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Guides · Procurement

Selling to Alabama state agencies: STAARS and Alabama Buys

Vendors register in STAARS Vendor Self Service to do business with Alabama state agencies. Suppliers that need purchasing approval register through Alabama Buys.

By the Construction Alabama News desk · Reviewed Nov 13, 2026 · 1 min read

Alabama runs state purchasing through STAARS, the state's accounting and resource system. Vendors manage their records and see opportunities in STAARS Vendor Self Service (VSS).

Which portal

ALDOT's notice to vendors says vendors that do not need purchasing approval can register in STAARS VSS. Vendors that need purchasing approval register through Alabama Buys, the state's newer supplier portal.

Registering in VSS

  1. Create an account and verify your email.
  2. Enter your business name, tax ID (TIN) and contacts.
  3. Pick the commodity codes for what you sell or build; agencies use them to notify vendors.
  4. Submit a W-9 and any supporting documents the system asks for.

Construction work

State building projects are generally bid as public works, and a contractor's LBGC license and bonds still apply; see our licensing guide. Highway work is bid separately through ALDOT; see how to bid ALDOT contracts.

Summary for general information, reviewed 2026-11-13. Not legal advice; check the source before relying on a deadline or threshold.

More guides: Alabama general contractor licensing · How to bid ALDOT highway contracts · Alabama lien and payment bond deadlines · County hubs