Tennessee Code Title 12. Public Property, Printing and Contracts § 12-3-1001

No person, firm or corporation shall be considered for contract award by the central procurement office under this chapter or under the rules and regulations established by the central procurement office, unless and until such person, firm, or corporation makes proper application to the central procurement office, as prescribed by rule or policy approved by the procurement commission, to be placed upon the permanent register of respondents. The central procurement office shall establish and maintain the register under and in compliance with the rules and regulations adopted by the procurement commission.