XL EagleSTAARS VSS (Alabama STAARS Vendor Self Service)
STAARS VSS stands for Alabama STAARS Vendor Self Service. STAARS is the State of Alabama's accounting and resource system, and its Vendor Self Service (VSS) portal is where vendors register, update their information, and view procurement opportunities. Alabama says it only accepts bids from vendors with an active VSS account.
Bid notifications are tied to NIGP commodity codes, so you will not get notices unless the right codes are on your account. Some sources also point vendors to a separate Alabama Buys system for certain solicitations, so check each solicitation for where to respond.
Why it matters to a small contractor
Register in STAARS VSS before you bid on Alabama state work, and add every NIGP code you can honestly cover. Keep your registration summary, since it shows the vendor code used for payment.
Example
A small fencing contractor registers in STAARS VSS with fencing NIGP codes and receives a notice for fence repairs at a state facility. It reviews the solicitation to confirm where and how to submit.
STAARS VSS: common questions
Can I view Alabama bids without an account?
VSS offers a public access option to view opportunities. You need an active account to bid.
What is Alabama Buys?
It is another state procurement system that some sources say handles certain solicitations. The solicitation will say which system to use.
Want the contract without the paperwork? Send XL Eagle your price on an open government job. We write and submit the bid under our registrations, free to you. Find open jobs →