NOTICE TO VENDORS & GRANTEES
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NOTICE TO VENDORS AND GRANTEES
What is a W-9?
The OHA Form W-9 is a Request for Identification Number and Certification. It is substantially
similar to the IRS Form W-9. A completed and signed W-9 is needed prior to the issuance of
payments to you.
I am a VENDOR. How does OHA process my invoice for payment?
Vendor invoices are received centrally within the Accounts Payable (AP) Unit then routed to the
appropriate OHA staffer responsible for overseeing service performance and/or the receipt of
goods. The OHA staffer will then provide AP staff with an authorization for payment at which
time AP staff will process the vendor invoice for payment. Please send vendor invoices to:
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
711 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite #500
Honolulu, Hawaiÿi 96813
Attn: Accounts Payable – Admin Services
As a VENDOR, do I need to ensure that orders for goods or requests for service have been properly
approved prior to fulfilling the order/request that I am receiving from OHA?
Yes. All vendors who provide OHA with goods and/or services shall first obtain a Purchase Order
(PO) number for all purchases of $2,500 or more. Vendors who do not have a valid PO number
prior to providing goods/services to OHA may risk non-payment or the return of items. All
invoices remitted for payment shall reference OHA’s PO number to clearly identify the purchase
made and expedite payment processing. Invoices without a valid PO number referenced may
delay payments.
Does OHA use the State’s Hawaiÿi Electronic Procurement System (HePS) to solicit VENDOR
quotes?
Yes. OHA solicits quotes for purchases utilizing the Internet based Hawai‘i Electronic
Procurement System (HePS) from HePS registered vendors as required by State Law. HePS
streamlines purchases through an open and competitive process. We encourage you to register on
HePS, if you have not already done so, to receive e-mail notifications and an opportunity to
compete for contracts. Information on HePS and vendor registration is at the State Procurement
Office (SPO) website – Click ‘Hawaiÿi Electronic Procurement (HePS)’.
Once there, we recommend you download and print the step-by-step instructions ‘HePS Vendor
Registration Walk Through Instructions’ prior to registering for this seven-step, no cost process.
As a VENDOR, is there anything else I should register for besides HePS?
Yes. The Hawaiÿi Compliance Express (HCE) is an electronic system that allows vendors doing
business with state or county agencies to quickly and easily obtain proof that they are compliant
with applicable laws. Information on HCE and instructions on how to set up an account is at the
Revised 9/27/2011