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OMWBE is launching a new program for businesses seeking work on public works contracts. Public Works Small Business Enterprise (PWSBE) certification will be available to certified businesses in March 2024. This program is race- and gender-neutral, and will use the same criteria for economic disadvantage as our State Certification program.
Last year, Senate Bill 5268 was signed into law - Addressing equity and efficiencies in public works procurement including modifying small works roster requirements - which has broader implications beyond PWSBE Certification. OMWBE is working closely with several partner agencies to implement these changes.
Learn about changes coming to small works rosters in 2024.
What can your business do to get ready?
Stay tuned for more updates, as we prepare to launch PWSBE Certification!
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Harborview Medical Center Campus is preparing for a $1.74 Billion, 20-year expansion. Funded by a King County Bond passed by voters in 2020, Phase One of the program includes the construction of a new high-rise inpatient hospital tower and much more. See more about the scope and take the survey linked here to share your preferences related to the procurement process.
The survey expires on January 10, 2024.
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OMWBE and WSDOT are hosting a listening session to discuss the recently filed USDOT DBE Program Complaint. This complaint challenges the use of race- and gender-conscious goals in the DBE program. This complaint was made in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, Frankfort Division. While this complaint did not originate from any Washington state entities, WSDOT and OMWBE are tracking it closely, as it could have national implications.
We know the DBE community has a lot of concern regarding this case and its implications for equity in public contracting. During the listening session a brief overview of the complaint will be given and then participants will be able to share thoughts or concerns about this issue to help WSDOT and OMWBE better understand all the concerns and comments.
This case is outside our jurisdiction, and the court has not yet taken action. Until WSDOT or USDOT is directed otherwise by court order, there will be no change in how we implement the DBE program, including enforceable goals.
When: Thursday, January 18, 2024 | 9:00AM - 10:30AM
Where: Virtual on GoToWebinar – Register Now
For more information, please contact:
Sharon Harvey
Acting Director of Policy
Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises
Email: SharonH@omwbe.wa.gov
Cell: (360) 704-8437
Brooke Leslie
External Civil Rights Specialist 4
Washington State Department of Transportation
Email: LeslieB@wsdot.wa.gov
Cell: (360) 764-0754
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Join in for an exclusive networking event hosted by Andersen Construction's UW Haggett Hall project team! They are actively seeking MWBE firms interested in learning more about the UW Haggett Hall project and meeting the Andersen project team. Engage in invaluable conversations, forge meaningful connections, and discover opportunities in a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. Reserve your spot now and be part of this unique gathering geared towards fostering collaboration and diversity in the construction industry!
When: Thursday, January 18, 2024 | 1PM - 4PM
Where: Andersen Construction | 5601 6th Ave S, Suite 550, Seattle WA 98108
Contact: Robin Strom rstrom@andersen-const.com
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Arup's Seattle Diverse Business Open House
Dedicated to sustainable development, Arup is a collective of 18,000 designers, advisors and experts working across 140 countries. Founded to be both humane and excellent, they collaborate with clients and partners using imagination, technology, and rigor to shape a better world.
Join Arup at their Open House Event to learn about the organization, meet the firm’s Seattle leadership, and discuss opportunities for partnering on multidisciplinary projects in areas of interest including decarbonization, aviation, and rail.
Our program starts at 4:00pm, with a short presentation at 5:00pm, networking before and after. Beverages and light snacks will be served throughout the evening.
When: January 24, 2024 | 4PM - 7PM
Where: 1191 Second Ave, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98101
Contact: Marika Thwin Marika.thwin@arup.com
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OMWBE Certification with Bayley Construction: How to get certified and how it could help your business.
Bayley Construction, in partnership with the Washington State Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE), is hosting an in-person event for small, diverse businesses to learn about the benefits of OMWBE certification.
This Certification 101 event is open to non-certified businesses and certified businesses and will provide an overview of the certification process and how it can help small businesses thrive by increasing access to government contracting.
When: February 7, 2024 | 11AM – 1PM PST
Where: 8005 SE 28th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Light lunch will be provided.
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Apply for the Ascend Seattle Program
Ascend Seattle is a ten-session, industry-specific, cohort-based program that accelerates the growth of construction and real estate firms by addressing key areas of management education, access to capital through loans and investments, and exploring contracting opportunities with anchor institutions and corporations.
By focusing on Clean Energy & Commercial Construction, Workforce & Affordable Housing Development, and Real Estate Development, executive leaders of established minority- or women-owned businesses are supported by a Seattle ecosystem of business experts, lenders, and customers specific to those fields.
Priority Deadline to Apply: February 1, 2024
Programs Starts February 16, 2024
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DES has a new statewide contract 18222 for spoken language interpreter services:
- In Person Interpreting (IPI)
- Over the Phone Interpreting (OPI)
- Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) (Non-CBA).
This contract succeeds:
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Contract 02819, which expires March 3, 2024
- Category 2 (Non-Collective Bargaining Agreement Work) of contract 03514, which expired June 6, 2023
The new contract includes Washington state small businesses:
- Anglo Language
- JRivera Associates, Inc.
- Northwest Interpreters, Inc. dba NWI Global
All contractors, including pricing and points of contact, are on the contract summary page.
Questions? Email DES' Language Access Program.
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Alliance Northwest is the largest business-to-government conference in the Pacific Northwest. This event features high-quality workshops and one-to-one meetings between small businesses, government agencies, and prime contractors. The event is in its 38th year. Hosted by Thurston Economic Development Council, home of APEX Accelerator, Alliance Northwest has a strong history of federal agency support. It is widely known as the place where business and government learn and make connections with small and disadvantaged businesses.
When: March 14, 2024 - In Person
Where: 1500 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402
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The Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises is hiring for multiple positions. Please share with your networks and spread the news!
Stay up to date on career opportunities with OMWBE.
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New Certifications
72 businesses obtained OMWBE certification in December! We share these monthly lists of newly certified firms with our contract and procurement contacts at State Agencies and Institutions of Higher Education.
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