How to Register as a Vendor in Wisconsin

What it's for

Wisconsin's Department of Administration (DOA) says companies that want to do business with the state "must register on the eSupplier Portal for Bidders." Once you register and add NIGP codes, you get automatic emails for solicitations from state agencies and University of Wisconsin System campuses that match your codes, and you can submit responses online. VendorNet is still the free public place to browse bids.

Have this ready

• An email address you check
• Company information: legal name, address, and contacts
• FEIN/EIN (or SSN for a sole proprietor) and a W-9 for when you're awarded work and need to be paid. The DOA bidder materials don't list these as registration fields.
• NIGP codes for "the services and commodity areas your company is interested in providing" (you need at least one)

Steps

1. Go to eSupplier (portal_url above). DOA also links a short bidder registration video.
2. Create a WAMS username and password (Wisconsin's state login) using the link below the sign-in button.
3. Sign in to eSupplier with your WAMS login.
4. Choose Register and fill out the registration form with your company information.
5. Add your NIGP codes so you get notices.
6. To bid, open the solicitation while signed in. The FAQ says the response button only appears for registered, signed-in users.

If you were registered on the old VendorNet system, use the same email when you register on eSupplier. DOA says your previous NIGP codes will carry over if your account was active at the time of the move.

After you register

• You'll get "automatic notifications by email for any solicitations issued by State agencies and University of Wisconsin System campuses" that match your codes.
• Keep your NIGP codes and contacts up to date in eSupplier. DOA doesn't publish a renewal or expiration schedule.
• Help: STAR Support (STARSupport@wisconsin.gov, 844-947-7827) for login problems, and the State Bureau of Procurement (DOAWisPro@wisconsin.gov, 608-264-7897) for bidding questions.

Watch out for

• Two systems: state agencies now use eSupplier, but UW campuses and municipalities still post on VendorNet. Check VendorNet even after you register.
• Construction is separate: state building projects (DOA's facilities division) are bid through WisBuild ("DOA Projects Out for Bid"). WisDOT highway lettings are posted separately by WisDOT. We haven't re-verified the current URLs for either.
• Registration is free. You don't need a paid service to register or get notices.

Certifications and bid preferences in Wisconsin

• Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program (MBE, WBE and DVB certification, Department of Administration)

Standard bid forms for Wisconsin

These are the forms bidders are most often asked to sign or attach on Wisconsin 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.wi.gov/Pages/StateEmployees/SBOP-Vendors.aspx
• doa.wi.gov/Documents/DEO/VendorNet%20to%20eSupplier%20Flyer%20+%20Instructions.p
• doa.wi.gov/Documents/DEO/eSupplierBidderFAQs.pdf
• doa.wi.gov/DEO/VNUserGuide-Public.pdf

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.