general button „Create new" in the area of bid creation/Participation application/Confirmation of interest, a button based on context has been implemented in order to support the user.
  
  The following buttons are now available to the user - depending on the context:

  • New bid
  • New participation application
  • New confirmation of interest
  

   

  

   

  

   

Connectivity test

AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT has been amended by a Connectivity test. This way, the application tests whether all connected or activated AI TENDERINGPORTALs can be reached as planned during the system start. if a problem occurs, the user is shown a respective notfication including a classification.

If a specific tender is opened, the application tests the respective AI TENDERINGPORTAL as well as the associated GOVERNIKUS intermediary (if applicable).

If an error occurs, the output information allows an improved Support to the user - this is not the case, if locale network components like proxies and firewalls cause the problem, or if a certain services of the connected platform are currently not available.

External signature

• The application now supports the creation of a dynamically created tender cover sheet including a table of content via FO-processor

• The bid submission step "Overview over parts of the bid" now shows individual files in read-only mode

• Editorial rework of the notification dialogues in the wake of the external signature (Distinction between table of content and tender cover sheet)

Further changes

• Editorial rework of standard and expert search

• Stabilised the application with regards to the tender synchronisation

• Reworked application‘s data management (Documents, Bids, Participation applications)

• Solved a problem, where a supplementary bid‘s detailed view could not be opened

• Solved a problem for switching languages between German and English

• Stabilised the application when implementing an already familiar AI TENDERINGPORTAL with changed URL

• Notification for exceeding the maximum file size of file attachments in messages (32 MB) implemented

• More efficient behaviour when switching between individual application registers

New features in version 7.20

Legal basis

The tender-overview page now correctly display the legal basis of individual tenders (VgV, UVgO, VOB, etc.).

Expert search

Within the expert search you can now also filter for the type of order (Supply-/Service - Construction - Freelance services).

Austrian instance of the AI BC

• Country-specific adjustments of various namings, e.g. within the side bid dialogue, the area of application documents, the tendering documents etc.

• Default setting for country-specific VAT rate of 20% within the side bid dialogue

  

   

External signature

• Within the application competition, a table of contents (including Hash-values of single documents) is attached (as is already the case with the offer letter).

• The tender cover sheet (including table of contents) issued during the bid submission is now already completely issued during the "Overview over bidding elements" for review.

• All data within the bid submission step "Overview over bidding elements" may only be opened in read-only mode.

Support new card readers and signature cards

Support new card reader and signature and sealing cards (MCard version 2.1.0), as well as signature algorithms with RSA/PSS-encryption

Further changes

• Securing the application against JNLP-Injection

• Further product improvements and error correction

New features in version 7.19

Editing GAEB

• Stabilized the integration bid evaluation for missing GAEB files

• Support for GAEB-85 files within side bids

• Reworked the notification for using external construction calculation software

  

   

Sidebids

Implemented a new central button for creating sidebids. Formerly, difficulties for bidders could arise from the fact that the application offered two different methods of creating side bids. There is now a central button for creating a Sidebid for a main bid or a Sidebid without main bid which facilitates the process.

 

A comfortable Wizard supports the user during the creation process and leads through different steps and selections of the correct bid.

 

The bid type Sidebid for a main bid will no longer show the version number within the documents (this is redundant, as the superordinate bid already references the number).

 

Graphical user surface

• Visual rework of the Overview- and Archive page: Removed tender-icon in the 1. column in order to visually emphasize the legal basis

  

   

• Visual rework of the Detail page: The icons of the "Status" column have been removed for better clarity

• Reworked several icons for bids, side bids, participation applications, confirmations of interest and associated documents

• Standardized the size of icons in the footer



 

Further changes

• A bid submission with "External signature" is admitted if there is not yet a signature on the imported bid main section

• Stabilized the application while the testing process for obligatory items during the bid submission is running

• Signature dialog: Changed the naming of "Single digital signature" in a more comprehensible alternative "No digital signature (in textual form)"

• Settings: When adding a soft certificate the selection dialog tests for the file ending *.pfx aside from the usual *.p12

• Competitive bidding documents are now only showed as "Versions" (Version 1, Version 2, usw.)

