Upcoming statewide contracts
If you are interested in doing business with the state, here are some future contracts to check out:
|
Upcoming events
Learn & Grow: Statewide Contract Holder Workshop Series
What: Getting on a statewide contract is just the start. DES is offering a strategic workshop series to help you market to agency buyers and
Topic: Winning Testimonials: Build Your Reputation with Proof of Performance
-
When: 6-7:30 p.m., April 15
-
Where: Virtual
AWMB’s 4th annual Trade Show NW Contractors Day
What: Mark your calendars for the fourth annual Association of Women and Minority Businesses (AWMB) event. AWMB works to strengthen Washington’s and the Northwest’s economy by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and by supporting greater use of certified women-, minority-, disadvantaged-, BIPOC-, and veteran‑owned businesses in procurement.
When: 8 a.m.-3 p.m., April 30
Where: Emerald Queen Casino & Hotel, 2920 East R St, Tacoma, WA
2026 City of Seattle’s Reverse Vendor Trade Show
What: This annual networking event allows vendors to introduce themselves to various public agencies.
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., June 3
Where: Fisher Pavilion, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA
Small Business Resource Fair
What: Looking to start or grow a small business? Join us for the Small Business Resource Fair to learn about resources and organizations that can help your business succeed.
When: 3-6 p.m., June 9
Where: Board Room inside the Tri-Cities Business and Visitor Center, 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick, WA
Other news
DES will use PWSBE certification to track small business participation on public works projects
Starting July 1, DES will use the Public Works Small Business enterprise (PWSBE) certification to track small business participation on DES public works projects.
Businesses can still bid on projects if they are not certified. However, only businesses certified as PWSBE by the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) will be counted toward small business participation goals. Registration in Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) alone will not meet this requirement.
You should still register in WEBS so you can search for state contracts and increase your opportunity to be seen by agencies.
We encourage businesses and contractors to review the requirements and apply now to be ready.
Join BDAG!
Would you like your voice to count in advocating for state contracting opportunities for small and diverse businesses? Consider joining our Business Diversity Advisory Group (BDAG).
BDAG provides valuable input and recommendations to help us make solicitations more equitable. Their recommendations have led to changes in our solicitation processes and removed barriers for small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses to win state contracts.
-
Where: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
-
When: 10 a.m.-noon, third Tuesday of each month
Watch out for phishing scams!
We are aware of an email businesses are receiving that claims to be from DES, saying it is a final notice regarding verification of company information. The message goes on to say that businesses must reply within 24 hours or their license will be revoked.
Do not reply to the email. It is a scam designed to get your personal information. DES does not manage business licenses and will never send links that expire quickly to scare you into responding. If you’re ever unsure whether a message is legitimate, please contact us at contractingandpurchasing@des.wa.gov before clicking any links.
|
