Changes to the public works procurement process, as introduced in SB 5268, are one step closer to enactment in WA. The bill removes barriers for small businesses to bid on public works projects and aims to achieve greater inclusion of women, minority, or veteran-owned businesses on small works rosters. For more background, view our latest coverage of SB 5268 and our summary of the bill as introduced.

The latest amendment to the bill, adopted on the House floor, requires a “state agency or authorized local government utilizing direct contracting… [to] rotate through the contractors on the appropriate small works roster…” In addition, when qualified contractors are available from the roster who may perform the work or deliver the services within the project’s given budget, the agency or local government must utilize different contractors on different projects.

The bill was further amended to require those agencies and local governments to notify small, minority, women, or veteran-owned businesses on the applicable roster when direct contracting is utilized.

AWC finds that the changes made on the House floor are consistent with the intent of the legislation and we support the bill.

SB 5268 as amended cleared the House floor by a unanimous vote. It now heads back to the Senate for concurrence.