• When starting the application for the first time with english language settings, the terms and conditions are now correctly displayed in English

• Further product improvement and error correction

New features in version 7.18

Support of new Java versions

Complete support of Java 9 (see system requirements).

New features in version 7.17

UVgO (Bottom Threshold Tendering Order)

Support for new tendering kind "Dynamic procurement system beneath threshold" and "Single order for dynamic procurement system beneath threshold".

Rework of reading status for tendering documents/competetive bidding documents

Reading status of files within register „Tendering documents (for review)“ (see also competetive bidding documents) have been enhanced. Single files can only be set to „Unread“ and „Read“. Only if the status for all files is set to „Read“ will the whole version packet of the tendering documents or competetive bidding documents be set to the global state „Read“.

 

 

Improved user management within the area of side bids

The dialog for creating a sidebid to your main bid (when using an external specification sheet, e.g. a GAEB file) now contains a „Cancel“, as well as a „Save“ and a „OK“ button. While the user until so far had to navigate through bids using the navigation bar, s/he can now handle it the same way as in the AI specification sheet or the AI formular.

 

Rework of the menu bar

More comprehensible menu entries and tooltips. Corrected double occupancy with the shortcuts.

Supports new card reader and signature cards

Version MCard 1.25.0.2

Further changes

• Stabilizing the application for copying bids/participation applications

• Stabilizing the application in the negotiation rounds area

• After the bid submission deadline has passed, a withdrawal from the bid is no more possible (instead of the warning a barrier is put up)

• Reworked various description texts (Dialog „New features“, dialog „Create error report“, confirmation of receipt, hint for online-/offline mode and many more)

• Reworked the tooltip of the action button for creating a sidebid without main bid

• The "Supported signature card" document will be linked directly to the "Signature card" dialog

• More comprehensible notes within the bid checking dialog regarding lots and pricing of single lot positions

• Further product improvement and error solving

New features in version 7.16

Display of version number of documents in edit mode

When creating/editing participation applications and bids, the versions of the competetive bidding and tendering documents will be displayed directly in the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT. This guarantees higher transparency as well as an improved self-monitoring by the user, in order to not accidentally submit outdated versions of the documents.

 

Further changes

• A problem has been fixed, where files could not be moved to the given bid and participation application folders via Drag-and-Drop anymore.

• Updated the download link for the GAEB tool "wingaeb xml" within the GAEB settings of the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT.

• Implemented a comprehensible note in the check bid dialog for lot tenders.

• A bid submission for the "External signature" variant is only admissable if at least one signature has been attached to the imported tender cover sheet.

New features in version 7.15

Show changes

• AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT now supports complete negotiated tenders (UVgO, with/without negotiation rounds).

• Stabilized the application when dealing with copied bids within the negotiation rounds.

New features in version 7.14

Reworked folder structure within the tendering documents

Improvements to folder structure under „Tenderingsdocuments (for review)„: Folders and subfolders are now displayed in treestructure. Folders and files within are also arranged alphabetically.

 

New features in version 7.13

Simple digital signature

For better understanding, various positions within the application have been adjusted in their terminology from „Without signature“ to „Simple digital signature“. You can find this adjustment in dialogs, such as „Select signature“ or in the process history and the signature receipt.

 

Pause option for bid submission under „External signatur“

The attachment of signatures via „External signatur“ has been changed in that the bid submission process can be paused by the user and be continued at any time. This enables a multiple signature attachment separated in time and/or space, for example on the tender cover sheet.

 

Replacement possibilities of files that are relevant for the bid

Implemented the option to replace files that are relevant for a bid by importing externally edited files of the same name. This way, an external multy-attachment of signatures on a single document has been enabled.

Further changes

• AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT now supports complete qualification systems with and without runtime duration in accordance with the SektVO.

• The licensing key of the GAEB-Software wingaeb xml has been updated to version 4.5 (Valid until 12.31.2017). Similarly, the minimally supported version of wingaeb xml by the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT has been elevated to version 4.2.

New features in version 7.12

Improved performance while opening files or documents

Solved a problem which caused buttons for opening files and documents to react with a delay or only after multiple tries.

Edited the notification for file import to make it more comprehensible

Users receive a more comprehensible notification if they try to add an externally edited offer letter to their bid

Improved possibility for signing PDF files

The functionality of implementing signatures for imported PDF files has been removed. We recommend the Adobe Reader software, which can be used for implementing signatures as well.

