New solicitations
DES starts solicitation to replace professional auditing services contract
DES is starting solicitation for contract 05825, professional auditing services, to succeed statewide contract 03219, which expires Jan. 31, 2026.
Please complete this survey to share your agency’s interest as a customer of professional auditing services.
We are also looking for purchasers and subject matter experts to help us develop this contract and will be holding a kickoff meeting March 19 at 2 p.m. Attendees will learn more about the solicitation process, sourcing team time commitment, and responsibilities. If you would like to attend the meeting, or cannot but still have feedback, please contact the procurement coordinator below.
Questions? Email Chelsea Clark at [email protected].
DES starts solicitation to replace household appliances contract
DES is starting solicitation 06425, household appliances, to succeed statewide contract 06319, which expires Jan. 31, 2026.
This solicitation is for purchases of household appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, ranges, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and microwaves. The contract does not cover accessories, compactors, or disposals.
We are looking for purchasers and subject matter experts to help us develop this contract. If you are interested, join our kickoff meeting April 2 at 9 a.m. Attendees will learn more about the solicitation process, time commitment, and responsibilities.
If you are unable to attend but still have feedback, please submit this survey, or contact the procurement coordinator.
Questions? Email Kathy Paterson at [email protected].
New statewide contracts
New statewide contract for agent-assisted travel services
DES has a new statewide contract 23923 for agent-assisted travel services. The contract may include help with travel reservations, advice on health requirements, itineraries, and delivery of e-tickets or paper tickets for air and land transportation.
This contract features five small businesses. Find pricing and points of contact on the contract summary page.
This contract succeeds contract 02219, travel services, agent-assisted and internet, which expired Dec. 1, 2023.
Questions? Email Maree George at [email protected].
Contract changes
DES extends contract for spoken language interpreter services
DES is extending contract 02819 for spoken language interpreter services--over the phone interpreter services (OPI) and video remote interpreter services (VRI). The contract expires July 3.
Questions? Email DES Language Access at [email protected].
DES extends contract for condoms and related products
DES is extending contract 24323, condoms and related products, in partnership with MMCAP Infuse. This contract expires June 30, 2026.
Questions? Email Samantha Johnson at [email protected].
Success spotlight
BDAG: Making an impact in state contracting
Since its inception in 2019, the Business Diversity Advisory Group (BDAG) has played a key role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable procurement culture at DES. Made up of small and diverse business owners, BDAG members use their knowledge and experience to help remove barriers in state contracting.
BDAG continues to grow, with 21 active members serving one- to three-year terms and many past members and stakeholders contributing to the group’s monthly meetings.
In the past year, BDAG made a real impact in state contracting by:
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Bringing vendors’ voices to the table: We hosted ten monthly meetings with 313 participants, ensuring small and diverse businesses have a say in procurement decisions.
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Influencing procurement policies: We reviewed and provided direct feedback on more than 20 procurement policies, procedures, and requirements to improve transparency and accessibility.
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Increasing contracting opportunities: We successfully advocated for DES to forecast and post internal contracts, expanding visibility beyond just statewide contracts.
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Enhancing WEBS functionality: We helped improve reporting features in the Washington Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS), including a better solicitation search function and a disclaimer clarifying requirements for how businesses should identify themselves in the system.
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Driving collaboration and accountability: We gathered 53 ideas and suggestions in joint meetings with the State Contracts Assistance Network (SCAN) and identified five key priorities for action.
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Removing participation barriers: We launched a community compensation plan to help small business owners attend meetings without sacrificing paid work opportunities.
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Staying informed and engaged: We reviewed the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Disparity Study and the Seattle Office of Economic Development’s Small Business Handbook to ensure BDAG’s efforts align with broader equity initiatives.
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Advocating for agency transparency: We are pushing for all state agencies to forecast and publish upcoming contracts in one central location and inviting large agency executives to share their progress on supplier diversity implementation and scorecards.
Want to get involved in BDAG? New members from the small and diverse business community are always welcome! If you’re interested, please submit an application.
Other news
DES wants your feedback!
DES is reaching out to small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses that downloaded a solicitation from Washington Electronic Business Solution (WEBS), but did not submit a proposal. We’d love to know why. Understanding the reason helps us identify and address any barriers to bidding on state contracts.
If you’ve recently downloaded a solicitation but didn’t submit a bid, please take a moment to complete our survey—three questions—and share your thoughts. Your input is valuable in improving access and opportunities for businesses like yours.
By working together, we can make it easier for small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses to succeed in state contracting. We encourage you to learn more about working with the state. Thanks!
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