CHANGES COMING THIS JULY, SMALL BUSINESSES SHOULD CERTIFY NOW

DES using state certification to track small public works participation

Starting July 1, DES will use the Public Works Small Business Enterprise (PWSBE) certification to track small business participation on DES public works projects.

Participation goals are targets set on projects to include small businesses. These goals help expand access to public works opportunities for businesses and support agencies in meeting statewide small and diverse business participation expectations.

What it means for agencies:

• Only businesses certified as a PWSBE by the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) will be counted toward small business participation goals.
• Businesses that are not certified can still work on projects, but they will not be counted toward participation goals.
• Certification does not affect contract award decisions.
• Using PWSBE certification will support consistent tracking and reporting of small business participation.

What it means for businesses:

• Businesses can still bid on DES public works projects if they are not certified.
• To be counted toward participation goals, businesses must be PWSBE-certified through OMWBE.
• Registration as a small business in Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) alone will not meet this requirement.
• Businesses should still register in WEBS so they can search for state contracts and increase their opportunity to be seen by agencies.
• There is no application fee to become certified.
• If you are already certified by OMWBE, you can opt in to PWSBE certification.

Why it matters:

• Certification means more public dollars go toward Washington’s small businesses.
• Prime contractors are expected to meet participation goals and look for eligible certified subcontractors.
• Agencies will look for certified contractors to meet goals set by OMWBE, the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and the Governor’s Office.

What you should do now:

• Review eligibility requirements.
• Apply for PWSBE certification.

Encourage small businesses, prime contractors, and subcontractors to get certified.

DES | Business Diversity

DESBusinessDiversity@des.wa.gov