Doing Business in States

Doing Business & Procurement in the 50 States—Important URLs


Alaska
General:  http://www.state.ak.us/local/businessHome.html
Procurement:  http://www.state.ak.us/local/akpages/ADMIN/dgs/home.htm
Vendor Application: http://www.state.ak.us/local/akpages/ADMIN/dgs/purchasing/vendorappDL.htm

Alabama
General:  http://www.alabama.gov/portal/secondary.jsp?page=Business
Procurement and Vendor Information:  http://www.alabama.gov/portal/secondary.jsp?page=Business_Procurement
Vendor Registration: http://www.alabamainteractive.org/alabamainteractive_shell/Welcome.do?url=http://purchasing.alabama.gov/
Note:  Vendors must register with the State of Alabama in order to receive solicitations to bid.

Arkansas
General:  http://www.arkansas.gov/dfa/dfa_business.html
Vendor Services:  https://www.ark.org/vendor/index.html
Note:  All vendors, either new or previously registered in Arkansas, must register online to access AR Vendor Services.

Arizona
General:  http://az.gov/webapp/portal/topic.jsp?id=1158
Procurement:  http://www.azdoa.gov/spo/
Resources:  http://azdoa.gov/spo/business-resources-1
Note:  The State of Arizona maintains a comprehensive mailing list of bidders, and welcomes the opportunity to list additional businesses that will actively compete for state business.

California
General:  http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/bpd_links.htm
Department of Consumer Affairs:  http://www.dca.ca.gov/
Business Entities Fees:  http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/bpd_forms.htm#be
Note:  There are many variables in doing business in California, including type of business, licensing, legal considerations, etc. Review contact list.

Colorado
General:  http://www.colorado.gov/archive/20080527/colorado-doing-business/do-business-with-state.html
State Purchasing Office:  http://www.colorado.gov/dpa/dfp/spo/index.htm?opendocument
Vendor Registration:  https://www.gssa.state.co.us/Companies.nsf/RH?OpenForm
Vendor Resources:  http://www.gssa.state.co.us/VenResources
Note:  Vendors who would like to sell goods and services to the state should register for the Bid Information and Distribution System (BIDS). Vendors can review all competitive purchases conducted by state agencies, institutions, and colleges on the state's Internet web site, and registered BIDS vendors can review and download the Invitations for Bids (IFB), Requests for Proposals (RFP), and Documented Quotes (DQ) directly from this site. www.gssa.state.co.us.

Connecticut
General:  http://www.ct.gov/ctportal/taxonomy/ct_taxonomy.asp?DLN=27187&ctportalNav=|27187|
Vendor Registration:  http://www.das.state.ct.us/procurement.asp?ctportalPNavCtr=|27193|#27624
Note:  Connecticut does not have any registration requirements in order for a company to participate in the competitive procurement process, except for those contracts which have been set-aside for certified Connecticut small and minority business enterprises, and public construction contracts exceeding $500,000.

Delaware
General:  http://delaware.gov/egov/portal.nsf/portal/doingbusiness
Government Support Services:  http://gss.omb.delaware.gov/default.shtml
Vendor Registration:  http://gss.omb.delaware.gov/contracting/vendorap.shtml
Selling to the State Guide:  http://gss.omb.delaware.gov/contracting/index.shtml
Note 1:  Government Support Services registers vendors for contracts administered by the Contracting unit. Registration is free.
Note 2: Many State Agencies and Delaware Government organizations release RFIs, ITBs, and RFPs that relate to their specific needs--the process is decentralized except Statewide purchasing, which is handled by the Government Support Services (OMB) team. The Department of Education is one of the agencies.

District of Columbia
General:  http://brc.dc.gov/index.asp
Procurement:  http://ocp.dc.gov/ocp/site/default.asp
Vendor Registration:  http://ocp.dc.gov/ocp/cwp/view,a,1297,q,640664.asp
Note:  Vendors seeking to compete for contracting opportunities issued by the Government of the District of Columbia are required to register with the Office of Contracting and Procurement.

