System for providing business information

摘要

An apparatus, method and data structure for communicating business information, including outsourcing information. Contractors provide information regarding their products and services into the system. Outsourcing companies search a database containing contractor information to determine which contractors meet a particular search criteria. Selected contractors receive project information and, optionally, a bid template. Bid information is supplied to the database operator. The operator prepares a table of bid information that is sent to the outsourcing companies for review. Evaluation information relating to contractors and outsourcing companies is obtained from both outsourcing companies and contractors and stored on a database. The evaluation information is provided to outsourcing companies and contractors as part of the bid and project information.