|
New OMWBE Phone System
We care about our customers at OMWBE! Our new phone system makes it easy to connect with an agent to get immediate support.
When you call us at (360) 664-9750 you will reach a new menu that allows you to choose the type of help that you need. Our agents are available to answer your call during business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Don’t wait to get your questions answered, call us today!
|
|
Apply for Public Works Certification with OMWBE! Opt-in Today
Is your business seeking work on public works contracts? If so, apply for Public Works Small Business Enterprise (PWSBE) certification today! PWSBE certification is free of charge, and certified businesses are eligible to join the statewide small works roster for free. An opt-in option is available for businesses that are currently certified with OMWBE.
What are the benefits?
For small public works contracts under $150,000, new state law allows public agencies to direct contract with small businesses, using “rotation” principles to avoid repeatedly favoring one contractor over others. If there are six or more PWSBE certified businesses on the new small works roster, the state agency or local government must select an OMWBE certified business for the small works project. If you receive an Invitation to Direct Contract/Negotiate, this means that your business is the only one receiving the current invitation.
The more OMWBE certified businesses listed on MRSC’s statewide small works roster, the more small business owners will get job opportunities.
Get certified now, so Washington state agencies and local governments can find your business for direct contracting opportunities! Visit our website to learn more.
|
|
|
The Office of Equity & Civil Rights at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the state Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) have received a legal opinion from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. It is about a challenge to the race- and gender-conscious component of the US Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.
OMWBE and WSDOT are hosting a listening session to discuss the USDOT DBE Program complaint, recently filed in Kentucky. This complaint challenged 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.
During the listening session a brief overview of the United States District Court Eastern District of Kentucky Central Division Frankfort Opinion and Order will be presented and then participants will be able to express concerns and comments.
When: November 4th, 2024 | 2PM - 3PM
Where: Online on Microsoft Teams. Join via web browser for easy access.
|
|
|
OMWBE has been notified about an email scam from someone impersonating the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The emails are directing folks to a false site to file the Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR).
Please be advised that filing the BOIR report is FREE and the correct web address to file is https://boiefiling.fincen.gov/fileboir. If you receive an email regarding BOIR that does not come from the official site, mark as spam and do not open any attachments. BOIR filings are due by January 1, 2025.
How to determine if a government website is official:
- A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
-
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS. A lock symbol or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website.
Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Stay Safe!
|
|
|
This event lets attendees preview and ask questions about upcoming projects, valued at more than $2 billion, that Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) plans to advertise over the next two years. This work includes mobility improvements, fish passage and preservation projects that are critical for keeping our economy and state moving between the King-Pierce county line and the Canadian border.
When: October 16, 2024 | 5PM - 7PM
Where:15700 Dayton Ave N, Seattle WA 98133
At the event, you will be able to connect with staff and others from within the industry – contractors and consultants. Ultimately, WSDOT hopes this event forges new professional relationships, increases interest and participation in these projects, especially with respect to disadvantaged, minority, small, veteran and women’s business enterprise firms.
We are looking forward to a great event. Please feel free to share this invitation with your colleagues and reach out to WSDOT with any questions at ContractingInfo@wsdot.wa.gov.
|
|
|
SBIR provides equity free funding through federal agencies to American small businesses. Through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, America’s Seed Fund awards non-dilutive funding to develop your technology and chart a path toward commercialization.
Each fourth Friday ARC WA, the SBA FAST Grant funded program in Washington State, hosts Open Office Hours specifically for innovators seeking federal R&D funding. This is a great way to get general questions about the SBIR program before going too far down the road.
The emphasis is on the Small Business Innovation Research SBIR) program and:
- Finding the appropriate agency match
- Learning about no-cost support resources in Washington State for innovators
- Upcoming releases and more
When: October 25, 2024 | 9AM - 10AM
|
|
|
Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Tabor100 Business Development Center, 7100 Fort Dent Way, Tukwila, WA
In this workshop, Asia Dillingham, an experienced accountant, will guide you through the essentials of QuickBooks. You'll gain valuable insights on:
- QuickBooks software capabilities
- Categorizing transactions
- Charts of accounts
- Reconciliation
Please Note: This is an in-person, hands-on workshop, so please bring your laptop if you wish to follow along.
|
|
Broadband Equity Assistive Technology grants
The Washington State Department of Commerce is soliciting proposals from qualified entities to provide assistive technology and digital literacy skills training to individuals with disabilities.
A total of $4.925 million is available. Applicants must apply for at least $1.5 million in funding.
The goal of this project is to promote equal access to technology and digital inclusion in online education, employment, and community life for individuals with disabilities. The U.S. Department of the Treasury Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program provided this funding to address the negative economic impacts of the public health emergency.
This project prioritizes people living in counties with a 15% or higher population of individuals with disabilities as identified in the Washington State Digital Equity Dashboard.
Who can apply?
This opportunity is an open, competitive process. At minimum, applicants must:
- Licensed to do business in Washington or submit a statement of commitment that it will become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) calendar days of being selected as the Apparent Successful Grantee.
- One year of experience providing assistive technology and digital literacy skills training to individuals with disabilities.
- Two or more years of experience providing services to individuals with disabilities in at least two Washington state counties.
Two or more years of experience recruiting staff who specialize in working with individuals with intellectual disability and/or developmental disabilities.
View the Request for Proposals (PDF)
DEADLINE: Applications are due by 5 p.m. PT, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024
|
|
|
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)!
Good jobs change lives, and all workers—including disabled workers—deserve the opportunity to prepare for, obtain, and succeed in them. The theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2024 is “Access to Good Jobs for All.”
Learn more in this announcement from Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Taryn M. Williams.
|
|
New Certifications
65 businesses obtained OMWBE certification in September! We share these monthly lists of newly certified firms with our contract and procurement contacts at State Agencies and Institutions of Higher Education.
|
|
|
|
|