Florida
General:  http://www.stateofflorida.com/portal/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=8
MyFloridaMarketPlace:  http://dms.myflorida.com/mfmp  (buyer & vendor information)
Vendor Registration:  http://dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/myflorida_marketplace/mfmp_vendors
Note:  Whether your corporation is a for-profit company or a nonprofit entity, you will need to register this with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. If you already have an out-of-state corporation and plan on using your corporate name in Florida, you must also complete a Florida registration process. Other types of business entities, including sole proprietorships, LLC's (Limited Liability Company) and fictitious names, must also be registered in order to conduct their business activities in Florida.

Georgia
General:  http://www.georgia.gov/00/channel_title/0,2094,4802_5035,00.html
State Purchasing:  http://statepurchasing.doas.georgia.gov/00/channel_modifieddate/0,2096,35226973_35230779,00.html
Vendor Registration: http://statepurchasing.doas.georgia.gov/00/channel_title/0,2094,35226973_128405011,00.html
Note:  To become a vendor to the state, businesses must register with the state before they can enter bids for certain state accounts. Team Georgia Marketplace has replaced the Vendor Registration System. The State of Georgia obtains supplier names for sourcing event invitations from Team Georgia Marketplace.

Hawaii
General:  http://hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/breg  (Business Registration Division)  or http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/business/
Registering a Business:  http://hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/breg/registration/
State Procurement Office:  http://hawaii.gov/spo
Information for Vendors:  http://hawaii.gov/spo/doing-business-with-the-state/doing-business-with-the-state-information-for-vendors/view
Vendor Registration:  http://hawaii.gov/spo/eprocurement/heps  (Vendor Guide also available)
Note:  In Hawaii, corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and limited liability partnerships are registered with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division (BREG).

Iowa
General:  http://regassist.iowa.gov/business_with_state/index.html
Procurement:  http://das.gse.iowa.gov/procurement/howto.html
Vendor Registration:  http://das.gse.iowa.gov/procurement/vendor_reg.html
Note:  The state of Iowa offers many opportunities for vendors to supply goods and services to fulfill state contract needs. They provide opportunities for certain Iowa non-profits, local government agencies and schools to take advantage of purchasing economies through buying through state contracts.

Idaho
General:  http://www.idahobizhelp.org/bus_assist.htm
Vendor Guide to Doing Business in the State:  http://adm.idaho.gov/purchasing/ManualsForms/VendorGuide.pdf
Vendor Registration:  http://www.sicomm.net   (Click on Vendor Registration)
Note:  The Idaho Division of Purchasing posts business opportunities on the Internet utilizing a third party contractor, SicommNet. Some state agencies are also using this system and its use is expanding. Use of this Internet-based system allows vendors to respond to solicitations online or download non-interactive bids or proposals.

Illinois
General:  http://business.illinois.gov/
Selling to Illinois:  http://sell2.illinois.gov/
Vendor Registration:  http://sell2.illinois.gov/Registration_Certification.cfm

Indiana
General:  http://www.in.gov/core/information_business.htm
Procurement:  http://www.in.gov/idoa/2354.htm
Vendors & Lobbyists: http://www.in.gov/core/vendors_lobbyists.htm
Bidder Registration:  http://www.in.gov/idoa/2464.htm
Vendor Handbook:  http://www.in.gov/idoa/files/vendor_handbook.pdf
Note:  The Bidder registration database is set up for vendors to register if interested in selling a product or service to the State of Indiana. You may register on-line at no cost to become a Bidder with the State of Indiana. Vendors do need to be registered to bid on and receive email notifications. Completion of the Bidder registration will result in your name being added to the Bidder’s Database, for email notification. The Bidder registration requires some general business information, an indication of the types of goods and services you can offer the State of Indiana, and locations(s) within the state that you can supply or service. (see Appendix A for completion instructions) There is no fee to register in Procurement Division’s Bidder Database.

