The Web Lockbox service provides a simple and secure way for an organisation to receive electronic responses to any form of procurement request (loosely, a "tender").
By allowing respondents to submit their proposals electronically, the Lockbox service reduces the compliance costs to respondents and increases the time available for them to prepare their responses.
How it works.
A unique lockbox code is assigned to each Purchaser's tender. The Purchaser advises potential respondents of the lockbox code and the URL for the Lockbox at the time they advertise their tender.
The lockbox code will only allow submissions into the Purchaser's Lockbox during the period that the tender is open, ie between the date/time range the Purchaser has previously specified.
Upon entering the lockbox code, a respondent is asked to provide information about their organisation, including a contact name, telephone number and email address. The respondent can then upload a set of files into the Lockbox. The file set can be no larger than 1.8 GB. Files are virus-checked immediately.
Upon completion of the upload, the Lockbox will send the respondent an email confirming the receipt of their files. The Purchaser will also be advised of the submission at this time.
To ensure the integrity of the Lockbox process, each file received into the Lockbox has its digital signature calculated using the "Secure Hash Algorithm 256" (SHA256). This 64 character digital signature is unique to the contents of a file. Any subsequent change made to a file will cause a different digital signature to be calculated. For audit purposes, the original digital signature is included in the email to the respondent and the Purchaser.
Only once the tender has closed will the Purchaser will be able to access the Lockbox and download any submissions received. The Purchaser may then confirm the integrity of the files by re-calculating their digital signatures before their evaluation commences.
For further information, email Hunter Group at lockbox@huntergroup.co.nz or phone Hunter Group
To respond to a Lockbox Request, proceed to the secure site at https://www.lockbox.net.nz/
© 2010 Hunter Group Ltd