Credit Card Processing

The State of Alabama is requesting proposals for credit card processing services under a Quick Quote mechanism, with submissions due October 6, 2026. The contract carries a $25,000 total cost ceiling (including original agreement and all renewals combined) or a five-year term, whichever is reached first.

Scope encompasses modernization of Alabama's payment processing infrastructure to support multiple payment channels — online transactions, point-of-sale terminals, and mobile payment solutions — across state departments and agencies. The strategic plan (Scan2040) identifies key capability requirements: enhanced security protocols, fraud prevention measures, PCI DSS compliance, tokenization and encryption technologies, legacy system upgrades, vendor consolidation, and scalability to accommodate future digital payment adoption.

Suppliers must be registered in Alabama Buys and respond electronically through the Public Solicitation site. All inquiries and communications flow through the Supplier Portal. Foreign entities must register with the Alabama Secretary of State's Office. Suppliers with employees in Alabama must provide E-Verify enrollment documentation prior to award, or face bid rejection.

Pricing must include compliance certification with Alabama sales tax registration and remittance obligations under Act No. 2006-557. The State reserves the right to conduct cost realism and price reasonableness analyses. Price escalation requests may be considered during performance if material, labor, or other contract components increase significantly, provided increases do not exceed industry-specific or Consumer Price Index adjustments and approved increases are capped at 5 percent of annual contract cost. Suppliers must accept multiple forms of electronic payment at no additional cost, including state-issued credit cards, P-cards, and electronic fund transfers. The State is exempt from sales tax and will furnish exemption letters. Contracts may be renewed annually by written agreement.