San Diego-based construction company Douglas E. Barnhart Inc. manages and builds multimillion dollar projects, relying on a network of hundreds of subcontractors. Managing working relationships with over 2300 independent firms, Barnhart’s paper-based bidding process required simplistic, often tedious administrative efforts.

Intertune developed a Web-based application to manage the bidding process and track documents online, securely connecting Barnhart to its subcontracting companies and informing them of the latest news and projects of interest to their firms. Communication is now streamlined; Barnhart can create and distribute bids and construction plans to specific subcontractors or an entire group of potential bidders through the system. The straightforward point-and-click interface enables the company to email announcements of new projects and post this information to a website automatically, and allows its employees to post and edit detailed information about projects and bids, including photos, plans, addenda/memoranda, and other documents when necessary. Applications to become approved subcontractors can now be submitted online, and each approved subcontractor can view relevant bid packages, request construction plans, and receive email alerts about project changes. Permissions and password validation ensure that subcontractors have access only to information relevant to their role, and the system tracks which specific documents have been viewed by which subcontractors. Barnhart employees in three offices across California now have immediate access to documents online, and can share or export valuable information for use by various departments as necessary.

Thousands of employees from over 2300 subcontractors regularly access the Intertune-built system to view relevant information 24/7 as it is released, freeing Barnhart employees from having to answer questions by phone or email while increasing subcontractor/customer service and satisfaction.