Public Files

Public Files are placed on the portal and available for anyone to download. If you are looking to upload a Public File while also notifying vendors, you can do both at the same time by issuing a Public Notice.

First, navigate to the Files section, then click on Upload -> Public File

The Upload Public File window will pop up. Fields designated with a red asterisk (*) are required. (For a list of compatible file types, please see our What file types are compatible in Bonfire? page.) Within the Public Files upload option, you have the ability to upload multiple files at once by dragging and dropping them into the box provided, or choose Browse Files to locate the file saved on your computer. You will need to select a file type (note that this is purely a label and does not impact any functionality), and it is best practice to provide a description of the file for your vendors. Once you have selected all the files needed, hit the Upload button! In the example below, we are uploading a .pdf file as a Public File:

Once the file is added it will appear under the Public tab of the Files section. (Do note that this is also viewable by any internal users within your organization that have access to your project.) Details of the file are displayed including the file type, description, and date it was added. From here you can also click on the Actions button to Edit/Delete/Download the file:

For more insight on how vendors view and download Public Files, please see our Where do I download the documents for the opportunity? page. You can also click Actions -> Preview on Portal on your Project Details page for a direct example.

Please note, if you have the Past Public Opportunities option enabled for your portal, your Public Files will remain downloadable by vendors after the project closes. If you wish to only restrict this access to during the Open phase of the project, you can click Actions -> Edit Project on your Project Details page, and enable Hide public-facing documents from the portal once the project closes:

Public Files within Project Templates

For organizations with the Bonfire Solicitation (File Library and Drafting) module, users will be able to import public files to a project template via their File Library.

For more information on how to upload files to project templates from your File Library, please see the Add Files to Project Templates from your File Library section in our Bonfire Solicitation Builder (File Library and Drafting) article.

Publishing Internal Files to Public Files in Project Drafts

For organizations with the Bonfire Solicitation Builder (File Library and Drafting) module, users will be able to move documents from Internal Files to Public Files. This eliminates the need to download the file from the Internal Files section, and upload it to the Public Files area. 

To move a file, ensure you are in your Project Draft, then Files > Internal Files use the Actions drop down menu for the file that you wish to move, then select Copy to Public Files:

When this is selected, a new window will open allowing you to confirm the type of documentation, and the ability to convert the file to PDF: