Overview

This Quick Reference Guide (QRG) is designed to help Vendors understand how to respond to an IFB (Information for Bid) in eMMA. An Invitation for Bid, or sealed bid, is a call to Vendors to prepare and submit a response for a specific solicitation project.

To bid on the solicitation, you must first add it to your profile. Click this link for instructions.


NOTE: For best results, use the Google Chrome browser to access eMMA.

If you need help at any time, please reach out to the eMMA helpdesk at emma.helpdesk@maryland.gov.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Responding to Solicitations IFB (Invitation for Bid): Prepare and Submit Response

NOTE: This QRG uses diagrams with specific callouts to show required and optional fields in forms. A yellow callout with a red border A picture containing text Description automatically generated  indicates a required field, while yellow callouts with a black border A picture containing text, clipart Description automatically generated indicate optional fields. Letters within the callouts respond to the explanations below the diagram. A red asterisk (*) indicates a mandatory field.

  1. Navigate to eMMA at https://emma.maryland.gov and click the Public Solicitations button on the right-hand side.
    The Public Solicitations button.

  2. Use the Search fields to search for the solicitation.

    Star with solid fillPRO TIP!  You can also use the link, in the notification email you received regarding the solicitation, to find it.

    The search fields on the Public Solicitations page.

  3. Click the blue hyperlink under the Title column to view or respond to a solicitation. The details of the solicitation you select displays.
    A solicitation on the Public Solicitations page. The solicitation information for the solicitation on the solicitation page.

  4. Click the Add to My Solicitations button. A new window opens and asks you to log in or register.
    The Add to My Solicitations button.

  5. Enter your eMMA credentials in the Login and Password fields and click the Login button.
    The Login button.

  6. Click the I acknowledge receipt of this Solicitation button.The I acknowledge receipt of this Solicitation button.

  7. Click the Download Solicitation Contents button at the top to download a zip file of the solicitation attachments.
    The Download Solicitation Contents button.Star with solid fillPRO TIP! Scroll to the bottom of the Solicitation Info tab and click the blue links in the Attachments section. This lets you download each attachment individually.
    Attachment documents for individual download.

  8. Scroll to the top and click the radio button WILL RESPOND: our intent is to respond to this Solicitation, then click the Submit button.

    NOTE: If you choose not to respond to this solicitation, click the NOT RESPOND: we will not be able to respond to this Solicitation radio button. A window opens. Enter a brief reason as to why you will not respond and click OK.

    The radio button for WILL RESPOND: our intent is to respond to this solicitation.

  9. Click the Pricing tab on the left-hand side-panel. From here, you have two options for submitting pricing:
    1. Method 1:
      1. Click the download icon to download the pricing grid and follow the instructions to complete the grid and upload the adjusted copy to eMMA
        The download links to download the pricing grid in excel.
      2. Click the Click or Drag to add a file button to upload the finished copy. Once you upload the pricing grid, the fields in the pricing subtab below will populate based on the pricing grid you uploaded.

        IMPORTANT: Only adjust the price fields in the spreadsheet. You will not be able to upload the document if anything else is changed in the spreadsheet.

        NOTE: The uploaded document or file size must not exceed 300,000 KB.

    2. Method 2:
      1. Scroll down to the Pricing subtab and enter the price per one unit for each listed item in its respective field.
      2. Click the Save button. The Total per currency field displays the total cost of your estimate.
        entered unit prices and the Total per currency field.
  10. Click the Prepare Response tab on the left-hand side-panel.
    The Prepare Response tab.

  11. (Optional) Enter a description for your response in the Description field.
    The Description field.

  12. Prepare your proposal response and upload it to eMMA. Click the Click or Drag to add a file button.

    NOTE: You cannot upload documents over 307,200 KB in size.

    NOTE: You cannot directly edit documents in eMMA, but you can upload new versions.

    The Click or Drag to add files button.

  13. Doublecheck the uploaded and entered information for accuracy.
  14. Click the Validate and Submit button.
    The Validate & Submit button.

  15. A popup displays asking, Do you really to want to submit your bid/proposal response? Review the attachments and items filled Click the Yes, Submit button to submit your response. A banner shows at the top of the page to confirm submission and a timestamp.
    The Yes, Submit button.

  16. Click the Save button at the top of the page.
    The Save button.

You have now responded to an IFB Solicitation in eMMA.

If you wish to change something in your response at this point, you can resubmit your altered response before the due date.

The system will notify you via email if you’ve been awarded the contract.