What DemandStar does well
DemandStar is a long-running bid network, strongest in Florida and parts of the Southeast. Its plans are clear: free for a single agency, then priced by county, state or the whole country, and subscribers download documents free within their area.
Where vendors run into gaps
- Coverage follows its agencies. A county plan covers DemandStar agencies in that county. Counties that post on their own website or another platform aren't included.
- Costs add up across areas. Several counties or states mean several plans, and documents outside your plan cost $5 each.
- Early signals aren't included. Board agendas often show a purchase before it's bid.
How FactWise is different
| DemandStar | FactWise | |
|---|---|---|
| Counties covered | DemandStar agencies | Every US county we've researched, on any platform or none |
| Seeing a bid | Free account | Free, no login to view |
| Coverage beyond one agency | From $60/yr per county; $100–$1,499/yr per state; $2,699/yr national | Free for up to 2 counties; paid plans for more counties or whole states |
| Board agenda signals | No | Yes, where the county posts agendas online |
| Documents and submission | On DemandStar, for its agencies | Always where the county says: we link to it |
See which counties use DemandStar.
Which should you use?
- You sell to a handful of Florida agencies on DemandStar: its free or county plans may be enough.
- You sell across states, or to counties on several platforms: use FactWise to see every county in one place, and use each platform only for the bids you decide to pursue.
Questions
How much does DemandStar cost?
DemandStar's pricing page lists a free plan for one agency, county plans starting at $60 a year, state plans from $100 to $1,499 a year depending on the state, and a national plan at $2,699 a year. Downloads outside your plan cost $5 each. Check DemandStar for current prices.
Do I still need DemandStar if I use FactWise?
If a county you bid in posts its documents on DemandStar, you'll download them there. FactWise tells you the bid exists and links to the county's posting.
Which counties use DemandStar?
See our list of counties that use DemandStar, updated from our county research.