Alabama uses two systems for vendor registration and procurement. To do business with the state, you must register in both.

Step 1: Register in STAARS (Required)

STAARS (State of Alabama Accounting and Resource System) is the state’s core financial system. All vendor interactions — solicitations, purchase orders, payments, and receipts — flow through STAARS.

• STAARS Vendor Information Portal — start here for registration overview and instructions
• STAARS Vendor Self Service (VSS) Portal — register your account, subscribe to bid notifications, and view transactions

For registration assistance, contact the STAARS Help Desk at (334) 353-9000 or email financialsystems@comptroller.alabama.gov.

Step 2: Register in Alabama Buys (Required)

Alabama Buys is the state’s eProcurement platform. This is where you respond to bid opportunities, submit quotes, and manage your vendor profile in a paperless environment.

• Alabama Buys Portal — register, browse solicitations, and submit bids

Important: New vendors must register in Alabama Buys. Vendor profile changes for Alabama Buys vendors must be made directly in Alabama Buys — changes cannot be made through STAARS for Alabama Buys vendors.

What You Will Need to Register

• FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number) — your business tax ID. Learn more about FEIN/EIN
• UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) — obtained through SAM.gov. This replaced the old DUNS number. Learn more about UEI
• CAGE Code — assigned when you register in SAM.gov. Learn more about CAGE codes
• Business legal name — must match the name associated with your taxpayer identification number exactly
• Contact information — business address, phone, email, and authorized contacts

Out-of-State Businesses

Alabama law requires that out-of-state (foreign) corporations obtain a certificate of authority from the Alabama Secretary of State, Corporation Division before transacting business in the state. You may begin vendor registration without this certificate, but you cannot transact business until it is obtained. Contact the Corporation Division at (334) 242-5324.

Small Business & Minority Programs

Alabama has set-aside programs for qualifying businesses:

• Small Business — fewer than 50 employees or gross receipts under $1,000,000
• Minority & Women-Owned — at least 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, with management and daily operations controlled by those individuals
• The Alabama SBDC Government Procurement Program offers free assistance to small businesses pursuing government contracts

Important Alabama Procurement Links

• Alabama Department of Finance — Division of Purchasing (Home Page)
• STAARS Vendor Information
• STAARS Vendor Self Service Portal
• Alabama Buys (eProcurement Portal)
• Alabama Qualified Materials, Sources, and Devices (QPL)
• ALDOT Procurement of Supplies and Services
• Alabama SBDC — Government Marketing & Procurement Assistance

Contact Information

Division of Purchasing
RSA Union Building
P.O. Box 302620
Montgomery, AL 36130-2620
Phone: (334) 242-4284

Last updated: April 2026. Links and requirements are verified periodically. If you find a broken link, please let us know.

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