New features in version 7.11

New feature: Confirmation of interest

Included the option of editing and submitting confirmations of interest for tenders, in which a preinformation serves as a call for competition (§ 38 (4) VgV)

Enhanced performance during synchronizinging tenders

Synchronisation performence from AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT and the respective AI TENDERINGPORTAL has been strongly optimized. Furthermore you can now synchronize single tenders

Correct display of the downloaded documents sizes

The dialog “Synchronize ETender“ now displays and calculates the size of already downloaded files correctly

Display of tendering portal icons

The "Search & take part", "Tendering" as well as the "Settings - Platforms" now display the specific items of connected AI TENDERINGPORTALs correctly

Further changes

• Stabilized the application when working with files from the temporary workspace

• Text messages of the awarding authoriy are now displayed correctly with up to 20.000 characters

• Editorial rework of the tendering type‘s ("Negotiation procedure with/without competetive bidding procedure") naming

• Enhanced initial entering of the AI TENDERINGPORTAL‘s access data

New features in version 7.10

Improved user guidance for the first-time start of the application without the AI TENDERINGPORTAL being connected

 

Improved user guidance in the „settings“ menu for configuring new AI TENDERINGPORTALs

 

Stabilizing export functionality of documents

Proprietary aiform-files are not automatically converted to dynamic PDF-files when manually exporting documents. This way complications can be avoided; for example, if the offer letter is available in aiform and PDF and the application can therefore no longer distinguish which one of the files has to be exported.

Further changes

• Corrected status notices "imported", "unread" and "read" within the overview of documents

• Corrected problems with displaying mutated vowels under MAC OS X operating system

• Stabilizing the functionality of sending messages

• Creating a bug report in the English version of the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT is now available again

• Reworked the description text within the bid-submission process if "no signature" is selected as signature

New features in version 7.9

Support of new card readers and signature cards

• Version MCard 1.24.0.0 (date 11.12.2015)

Augmented copy function of side bids

• Copied side bids now display correct numbering

Stabilized bid submission process

• It is no longer possible to submit a bid with more than one AI Specification Sheet. Also, the file-check mechanism has been improved: the import of externally created .aidf or .lv-files is now cancelled.

Show further changes

• Stabilized application under Mac OS X operating system

• Stabilized bid-withdrawal process within negotiation rounds

New features in version 7.8

Rework of the bid submission process regarding suggested submission type and valid signature standard

• Within the bid submission dialog and the participation application dialog AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT exclusively offers the submission type or signature standard approved by the awarding authority.

Improvement to the bid submission process via „External Signature“

• When printing tender documents, side-bid files are being listed in the Wizard.

Show further changes

• Stabilizing the application for handling user changes

New features in version 7.7

EU guideline 2014

• Support of tender type „Innovationspartnerschaft“

• The legal basis VOL and VOF have been replaced by VOL/VgV and VOF/VgV

Supporting new cardreaders and signature cards

• (Version MCard 1.23.0.2 - Adjustments to OSCI 1.2 SDK from 07.16.2015)

Reworking signature support within the bid-submission process

• AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT now offers all forms of signatures in the bid-submission process (as long as the awarding authority permits digital bid-submission). These forms include:
  ✔ Digitally without signature
  ✔ Digitally with advanced signature
  ✔ Digitally with qualified signautre
  ✔ Digitally with cover sheet procedure
  ✔ Digitally with external signature (if activated)

• The user receives an attention note if he selects an option that is excplicitly not permitted by the awarding authority. He is, however, still able to submit his bid or his public application.

Show further changes

• The specific certificate valdiation for signing bids or public applications has been removed. Only the certificate‘s validity period gets checked.

• Documents signed by the awarding authority are now being displayed properly and can be verified

• Adjustments within the bid-submission process: If the Governikus server is not available, the user is already notified during the bid validation. The note says that the service for digital bid-submission is not available and that the process can therefore not proceed.

• Adjustments to the bid-submission via „External Signature“

• Adjustments to the synchronisation process after submitting an application

• Stabilisation of the application during system crashes

New features in version 7.6

Introducing the temporal folder.