Kansas
General:  http://www.kssos.org/business/business.html
Note:  It is recommended the vendor go to www.kssos.org and search on the statute “17-7303.” The statute provides a list of “doing business” that businesses do NOT have to register.  Then go to Filing & Forms, select Business Entities, and select the type of business you are to investigate specific rules. There is no statewide vendor registration list; however, it was suggested the vendor contact the local business department in case there are specific regulations or local lists.

Kentucky
General:  http://finance.ky.gov/business/
eProcurement:  http://eprocurement.ky.gov/
eMars Vendor Self Service Application:  https://emars.ky.gov/online/vss/Advantage

Louisiana
General:  http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/tabid/94/Default.aspx
GeauxBiz:  http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/tabid/98/Default.aspx
To Request a Business Checklist: http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/Portals/0/NewBusinessChecklist.pdf
Note:  Vendors interested in doing business in the state must request a check list in order to locate the appropriate state and local regulations for doing business.

Massachusetts
General:  http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=mg2topic&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Business&L2=Getting+Started&sid=massgov2
To register a business:  http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cor
Selling to State Information:  http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=osdhomepage&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Aosd
Note 1:  Different departments have different responsibilities. Local governments and a variety of state agencies regulate businesses, professions and specific business activities. Some regulations and licensing requirements are established by state law, but administered at the local level.
Note 2:  There is, in fact, no bid list. To become a seller on a Statewide Contract, go to "Get on a Statewide Contract." You may also purchase the Comm-PASS Subscription Service in order to be notified via e-mail whenever a Request for Response (RFR) in your area of business is posted. This service will ensure you don't miss any opportunity for doing business with the state.

Maryland
General:  http://www.choosemaryland.org/businessinmd/businmdindex.html
State Procurement FAQs:  http://www.choosemaryland.org/AboutDBED/statecontracting/ProcurementFAQs.html
eMarylandMarketplace:  https://ebidmarketplace.com/
County Economic Development Offices: http://www.choosemaryland.org/AboutDBED/Contacts/countyedoffices/CountyEDOfficesIndex.html
Note:  Each county maintains its own economic development office to address the needs of businesses in that specific county. Review each county’s website for detailed information.

Maine
General:  http://www.maine.gov/purchases/vendorinfo/doingbusiness.html
Procurement & Vendor Information:  http://www.maine.gov/portal/business/vendors.html
Vendor Self Service (VSS) Registration:  http://www.maine.gov/purchases/vendorinfo/vss.htm
Note:  The Vendor Self Service (VSS) portal provides vendors with a single entry point to register, identify the commodities/services that their company provides, scan for opportunities and respond to solicitations using the web. Once a vendor registers, it will receive email confirmation for a new bid, cancelled solicitation, amendment, or notification of award.

Michigan
General:  http://www.michigan.gov/buymichiganfirst/ (BuyMichiganFirst)
Purchasing Programs & Current Opportunities:  http://www.michigan.gov/buymichiganfirst/
Vendor Registration:  http://www.michigan.gov/buymichiganfirst/0,1607,7-225-48677-183750--,00.html
Note:  Governor Jennifer M. Granholm initiated Buy Michigan First to encourage Michigan businesses, including underrepresented vendor groups, to register with the State as vendors and bid on more than 1,200 contract opportunities valued at over $19 billion. 

Minnesota
General:  http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=3
Starting a Business:  http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=92
Materials Management Division:  http://www.mmd.admin.state.mn.us/
Vendor Registration:  https://www.mmd.admin.state.mn.us/webven/
Vendor FAQ:  http://www.mmd.admin.state.mn.us/faqsforvendors.htm

Missouri
General:  http://www.missouribusiness.net/startup/startup_doing_business.asp
Procurement:  http://www.missouribusiness.net/ptac/links.asp
Vendor Registration:  http://www.missouribusiness.net/docs/license_permits.asp
Note:  Businesses that wish to sell their product or service to state government agencies, must register with the Office of Administration, Division of Purchasing as a state vendor. Contact the Division of Purchasing at (573) 751-2387 and request a "Vendor's Registration Packet." You will need to indicate if you wish to sell a product or provide a service.

