Get registered
How to register to bid in Alaska
- Where to register
- IRIS Vendor Self Service (VSS)
- Cost to register
- Free (no fee mentioned on official pages)
- Where Alaska posts bids
- aws.state.ak.us
Per the state's VSS "Create a New Account" guide:
- Go to iris-vss.alaska.gov and choose to register. VSS is available 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Alaska Time, seven days a week.
- Accept the terms and review the FAQ.
- Search for your business by Taxpayer ID or business name (individuals use last name and last 4 of SSN) so you don't create a duplicate.
- Create your user ID and password. Write them down.
- Open the verification email and use its link to continue registration.
- Log in, select your tax ID type and business classification, and verify identity.
- Add addresses (administrative, ordering, payment, billing) and email contacts.
- Select your commodity (NIGP) codes and business types.
- Review the summary and submit. The Division of Finance verifies it; record your new vendor code.
Prefer paper? You can instead send the State of Alaska Substitute W-9 to the Vendor Help Desk by email or fax.
What to have ready
- Legal business name and Taxpayer ID (FEIN/EIN; SSN or ITIN for individuals). The state runs an IRS TIN match against your legal name, so they must match exactly.
- A valid Alaska business license (required to be awarded a contract)
- Addresses: at minimum an active payment address and ordering address
- Email address(es) for state communications
- Commodity codes: Alaska uses NIGP codes; look yours up before starting
- Business classification (e.g., corporation, LLC, sole proprietor)
Read the full Alaska registration guide →
Federal bids in Alaska also need an active SAM.gov registration. How to register in SAM.gov
Common questions
Are there excavation and site work bids open in Alaska right now?
Yes. There are 4 open excavation and site work bids in Alaska right now, from federal, state and local buyers. New ones are added every morning.
How do I get new excavation and site work bids in Alaska by email?
Set up a free FindMyBids alert with your trade and state. It takes under a minute and needs no credit card.
What do I need to bid on Alaska excavation and site work contracts?
For state bids, register with IRIS Vendor Self Service (VSS) (Free (no fee mentioned on official pages)). For federal bids, register in SAM.gov (free). Many bids also ask for specific licenses, insurance limits or bonds; FindMyBids' readiness check flags those before you bid.
