How to Register as a Vendor in Michigan

What it's for

SIGMA VSS is where Michigan state agencies post bids and grant opportunities. It is also where vendors keep the record the state uses to pay them. A free VSS account lets you respond to bids online, and it is the only way to get the state's email notices about new bids.

Have this ready

• Taxpayer ID: your EIN, or your SSN if you are an individual or sole proprietor
• Legal business name and entity type as shown on your IRS W-9
• Your tax address (it must match your W-9), plus any separate ordering, payment or billing addresses
• Primary contact name, phone and email
• Commodity codes for what you sell, and your business types
• Optional: EFT/bank information for direct deposit, and any attachments

Steps

1. Open SIGMA VSS and sign up for a user ID and password. Verify your email address.
2. Search to see whether your business already has a vendor record. Businesses that have been paid by the state before may already have one.
3. Enter your account information: organization type (company or individual), TIN, and tax address.
4. Add your primary address and any other addresses.
5. Under business information, add your commodity codes and business types (and any discount terms).
6. Check the summary page.
7. Accept the W-9 certification (a statement signed under penalty of perjury).
8. Submit. The confirmation page shows your vendor code. Save it.

After you register

• New bids are matched to the commodity codes and email addresses in your profile. The state says this is "the only way to be notified of state bid opportunities," so add every code that fits.
• Log in to keep your contacts, addresses and banking up to date. Payments and 1099s use this record.
• For help, contact SIGMA VSS Support at SIGMA-Vendor@Michigan.gov or 517-284-0540.

Watch out for

• Registration is free. Ignore any paid "Michigan vendor registration" service. You can do this yourself on sigma.michigan.gov.
• DTMB building construction bids are also posted in SIGMA VSS. MDOT road and bridge lettings are separate: MDOT runs its own bid letting and contractor prequalification process (michigan.gov/mdot, Bid Letting).
• Universities, cities and counties in Michigan run their own purchasing. A SIGMA account covers state agencies only.
• If you sell food, you may need a separate license from the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD).

Sources

• www.michigan.gov/dtmb/procurement/contractconnect/how-to-register
• www.michigan.gov/budget/-/media/Project/Websites/budget/Offices/SIGMA/Guides/Registrat
• www.michigan.gov/budget/budget-offices/sigma/sigma-users/vendors
• www.michigan.gov/mdot/business/contractors/bid-letting

FindMyBids isn't affiliated with any government agency. Registration is free or low cost on official sites; you don't need to pay a third party. Always follow the official portal's instructions.