Mississippi
General:  http://www.dfa.state.ms.us/Purchasing/VendorInformation.html
Vendor Registration WebProcure:  http://webprocure.tier.com/
Vendor Guide:  http://www.dfa.state.ms.us/Purchasing/VendorInformation/VendorGuide.pdf
Note:  The State of Mississippi does not have centralized purchasing. Each state agency or institution has its own purchasing office. The Vendor Guide should be used as a reference manual and should not be considered all inclusive.

Montana
General:  http://mt.gov/business.asp  and http://business.mt.gov/
One Stop Vendor Information - http://vendor.mt.gov/default.asp
Vendor Registration:  http://app.mt.gov/bl/index/welcome
Note:  The new Vendor List provides an online registration process that allows vendors to input and maintain their own company information in a few simple steps. Placement on this vendor list is free of charge.

North Carolina
General:  http://www.ncgov.com/2,2,North_Carolina_A_better_place_to_do_business,North_Carolina_A_better_place_to_do_business.html
Purchase and Contracting:  http://www.doa.state.nc.us/pandc/
Vendor Link NC:  http://www.doa.state.nc.us/pandc/VendorLinkNC.htm
Vendor Registration:  http://www.doa.state.nc.us/pandc/VendorLink-Registration.htm

North Dakota
General:  http://www.nd.gov/businessreg/government/index.html
Procurement:  http://www.nd.gov/spo/vendor/registry/
Bidder Registration:  http://www.nd.gov/spo/vendor/registry/forms/bidlistvendor/index.html
Note:  If you intend to buy from, sell to, or do business with the State of North Dakota you need to register with the State Procurement Office.

Nebraska
General:  https://www.nebraska.gov/osbr/cgi/domestic.cgi?/OSBRApplication/init/init/None
Procurement:  https://www.nebraska.gov/osbr/cgi/domestic.cgi?/OSBRApplication/init/init/None
Purchasing: http://www.das.state.ne.us/materiel/purchasing/vendorinfo.htm
Vendor Registration:  http://www.das.state.ne.us/materiel/purchasing/vendorinfo.htm
Vendor Manual:  http://www.das.state.ne.us/materiel/purchasing/vendorinfo.htm
Note:  It is not required that a vendor be registered with State Purchasing to do business with the State of Nebraska, although if a company is not on their mailing list they may not receive all information regarding bid opportunities.

New Hampshire
General:  http://www.nh.gov/business/doingbusiness.html
Vendor Resource Center:  http://www.admin.state.nh.us/purchasing/vendorresources.asp
Vendor Registration:  http://www.admin.state.nh.us/purchasing/vendor.asp
Bureau of Purchase and Property:  http://www.admin.state.nh.us/purchasing/index2.asp
Note:  All Bidders must have a completed Vendor Application and Alternate W-9 Form which must be on file with the NH Bureau of Purchase and Property.  To become an authorized vendor to the State of New Hampshire, you need to register by filling out a "Vendor Application" package.

New Jersey
General:  http://www.nj.gov/njbusiness/
Registering a Business:  http://www.nj.gov/njbusiness/registration/
Doing Business in New Jersey Guidebook:  http://www.state.nj.us/njbusiness/small/operations/guidebook.shtml

New Mexico
General:  http://www.state.nm.us/spd/spd_how.html
State Purchasing Division:  http://www.generalservices.state.nm.us/spd/index.html
Registering for the Bid List:  http://www.generalservices.state.nm.us/spd/spd_bid.html
Vendor Application:  http://www.generalservices.state.nm.us/spd/vendapp.pdf
Note:  One of the first steps a vendor who is interested in doing business with the State of New Mexico should take is, register with the Office of State Purchasing, those commodities or services in which you wish to be considered for contract award(s) and paying the necessary registration fee.  By registering and paying the fee you will automatically receive notification of available Invitations for Bid/Proposals as this office receives them from the using agencies.