In order to facilitate editing PDF-files or other file formats, that require third party applications, the so called temporal folder has been implemented. Here the work status of the tender you are currently working on is temporarily saved. An expressive path (\UserCockpitMy BidsBid X) provides the user with an improved overview, where the files will be saved. In addition to the still possible and recommended way to process files in the AI BIDDERCOCKPIT, this gives a direct possibility to edit from the temporal folder.

 

Possibility of a File import within the drop-down menu “Bidding documents (for processing)“

The functionality to import files from the overview mask was re-implemented. A dialogue enables the bidder to assign the files, that are to be imported, to a dedicated tender (if there are multiple tenders or supplementary bids).

 

Improved display of the publication text in the drop-down menu 201CPublication“.

Texts will no longer be displayed in the Times New Roman font. The same font, that is already used in the entire AI BIDDERCOCKPIT application will now be used. Moreover, the scroll behavior was improved. You can skip multiple lines in the publication text at the same time with the mouse wheel.

 

Modern display of the synchronisation dialogue for tenders.

 

Show further changes

• Improvement within the login process of a linked portal.

• Improved cancelling the sign bid process with instant certificate.

• Improved installation of communication via proxy server.

New features in version 7.5

Rework of Usability for Overview Pages

The division into Overview and Detailed View regarding the display of tender documents and bids (free procedure documents and participation documents) has been removed. All versions of bid and tender documents in this display will be presented in tree structure now. Only supplementary bids will still be displayed in Detailed View.

 

Improved Drag&Drop functions

The AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT‘s Drag&Drop functions have been improved in order to make it easier for the user to arrange a bid. You can find detailed informatin about the available functions in the manual AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT, chapter 9.3.2. Link to the Manual

 

Implemented a functionality for attaching a “Testsignature“:

In order to provide users with the possibility to test the functionality of the signature card and the card reader in combination with the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT, the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT now provides the possibility to test both components before the actual bid submission. This way, potential compatibility problems can be detected and reacted to before the actual bid submission. Clear and simple guidelines lead the user with recommendations, that help the user with independently solving the potential problem of a negative test (e.g. with device and firmware updates or reference to relevant documentation).

 

Show Further Changes

• Optimizing reading and editing process for tendering documents, competetive bidding documents, bids and pariticipation inquiries.

• Import mechanism for files was expanded: It is now possible to simultaneously upload MULTIPLE files with the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT, either via “DragnDrop“ or operating button. Furthermore you can now copy files from the tendering documents or the competetive bidding documents directly into the bid or the participation inquiry per “DragnDrop“.

• Usability improvement regarding “External Signature“: If the imported table of content or the bidding inquiry does not contain a signature, the already existing warning message will be displayed strikingly in form of a modal dialogue.

• Reworked Search and Filter Possibilties: From now on entered search terms will not be saved persistently, but will be erased every time you close the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT.

• Fixed a problem where a bid could not be copied.

• Fixed a problem where the login process in the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT could not be performed from an associated tendering portal.

• Fixed a problem where VOB-procedures could not be opened, after the WinGAEB Software has been deinstalled.

New features in version 7.4

Show Changes

• Improved the process of bid submission via “External Signature“: The ability to sign “Angebotsschreiben.pdf“ in the process step “Bidding documents (for processing)“ was removed. It is now impossible to sign “offer_letter.pdf“ in advance outside of the wizard for the external signature.

New features in version 7.3

Show Changes

• Stabilization of login process for the AI TENDERPLATFORM.

New features in version 7.2

Show Changes

• Improved the process of bid submission via “External Signature“: All files in the table of content can now be exported for the verification of the hash-value.

New features in version 7.1

Show Changes

• Optimized the process of bid submission via "External Signature".

• Improved handling of GAEB software wingaeb xml.

New features in version 7

Show Changes

• Improvement within the "sign PDF document" functionality.

• Expert search is now deactivated in offline mode.

• Improved error handling with signed PDFs regarding bid submission.

• A message is output, as soon as a new version of the tendering documents or competetive bidding documents has been released.

New features in version 6.2

Show Changes

• Optimization regarding the testing mechanism of corrupted tendering document versions within the AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT.

New features in version 6.1

Show Changes

• Message output if AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT cannot connect to a platform.

