Doing Business With the City Public Purchase Certification

Washington State's recent legislation enables certified minority-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned small businesses to secure direct contracting opportunities for public works projects costing under $150K. The law allows cities to opt for direct contracting if there are at least six certified businesses on their roster, bypassing the traditional competitive bidding process. To qualify, businesses must meet specific certification criteria as detailed in RCW 39. 04. 152 and RCW 39.

19. 030. Certifications include various categories, such as Minority Business Enterprise and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. Once certified, businesses must update their profiles in Public Purchase to ensure they appear in vendor searches. This initiative is designed to promote inclusivity in local contracting and enhance the participation of diverse businesses.

Certified businesses can expect requests for direct contracts from cities like Issaquah, contingent upon mutual agreement on pricing. This law represents a significant step toward increasing opportunities for underrepresented small businesses in Washington State.