Nevada
General:  http://www.nv.gov/new_DoingBusiness.htm
Purchasing:  http://purchasing.state.nv.us/
Vendor Information:  http://purchasing.state.nv.us/vendor_information.htm
Vendor Registration:  http://purchasing.state.nv.us/Vendor_Registration.htm
Note:  Effective immediately vendors will be receiving bid notifications via e-mail. 

New York
General:  http://www.nysegov.com/citGuide.cfm?superCat=28
Procurement:  http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/psg/defaultitpur.html
Vendor Registration for Bidder Notification:  http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/ovr/VendorRegistration.asp

Ohio
General:  http://www.ohio.gov/business.stm
Procurement:  http://www.procure.ohio.gov/proc/sellingtostate.asp
Vendor Registration:  https://bidderreg.das.ohio.gov/omnicom/scripts/omnicomweb.dll
Note:  As a Bidder, can pick up bids without registering in the Bidder Database. However, there is also an opportunity to register as a Bidder at any time. As commodities or services the vendor has registered for are advertised, the bids will send a courtesy e-mail alerting the vendor of the advertisement.

Oklahoma
General:  http://www.ok.gov/1350/3554/1518/
State Procurement and Vendor Information:  http://www.ok.gov/1350/3554/1641/
Vendor Registration:  http://www.ok.gov/launch.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcs.state.ok.us%2FOKDCS.NSF%2Fhtmlmedia%2Fcentral_purchasing.html
Note:  The Purchasing Division of the Department of Central Services performs procurement functions and provides oversight of state agencies' procurement activities as defined by the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act (74 O. S. §85.1, et seq.) Vendor registration is voluntary but recommended.

Oregon
General:  http://econ.oregon.gov/
Procurement:  http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/SSD/SPO/index.shtml
Supplier Registration:  http://orpin.oregon.gov/open.dll/welcome
Supplier Guide to Registration:  http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/SSD/SPO/docs/Supplier_Guide.pdf

Pennsylvania
General:  http://www.paopen4business.state.pa.us/paofb/site/default.asp
Online Business Registration: http://www.paopen4business.state.pa.us/paofb/cwp/view.asp?a=3&Q=441248&paofbNav=|
Procurement:  http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=1271&mode=2
Supplier Dashboard:  PAeMarketplace:  http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=1486&&SortOrder=10&level=3&parentid=1271&css=L3&mode=2&in_hi_userid=2&cached=true or
http://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/

Rhode Island
General:  http://www.ri.gov/business/index.php?subcategory=21
Vendor and Procurement Information:  http://www.ri.gov/business/index.php?subcategory=21&linkgroup=91
Vendor Registration:  http://www.purchasing.ri.gov/RIVIP/Home.asp
Note:  The State of Rhode Island has implemented a new electronic purchasing system (RI-FANS.)

South Carolina
General:  http://www.sc.gov/Portal/Category/DOINGBUSINESS
Procurement:  http://www.procurement.sc.gov/
Vendor Registration:  https://webprod.cio.sc.gov/SCVendorWeb/mainNewFrame.do
Vendor Registration Guide:  http://www.procurement.sc.gov/sceis/VendorRegistrationManual.pdf

South Dakota
General:  http://www.state.sd.us/boa/opm/
Procurement:  http://www.state.sd.us/boa/opm/
Vendor Information:  http://www.state.sd.us/boa/opm/vendor_info.htm
Bidder Registration:  http://www.state.sd.us/boa/opm/register_to_bid_online.htm

