Can I use money instead of a bid bond?

No, you typically cannot use cash instead of a bid bond. A bid bond is a specific type of surety bond that guarantees the contractor will enter into a contract if awarded the bid, whereas cash does not fulfill this legal requirement. However, some jurisdictions or projects may allow for alternative forms of security, so it's best to check the specific bidding requirements for your project. Always consult the bid documents or seek clarification from the issuing authority.