How to Register as a Vendor in Montana

What it's for

eMACS (Montana Acquisition & Contracting System) is the State Procurement Services Division's online bidding system, run on JAGGAER software. A basic Profile 1 registration "adds vendors to the vendor list." With it, you get notices of state bid opportunities and can respond online. You only need a fuller Profile 2 if you win a contract.

Have this ready

• Legal business name and federal tax ID. The state says the name and ID must match on every bid document.
• Company address, plus a contact name, email and phone
• The state commodity codes for what you sell. Montana publishes its code list on the eMACS Resources page. The official pages we checked don't say whether these are NIGP or UNSPSC codes.
• For Profile 2 (only after an award): payment and tax information and insurance information
• If you are claiming Montana resident preference: a Montana Resident Preference Affidavit. It must be on file before an award.

Steps

1. Before you start, make sure your company doesn't already have an eMACS account. The state warns against creating duplicates.
2. Go to vendorportal.mt.gov, or use the Vendor Portal link on DOA's eMACS Resources page.
3. Choose to register as a new supplier and complete the Profile 1 basic registration. That means company details, contacts and commodity codes. DOA's eMACS Resources page has a step-by-step guide.
4. Choose your commodity codes carefully. They decide which bid notices you get.
5. Submit, then watch your email for your login details and bid notices.
6. If you are awarded a contract, log back in and complete Profile 2 (payment, tax and insurance details). Contracts are signed through DocuSign.

After you register

• eMACS emails you about bids that match your commodity codes, and you can respond online.
• Keep your contacts and codes current in the Vendor Portal.
• If you are locked out, or you have duplicate accounts that need to be merged, call JAGGAER Customer Support at 1-800-233-1121 and follow the supplier menu options.
• SPSD publishes Annual Procurement Plans that list expected solicitations of $10,000 or more. Use them to plan ahead.
• The Montana APEX Accelerator offers free help with finding and bidding on government contracts.

Watch out for

• The Architecture & Engineering Division posts state building construction bids on its own page (architecture.mt.gov, Current Bid Opportunities), not in eMACS. MDT highway lettings, Fish Wildlife & Parks and the university system also post separately.
• The public events page sometimes shows a maintenance notice. If it does, try again later.
• You can register with the state yourself. You don't need a paid "registration service."
• If you are claiming resident preference, file the affidavit early. Without it on file, you won't get the preference.

Certifications and bid preferences in Montana

• Montana reciprocal resident preference (18-1-102, MCA) and Resident Preference Affidavit

Standard bid forms for Montana

These are the forms bidders are most often asked to sign or attach on Montana state bids. Each bid lists exactly which ones it needs, and many agencies attach their own copies, so always use the version in the bid documents when there is one.

Sources

• doa.mt.gov/SPSD/eMACS-Resources
• doa.mt.gov/SPSD/vendor-resources/
• dphhs.mt.gov/assets/RuralHealthTransformation/RHTPandeMACS-FAQs.pdf
• doa.mt.gov/_docs/spsd/eMACSResources/Commodity-Codes.pdf
• architecture.mt.gov/CURRENT-BID-OPPORTUNITIES

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.