Specifications include, but are not limited to: Any vendor’s online tax sale platform shall also provide, at minimum, the following: • Detailed online instructions on how to utilize the website; • The ability to obtain and electronically submit forms (e.g. W-9s, bidder information sheets); • A help desk for tax collectors and bidders through the internet, e-mail, and at least one toll-free telephone number; • A dedicated telephone hotline available for use by tax collectors until the sale’s completion; • Web-based training, including online tutorials, for both bidders and municipal officials responsible for administering the sale; • A method by which bidders can practice bidding on the website; • Available in-person training for municipalities, including a working demonstration of the website and overall system; • Online display of winning bids immediately upon the auction’s completion; • Notification to winning bidders by e-mail at the bidder’s registered e-mail address; • Provision of the electronic transfer of information and data to and from the municipality, including access for the tax collector to remove and update the tax lien sale list in real time; • A transaction log for the tax collector to review all bid submissions and results, along with a detailed history of all funds transferred; and • A standard complaint procedure for both the municipality and bidders, with a complaint log maintained by the vendor and available for the municipality’s inspection.
