Contracting with the state: What businesses should know – Korean American Chamber of Commerce, Washington State

About DES: The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) aims to make state contracting more accessible, transparent, and inclusive. We work with agencies and businesses to help remove barriers, create pathways to opportunities, and strengthen local communities through public spending.

Why contract with the state

Long-term customers: State agencies are ongoing partners that can provide repeat business.
Grow and diversify your business: Government contracts can help you expand your customer base.
Make a direct impact in your community: When you contract with the state, your work helps deliver services, infrastructure, and programs that support people across Washington.
Access tools, training, and support: DES offers training, technical assistance, and networking opportunities to help you learn the state contracting process and connect with agency purchasers.

How to get started

Find out if the state buys what you’re selling: Check out these market research tools.

DES: Planned procurement
Statewide contract sales data
WA Open Checkbook
Data.wa.gov
Public libraries (business and nonprofit resource page)

Register for business in Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS):

WEBS is the state’s online portal for searching for and bidding on solicitations. Solicitations will come to you via email. Not all counties, cities, and municipalities post their solicitations on WEBS, so please visit their websites to learn more about their contract opportunities.

How to get started with WEBS
WEBS training
Access WEBS (if you are already registered)
Need help? Call 360-902-7400 or email WEBSCustomerService@des.wa.gov

If you are a construction and public works company: Get registered with the Municipal Research and Services Centers (MSRC) rosters.

Small works roster: Public works and construction
Consultant roster: For architectural/engineering, communications, consulting, and personnel companies
Vendor roster: For goods, services, and maintenance companies

Also check out:
- Public Works Business Diversity Program: How we’re working to remove barriers for Washington state small, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses to participate in engineering, architectural, and public works contracts and subcontract.
- Washington EDGE: The Washington Encouraging Diversity, Growth, and Equity (EDGE) pilot program is for small construction businesses interested in public works prime

Free virtual training:

State Contracting Opportunities and the Open House: We strongly recommend you attend our monthly event, where you can learn more about state contracting and get questions answered.

Apply for socioeconomic certifications:

The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises
Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (for veteran-owned businesses)

Develop your capability statement: Your APEX Accelerator advisor will assist you at no cost.

Stay in the know: Sign up for DES’ Business Diversity newsletter. Each month, we share up-to-date resources for small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses. This month, we have information for you on several contracting topics, including training opportunities, bid opportunities, and upcoming events.

When responding to solicitations: Review requirements carefully to ensure your business is a strong match. If you’re new to state contracting, consider working with a mentor or counselor. After the contract is awarded, request a debrief whether or not you are selected.

Other resources:

Learn More : des.wa.gov

despieprogram@des.wa.gov

만약 WEBS 등록이나 주정부 입찰 과정에 관한 도움이 필요하시면 오명규 워싱턴주 상공회의소 회장 (206-518-7456) info@kaccwa.org 또는 kim.sauer@des.wa.gov로 연락하십시오.