Vendor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register as a vendor?
Vendors wishing to register to receive purchase orders, get public bidding invitations, or become a HUB Certified vendor for the state of North Carolina should complete the registration process through the NC electronic Vendor Portal (eVP). This registration allows companies to receive purchase orders from Entities using the NC eProcurement System.
A guide to registering for eVP can also be found on the vendor training page.
What are the different types of registration on the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP)?
Vendors may select multiple services during the eVP registration process. Registration begins on the eVP home page. Vendors must accept the Terms of Use for each service before they become fully registered in the system.
The services are:
- NC eProcurement - Vendors who choose this registration have indicated they would like to receive purchase orders from State Entities, Local Education Authorities (K-12 Schools Systems), Community Colleges, and participating Local Governments.
- Interactive Purchasing System (IPS) - Vendors can register to receive e-mail notifications of procurement and construction opportunities based on designated commodity/construction codes. Vendors will be able to designate contacts to receive these notifications, as well as Commodity and Construction Codes to indicate the type of procurement opportunities for which they would like to be notified. Vendors can still navigate directly to the IPS website to search for and view available bids.
- HUB Certification - Vendors must request certification through the electronic Vendor Portal if they wish to be certified as a Historically Underutilized Business. Certification as a HUB vendor provides greater exposure for business opportunities in state procurement and contracting. Vendors must request certification through eVP if they wish to be certified as a HUB with the State of North Carolina. To request HUB certification, a vendor must also register for IPS. More information on HUB certification can be found on the Historically Underutilized Businesses page.
Why do I need to keep my eVP account up to date?
In order to receive purchase orders (POs) and payments in a timely manner, it is important to keep your eVP registration information current. Be sure to regularly update account contacts, Order To and Remit To addresses, and phone numbers. You can access your account online at https://vendor.ncgov.com.
What are the Terms of Use for using NC eProcurement as a Vendor?
The Terms of Use can be accessed here:
What is a HUB certified vendor?
A Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) means that fifty-one percent of the business is owned by, and the day-to-day management and daily business operations are controlled by, someone who is one of the following:
- Black
- Hispanic
- Asian-American
- American Indian
- Female
- Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Person
- Disabled
Certification as a HUB vendor provides greater exposure for business opportunities in state procurement and contracting. The names of HUB firms are listed in the Vendor Link and electronic Vendor Portal which are both widely used by state agencies, universities, community colleges, local schools, local governments, and institutions.
Are there any fees associated with the electronic Vendor Portal?
There is no fee to register for eVP; however, there is a 1.75% transaction fee on applicable purchase orders issued through NC eProcurement for the sale of goods or materials. There is no transaction fee on the sale of services.
Where can I find out more about NC eProcurement, IPS, and HUB?
To find out more about NC eProcurement, Interactive Purchasing System (IPS), and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB), visit the eVP help site here or contact the NC eProcurement Helpdesk at 888-211-7440, option 2, or vendor@nc.gov.
The State said that vendors need to fill out a Substitute W-9, what is that?
As a condition of eligibility to receive payment from State agencies, each NC eProcurement vendor is required to submit a Substitute W-9 Form to the agency with which it is doing business. By completing this form, Vendors are ensuring that the state will be able to pay the Vendor through their financial systems.
Vendors are urged to review instructions for submitting this form that are available by clicking here.
Who currently purchases through NC eProcurement?
To see a list of buying entities, visit the Entities Using NC eProcurement page.