The online help below will guide you through the process of activating your account. If you prefer printable instructions or more details, see the Training Guides and References.
You should have the following information on hand to complete your account activation:
• Information on each location of your company (the first location entered will be considered Headquarters)
• Tax ID Number (this can also be your SSN if you are an individual)
• Legal Business Name
• Contact Information (name, address, email, phone and fax) for the following:
– Account Administrator
– Ordering
– Payment
• Descriptions of your products and services (for example, commodity codes)
See the lists of Commodity Codes for Products and Services and Commodity Codes for Professional Services for more information.
1. Select Click here to activate your account.
2. Complete the information as appropriate for your account. Please note that the required fields (where you must enter information) are marked on the VSS pages with red asterisks. Refer to the following table for help with specific areas and fields where you may have questions.
VSS Page |
Steps and Tips |
Account Verification |
Use your Tax ID Number (TIN) to verify your account. (Your "Vendor Verification Password" is your TIN.) Select Submit. |
My User Information |
General Information Complete the fields as appropriate. Make sure to write your User ID down. You will need this to continue with activation of your account. Make sure to use a valid email address. The State of Alabama uses email addresses as the primary way to communicate with vendors. Password Passwords must be at least eight characters long and include at least one capital letter and at least one number. Passwords are case sensitive. You must remember your password in order to complete registration. |
Verify & Submit Registration |
Click Submit to activate your account. |
3. Log in to VSS using your user ID and password.
4. Review your account information. Use the Update button on the Business Info tab if you need to make any changes. See the following table for help.
VSS Tab |
Steps and Tips |
Summary |
This tab includes a summary of your VSS account. All of the information has been migrated from your previous account with the State of Alabama. Review this and make sure it is accurate. |
Business Info |
This tab includes a summary of the business information on your VSS account. Review this and make sure it is accurate. The Legal Address (1099) must be a physical address. If you update your EFT information, you must submit required documentation to satisfy security requirements. If you update your Legal Name, Legal Address, or 1099 TIN information, you must submit required documentation (see link above) as well as a signed copy of the substitute W9 certification form. Use the “W-9” link on the Business Info tab to access a form pre-filled with your account information. |
Addresses & Contacts |
This tab includes a summary of the addresses and contacts associated with your VSS account. These addresses are used for Payment, Ordering, and Billing. Review this and make sure it is accurate. The Assign/Create Addresses & Contacts button is used for creating new addresses for Billing, Ordering, or Payment or assigning current addresses for the same purposes. If you need to update a current address, use the View/Update link located to the right of the listed address in the Update Addresses section. Be sure the address ID you want to update corresponds to the address ID in the existing Address and Contact Assignments fields. |
Users |
This tab lists all users associated with the vendor account. Review this and make sure it is accurate. If you need to add a new user, use the Add button. In order to modify or view an existing user, use the View/Modify link listed next to each user’s information. |
Commodities |
This tab has all commodities listed for this account. In order to receive email notifications about any bids posted, you must be a paid subscribed vendor and be registered for the commodity codes. Use this page to browse the different commodity codes and add any necessary codes to your account. You will not receive notification of bids unless the appropriate commodity codes are associated with your account and an email address is listed on the Ordering Address Contact. The State of Alabama uses NIGP commodity codes. See the list of Commodity Codes for Products and Services and Commodity Codes for Professional Services for more information. |
Business Types |
This tab lists all business types associated with your VSS account. Use this list to associate your account with any appropriate business types. |
5. Once you have reviewed your account information and confirmed its accuracy, your activation is complete. Remember, if you updated your EFT information, you must submit required documentation to satisfy security requirements. If you updated your Legal Name, Legal Address, or 1099 TIN information, you must submit required documentation along with a signed copy of the substitute W9 certification form.
For information on using VSS to manage your account information, view your financial transactions, participate in bid opportunities, and perform other tasks, see the Vendor Self Service Guide.