How to sell to Alabama government
Alabama splits vendor setup between two systems: Alabama Buys for bidding and state purchase orders, and STAARS Vendor Self Service for payees that do not need purchasing approval. Bids, proposals and contracts over $25,000 also need a state disclosure statement under Section 41-16-82.
Facts checked
Where Alabama posts bids
State agencies post on Alabama Buys.[1] Open solicitations are listed on Alabama Buys under Public Solicitations, and you must be registered there to respond.
Changed recently: ALDOT's DBE program is operating under the October 3, 2025 federal Interim Final Rule; existing DBEs must be reevaluated and new applicants must submit a personal narrative.[5]
Open bids in Alabama right now
BidRover is tracking 30 open bids in Alabama, from state agencies and local governments. Most common categories:
- Construction & facilities · 15
- General procurement · 3
- Utilities & telecommunications · 3
- Cloud & infrastructure · 2
- Environmental & energy · 2
- Agriculture & food · 1
- Architecture & engineering · 1
- Goods & supplies · 1
- Data Transmission And/Or Internet Access (E-Rate FY2027)Alabama, United States · Due Nov 20, 2026
- Data Transmission And/Or Internet Access (E-Rate FY2027)Alabama, United States · Due Nov 18, 2026
- ITB25273004; Juneau As-Needed Winter MaintenanceAlaska, United States · Due Oct 30, 2026
- Project Number 351039 - Modernize Elevator in Harder HallNew York, United States · Due Nov 21, 2026
- OASAS 26023- Caring Adult Gambling Prevention for Youth Toolkit DevelopmentUnited States · Due Nov 7, 2026
- Residential Sidewalk Repair ProgramAlabama, United States · Due Nov 7, 2026
Busiest buyers
- City of Mobile · 11 open bids
Get Alabama bids by email
How to register, step by step
- 01
Register on Alabama Buys Supplier Portal
Start registration. Cost: No fee listed by the State of Alabama. New vendors that need purchasing approval (state purchase orders) must register in Alabama Buys. Vendors only paid outside purchase orders (grants, reimbursements) may register in STAARS Vendor Self Service instead. Vendors once approved for purchasing were moved from STAARS to Alabama Buys and must update their record there.[2]
- 02
Have your Vendor disclosure statement
Section 41-16-82 requires a disclosure statement with bids, proposals and contracts over $25,000; on competitive bids only the winner files it, within 10 days of award.[3]
- 03
Have your STAARS Vendor Self Service account (payment-only vendors)
- 04
Choose your commodity codes
Notifications are sent by the codes in your vendor profile. Pick every code that describes your work, and revisit them when you add a service.
- 05
Get certified if you qualify
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) - Alabama Unified Certification Program, through the Alabama Department of Transportation. Federal-aid transportation program; applicants submit the Uniform Certification Application, a Personal Net Worth Statement and a personal narrative of disadvantage.[5]
- 06
Watch the other buyers
Cities, counties and authorities in Alabama post separately. BidRover reads 3 Alabama sources, listed below, in one search.
What you will typically need
Exact requirements vary by portal; the registration page linked above is the authority. Most ask for:
- Your legal business name and address exactly as registered with the state, and your federal tax ID (EIN, or SSN for some sole proprietors).
- A signed IRS Form W-9, which most buyers collect before they can pay you.
- Commodity codes (NIGP, UNSPSC or NAICS, depending on the portal) for every product and service you sell.
- A contact who will receive bid notices, plus any business license or registration the jurisdiction requires.
- Certificates of insurance and, for construction, bonding capacity: these are usually requested per bid rather than at registration.
Certification programs
| Program | Certifying office | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) - Alabama Unified Certification Program | Alabama Department of Transportation | Federal-aid transportation program; applicants submit the Uniform Certification Application, a Personal Net Worth Statement and a personal narrative of disadvantage. |
Tips
- A STAARS registration does not cover bidding; vendors who need state purchase orders must be in Alabama Buys.
- The name on your EFT bank account must match your legal name in STAARS or Alabama Buys exactly.
Alabama sources BidRover reads
- City of Mobile Open Bids · City of Mobile departments
- Mobile County Open Bids · Mobile County Commission departments
- City of Opelika Bid Postings · City of Opelika
Related guides
Questions
Where does Alabama post government bids?
State agencies post on Alabama Buys (https://alabamabuys.gov). Many cities, counties and authorities in Alabama post on their own sites as well, so check the ones you want to sell to.
How do I register as a vendor with Alabama?
Register through Alabama Buys Supplier Portal (https://alabamabuys.gov/page.aspx/en/sup/registration_extranet_manage). Cost: No fee listed by the State of Alabama. New vendors that need purchasing approval (state purchase orders) must register in Alabama Buys. Vendors only paid outside purchase orders (grants, reimbursements) may register in STAARS Vendor Self Service instead. Vendors once approved for purchasing were moved from STAARS to Alabama Buys and must update their record there.
What do I need before registering with Alabama?
Vendor disclosure statement: Section 41-16-82 requires a disclosure statement with bids, proposals and contracts over $25,000; on competitive bids only the winner files it, within 10 days of award. STAARS Vendor Self Service account (payment-only vendors):
Does Alabama certify small or diverse businesses?
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) - Alabama Unified Certification Program (Alabama Department of Transportation): Federal-aid transportation program; applicants submit the Uniform Certification Application, a Personal Net Worth Statement and a personal narrative of disadvantage.