Doing Business With the City Public Purchase Certification

Washington State's new law prioritizes certified small businesses for public works contracts under $150K, allowing direct contracting without competitive bidding. Cities can directly contract with a certified business if six or more are on the roster. Eligible certifications include Minority Business Enterprise, Women-Owned Business, and Veteran-Owned Business, among others. Businesses must ensure their profiles on Public Purchase are updated to appear in contracting searches. The City of Issaquah emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate business details to facilitate contract opportunities.

Certification not only enhances visibility but also supports economic diversity and inclusion. Small business owners are encouraged to check their registration status and ensure compliance with state laws. This move is part of a broader effort to empower underrepresented business owners in the contracting process.