Supplier Diversity Newsletter

New OMWBE Certified Businesses

Greetings Partners,

Every month we share a list of the most recent state certified businesses including the business name, contact information, business description, etc. This list is best utilized regularly in combination with OMWBE's Certified Businesses Directory.

This list includes new Public Works Small Business Enterprise (PWSBE) certifications.

Please contact our Supplier Diversity team for assistance using our online directory, or to schedule a virtual training for your procurement team.

Email: supplierdiversity@omwbe.wa.gov

Use Certified Vendors Next Year for Public Service Recognition Week

Earlier this month, we celebrated Public Service Recognition Week from May 5-11. Thank you to ALL public employees in Washington for your many contributions!

Did you know that agencies use OMWBE's Certified Business Directory to purchase some incredible “swag" gifts for PSRW as well as outreach events?

This is one more way you can use our directory to increase your agency's spend. Visit our directory now and get ahead of your purchases for next year's events. Until then, consider using certified businesses for any of your contracting needs. Together we can help our minority- and women-owned businesses prosper.

Access Equity Tips

NEW Subcontractor Inclusion Plan Template

OMWBE worked with DES to simplify the subcontractor inclusion plan template, so it matches up with contract goals in Access Equity. Prime contractors can now easily fill out percentages of the total contract and the names of the certified subcontractors they plan to use on the contract for each OMWBE state certification. This makes it simple for you to enter the percentages for each certification into the Access Equity contract record.

Adding Payments

In order to complete your monthly audit on each contract record, you will need to add your payment to the prime contractor before adding the payments to the subcontractors (if applying both payments yourself). Both payments must be recorded before the audit can be considered complete.

Vendor Management

Managing vendors is the responsibility of the public contract holder. Please include a point of contact at your office in your contract language, so your vendors know exactly who to contact for help. If an issue is technical in nature and requires additional support, please instruct folks to contact our Access Equity service provider, B2Gnow, directly through the system in the following location:

Contact Support or Report a Problem links are located under the Help & Support section of the left hand Access Equity navigation bar. B2Gnow has tools to help your vendors that OMWBE does not.

Sample contract language can be found in our Access Equity Help Center. 

OMWBE Certified Businesses on Statewide Contracts

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) highlights the availability of small businesses on statewide contracts, including those owned by veterans (DVA certified), minorities, and women (OMWBE certified).

Communications, Marketing Services Contract

Statewide contract 20422 for communications and marketing services features:

• 12 OMWBE-certified businesses 

This contract, effective March 1, offers a diverse range of services across six categories, including social marketing and photography. It marks the first contract of its kind and is designed to meet the procurement needs of state agencies, municipalities, and other statewide contract users.

Computer Equipment, related Peripherals & Services (NVP) Contract

Statewide contract 05820 for computer equipment features:

• 3 OMWBE-certified businesses 
• 1 veteran-owned business

This contract, effective January 31, offers services for computer equipment, peripherals, and related services.

If you would like to include others on our distribution list to receive these monthly supplier diversity emails, please let us know at supplierdiversity@omwbe.wa.gov.