• Improved error handling with signature cards

• Optimized Usability of News Functionality:

• The button "Send" is now being displayed in the lower toolbar (formerly displayed in the upper area)

• The button "accept"was renamed to "Save".

• A new column has been added to the Message Overview. It displays the exact type of Message: "Inbox", "Sent" and "Draft".

New features in version 6

Integration of wingaeb xml for editing specification sheets in GAEB format

The program wingaeb xml by Schnittstelle BAU for editing specification sheets in GAEB format is available to you at no charge within AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT. It can be downloaded in the current version from the website www.bietercockpit.de. In the area "GAEB configuration" of the "General" tab, you can set whether you would like to use wingaeb xml or an external application for editing GAEB files. It is recommended to use wingaeb xml, because with the integration in AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT the whole process of bid creation is simplified and accelerated.

Further alterations

• The enforced encryption can now be activated without administrator rights.

• PDF forms to be filled out are no longer opened in the integrated tool “AIPDF“, but in the application associated with the file ending “PDF“ in the operating system.

• The documentation on currently supported smart cards and card readers can now be viewed directly in AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT.

• The submission of bids with missing mandatory documents is no longer possible.

• Errors during the smart card access are now displayed more explicitly (e.g., in case of an uninitialized card or unsupported card reader).

• The cover sheet does no longer contain the bid total.

• Setting up the communication via a proxy server improved.

• An error in the bid submission with external signature occuring in the language setting “Englisch“ has been resolved.

• The message of a missing specification sheet occuring during the submission of a participation request has been removed.

• The information dialogue with new functions is now also displayed at the first start.

• A failed signature verification during the bid submission does no longer lead to a cancellation of the bid submission.

AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT in comparison to AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT 7.x

Welcome view

The start window of the new BIDDINGCOCKPIT has been designed more orderly and clearly arranged. In the toolbar on the left side, you will find clear symbols and descriptions for the six essential functional areas “Search and participation“, “Messages“, “Tenders“, “Archive“, “Specification sheets“ and “Settings“. If one of the areas is selected, its contents and functions are displayed in the main window.
Compared to the old Bidder Cockpit, the workflow assistant above the main window, as well as the project tree on the left side are omitted.

Figure 1: BIDDINGCOCKPIT

Figure 2: BIDDINGCOCKPIT 7.x

Search function

A search function for a direct search for tenders has been incorporated directly in the application. Apart from a standard search, the new BIDDINGCOCKPIT offers also an expert search, which allows to search tenders for different criteria.

Figure 3: BIDDINGCOCKPIT

Figure 4: BIDDINGCOCKPIT 7.x

View of the tender documents

The structure and content of the selected tender documents are displayed in an understandable tree view directly in the main window. The previous comfort of the display of file size, status or possible actions has been maintained.

Abbildung 5: AI BIDDINGCOCKPIT

Figure 6: BIDDINGCOCKPIT 7.x

Editing the specification sheet

The view and possibilities for editing of the specification sheet have been adopted without a change, except for a slight colour revision.

Figure 7: BIDDINGCOCKPIT

Figure 8: BIDDINGCOCKPIT 7.x

Editing forms

The form editing comfort has been adopted in the BIDDINGCOCKPIT compared to the old BIDDINGCOCKPIT, only the visual appearance has been improved.

Figure 9: BIDDINGCOCKPIT

Figure 10: BIDDINGCOCKPIT 7.x

Bid submission

After the bid has been edited and the required documents have been composed, the system-based bid submission process is initiated via the “Submit“ button.

Figure 11: BIDDINGCOCKPIT

Figure 12: BIDDINGCOCKPIT 7.x

Exchange of messages

In addition to the message view inside a tender, a function for message exchange between tendering authority and bidder is available. It has been better arranged and provided with a filter function, which allows you to view messages for specific tenders.

Figure 13: BIDDINGCOCKPIT

Figure 14: BIDDINGCOCKPIT 7.x

Further advantages

✔ New tendering portals are added automatically after the bidder has once participated in a tender on this portal
✔ Archiving option for completed tenders
✔ Central hosting and technical support by the AI AG
✔ An always up-to-date application for several platforms
✔ New functions are immediately available
✔ Still free