How to Register as a Vendor in Arkansas

What it's for

In 2026 Arkansas moved state purchasing to SAP Ariba. The state calls the Ariba Business Network Portal "the official system for businesses and individuals to register as suppliers with the state." New formal solicitations of $75,000+ are run in Ariba; the old ARBuy system only finishes solicitations already in progress. Once approved you receive an AASIS vendor number.

Have this ready

• Legal name exactly as on your IRS tax documents
• Entity type and tax ID: EIN (corporation/business) or SSN (individual)
• A signed W-9 ("a W-9 with a signature is required during the registration process")
• Primary address for purchase orders, business phone, primary contact, email
• Bank information (collected in the registration questionnaire)
• The products/services categories you want bid notices for

Steps

Per the state's supplier Quick Reference Guide:

1. Open the Arkansas Supplier Self-Registration Request form (link above). Fill in required fields: why you're registering, entity type, IRS name, address, phone, and contact.
2. Wait for review. The supplier management team approves or declines the request.
3. When approved, you'll get an email invitation. Use it to create your SAP Business Network account (confirm email, enter a one-time password that's valid for 30 minutes, enter company legal name and address, create admin login, add product/service categories).
4. A second email link opens the Supplier Registration Questionnaire. Complete business type, contacts, EIN/SSN, W-9 upload, bank info, and vendor classification.
5. Individuals (SSN) also get an access code to verify identity and banking through a separate secure step.
6. After approval, choose the commodities/services you want notices for, then respond to events in Ariba.

Already registered before July 11, 2026? The state says you need to register in Ariba to update your account, respond to solicitations, or keep current contracts.

After you register

• Pick your notification categories so postings reach you by email.
• Update company details through the SAP Business Network (supplier.ariba.com).
• Help: Office of State Procurement, 501-682-HELP (4357), or (501) 324-9316.
• No renewal requirement was stated in the official FAQ.

Watch out for

• Construction and DOT are separate: state building construction is advertised through DSAS's Building Authority bid announcements, and ARDOT highway lettings post under ARDOT's "Currently Advertised Projects."
• Paid SAP Ariba upgrades: the standard account is free. You do not need a paid Ariba subscription to bid with the state.
• Name mismatches: your name must match IRS records or the W-9 check can fail.
• Paid third-party "registration services" are not needed.

Sources

• sas.arkansas.gov/procurement/vendor-resources/
• sas.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/SAP-Ariba-Supplier-FAQs.pdf
• sas.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/AR-Ariba_SLP-in-SAP-Ariba-for-Suppliers_SUP_QRG_01
• sas.arkansas.gov/procurement/arbuy-2/vendors-2/bid-opportunities/
• ardot.gov/divisions/program-management/construction-contract-development/constr

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.