CBDNet Searching FAQ's

Is there a difference between CBDNet and the printed version of the CBD?
Yes, there is a difference. The printed CBD is the "public notification media by which U.S. Government agencies identify proposed contract actions and contract awards." (See FAR §5.101). When a notice appears in the printed CBD, the clock begins for meeting the requirements of FAR §5.203.
CBDNet is the Government's electronic version of the CBD. CBDNet notices were previously viewable immediately after acceptance, but did not meet the requirements of the FAR Part 5 until they had appeared in the printed CBD. Notices appeared in the printed CBD approximately 2 days AFTER appearing in CBDNet; but one can presume that the notice has been published 6 days after electronic transmission of a synopsis, unless there exists evidence to the contrary. (See FAR §5.203(g)).

How can I search for all notices from a specific geographic area?
In the office address field you can search by zip code(s) or state(s) or a combination of both. For example:
17602 or 17603 or 17604
PA or NJ or MD
17602 or PA or MD
If using the simple search page, in the search terms box, type the field name followed by the equals sign(=) followed by the zip code(s) or state(s) or a combination of both.
offadd=17602 or 17603 or 17604
offadd=PA or NJ or MD
offadd=17602 or PA or MD
If searching by zip codes only you can also use the zip code field.

How do I search multiple classification codes?
You can use the simple search feature and do the following:
class=10 or 11 or 12
You can also use the fielded search page and do separate searches by using the classification code pull down menu.

How do I search by zip code using 9 digits?
Enclose the 9 digit zip code in quotation marks in the zip field.
Example: "17909-1234"
If using the simple search page, in the search terms box, type the field name followed by the equals sign(=) followed by the zip code surrounded in quotation marks.
Example: zip= "17909-1234"

How can I save my search and perform it on a daily basis?
When searching via the Web you cannot save your search string. However, if you use WAIS client software to perform your searches, you can save the search string. Contact the GPO Access User Support Team for information on obtaining WAIS client software.

How can I search by the posted date?
The posted date is the date the notice was placed in the database. Notices generally appeared in the printed copy 2 business days after their posted date. To search by posted date, use the fielded search page or enter the following search string in the search terms box (using the appropriate date): posted=2/12/1998.

How do I find all notices pertaining to 8a set asides (opportunities for small and minority businesses)?
In the description field enter the following search string: 8a AND "set aside"

How do I search for a specific solicitation number?
Enter the entire solicitation number (including hyphens), surrounded in quotation marks, in the solicitation number field.
Example:  "N62472-97-R-3915"
If using the simple search page, in the search terms box, type the field name followed by the equals sign(=) followed by the solicitation number surrounded in quotation marks.
Example:  sol="N62472-97-R-3915"
Note:  This is not case sensitive

How do I search for my notice using my submission number?
In the cite field enter the submission number with no spaces. Example: SN022578
If using the simple search page, in the search terms box, type the field name followed by the equals sign(=) followed by the submission number.
Example: cite=SN022578

How do I limit my search to a single issue of CBD?
You cannot download an entire issue of the CBD. However you can limit your search by the posted date. The posted date is the day the notice was posted in the online database. Notices typically appeared in the print copy 2 business days following the posted date. To search by posted date use the fielded search page or simply type the posted field name followed by the equals (=) sign the following in the simple search terms box: posted=2/12/1998
Note: No fields must be selected.

How do I limit my search to get just what is new today?
You can not search by issue date, but you can search by posted date. The posted date is the day the notice was posted in the online database. Notices typically appear in the print copy 2 business days following the posted date. To search by posted date use the field provided on the Fielded Search Page or simply type the field name followed by the equals sign (=) in the simple search terms box. For example: posted=3/21/1997
The Browse CBD Notices link allows you to view notices according to type and class code and lists them in date order (from most recent to oldest). The posted date is listed in the header.

How do I get a copy of the full solicitation after finding an interesting notice in CBD?
To get a copy of the full solicitation contact the person or persons designated as the point of contact in the notice.

How do I search for an RFP?
On the simple search page in the search terms box you can simple enter the entire RFP number surrounded by quotation marks. Example: "RFP-686-6-97"
On the fielded search page you can enter the RFP number in the solicitation number field surrounded in quotation marks. ( It may appear in multiple fields within a notice)

What is the cost for a subscription to the online database?
The online CBD database is free. GPO no longer makes the daily CBD available for subscription in any format.

How can I search by date of the printed issue?
Printed date is the date the notice was placed in the printed issue. To search by printed date, use the fielded search page or enter the following search string in the search terms box (using appropriate date):
Example: printed=3/3/1999

CBDNet is provided through an alliance of the United States Department of Commerce and the United States Government Printing Office.

Questions or comments regarding this service? Contact the GPO Access User Support Team by Internet e-mail at cbd-support@gpo.gov; by telephone at 1-202-512-1530 (locally in the D.C.-Metro area) or toll free at 1-888-293-6498 (outside the D.C. area); by fax at 1-202-512-1262.

URL: http://cbdnet.gpo.gov/search-faq.html
LAST MODIFIED: February 14, 2002