Tennessee
General:  http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/business.html
Purchasing Division:  http://www.tennessee.gov/generalserv/purchasing/dobuis.htm
Online Vendor Registration:  https://regtnvendors.state.tn.us/agreement.aspx?strUserAdmin=New
Download Vendor Registration:  http://www.tennessee.gov/generalserv/purchasing/vendreg.htm
Note:  Each bidder is required to complete a bidder's application form to register to do business with the State and get on a specific bid list. Once your company is registered through the Purchasing Division, your company is placed on the Tennessee On-Line Purchasing System (TOPS), and is registered to do business with all state agencies for goods and services.

Texas
General:  http://www.business.texasonline.com/?language=eng
Selling to Texas:  http://www.texasonline.com/portal/tol/en/bus/5/2
Vendor Registration:  https://cmblreg.cpa.state.tx.us/login_cmbl_only.cfm
Note:  Vendors are no longer required to be approved as CISV to provide Information Technology/Information System (IT/IS) products or services to the State of Texas. Vendors are encouraged to maintain active status on the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) for receipt of bid opportunities.

Utah
General:  http://business.utah.gov/business/
Division of Purchasing and General Services:  http://purchasing.utah.gov/
Vendor /Bid Notification Registration:  http://purchasing.utah.gov/vendor/bid.html
Vendor Guide:  http://purchasing.utah.gov/vendor/documents/Vendorgd.pdf

Virginia
General:  http://www.scc.virginia.gov/division/clk/brg.htm
Division of Purchases and Supply: http://dgs.virginia.gov/DivisionofPurchasesandSupply/DPS/tabid/418/Default.aspx
Vendor Information:  http://dgs.virginia.gov/DivisionofPurchasesandSupply/Vendors/tabid/420/Default.aspx
eVA Registration:  http://www.eva.virginia.gov/vendors/index.htm

Vermont
General:  http://www.vermont.gov/doing_business/business.html
Doing Business in VT:  http://www.vermont.gov/portal/business/index.php?id=92
Office of Purchasing and Contracting:  http://bgs.vermont.gov/purchasing
Bid Information:  http://bgs.vermont.gov/purchasing/bids
Note:  There is no specific vendor information; however, you must register to do business in the state prior to bidding on any contracts.

Washington
General:  http://access.wa.gov/business/index.aspx
Doing Business in the State:  http://www.ga.wa.gov/business/
Vendor Registration:  https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/webs/
Registration for WEBS:  http://www.ga.wa.gov/business/register.htm  (online notification)

Wisconsin
General:  http://www.wisconsin.gov/state/core/business.html
Procurement:  http://vendornet.state.wi.us/vendornet/default.asp
VendorNet System:  http://vendornet.state.wi.us/vendornet/
VendorNet Registration:  http://vendornet.state.wi.us/vendornet/asp/reginfo.asp
Vendor Guide:  http://vendornet.state.wi.us/vendornet/vguide/index.asp
Note:  Registration on VendorNet gives you access to all the general procurement information and procedures, including how to contact state agency procurement staff, a summary of state purchasing, certified work centers, minority business enterprises (MBEs), recycling and affirmative action programs.

West Virginia
General:  http://webapps.wv.gov/sec.aspx?pgID=1
Purchasing:  http://www.state.wv.us/admin/purchase/
Vendor Registration:  http://www.state.wv.us/admin/purchase/VRC/Pforms.htm  (multiple forms)
Vendor Resource Center:  http://www.state.wv.us/admin/purchase/vrc/default.htm

Wyoming
General:  http://wyoming.gov/business.asp
Procurement:  http://ai.state.wy.us/generalservices/Procurement/index.asp
Bidder Application Form:  http://ai.state.wy.us/generalservices/Procurement/docs/bid.pdf
Vendor Guide:  http://ai.state.wy.us/generalservices/Procurement/vendors_guide.asp