Contracting Equity & WMBE
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) gets many of the goods and services we use every day through contracts. SDOT is deeply committed to equitable contracting practices that support the business community, especially women- and minority-owned (WMBE) and small businesses.
SDOT Contracting Equity is here to support vendors, consultants, and contractors interested in doing business with the City of Seattle and SDOT, either directly or as a subcontractor.
Read on to learn more about what we do and how to connect with us.
What we do
- Support inclusive, transparent, and equitable contracting processes
- Manage the City of Seattle WMBE Program for SDOT
- Offer guidance on contracting rules, best practices, and how to navigate City systems
- Share contracting opportunities
- Connect you to City resources
Email DOT_WMBE@seattle.gov
Current opportunities
See currently open contract solicitations and bids for SDOT and all other City of Seattle Departments: City of Seattle Procurement Portal powered by OpenGov.
Transportation Equity Framework
We use the Transportation Equity Framework (TEF) to achieve SDOT’s mission, vision, and core values. We believe transportation must meet the needs of communities of color and those of all incomes, abilities, and ages. TEF tactics help us ensure all communities have access to SDOT opportunities and resources.
Getting started
Take these initial steps to start your journey to contracting with the City of Seattle.
- Visit the Purchasing and Contracting Doing Business with the City website for detailed information on how to contract with the City of Seattle.
- Register on the City of Seattle Procurement Portal powered by OpenGov.
- Sign up to receive notifications about open bids.
- Apply for the Consultant Roster or Vendor List for your firm’s expertise.
- List yourself as a WMBE if your business is 51% or more owned by women or minorities. All City Departments use this tool to search for vendors.
Additional resources and information
Below are links to resources about contracting with the City and its WMBE Program.
Doing Business with the City booklet (PDF)- A resource for many of your contracting questions.
City contract search portal – Access to current and past City of Seattle contracts.
City Women- and Minority-Owned Businesses (WMBE) Program website – WMBE Program information and links to resources.
Procurement Basics
- CCU: Consultant Contracts Unit
- DBE: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. Federal program which aims to provide “small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals” opportunities to compete for federally funded contracts.
- FAS: Finance and Administrative Services
- Inclusion Plan: Outlines WMBE firm participation and scope, either as prime contractors or subcontractors in a fully competitive solicitation. Plans then get included in the contract, and WMBE participation is monitored.
- JOC: Job Order Contracting
- OBD: Online Business Directory, citywide.
- OCR: Office of Civil Rights
- OEEI: Office of Equity and Economic Inclusion
- OMWBE: Washington State Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises.
- PC: Purchasing and Contracting
- PLA: Project Labor Agreement
- PM: Project Manager
- SDOT: Seattle Department of Transportation
- SMC: Seattle Municipal Code
- TEF: Transportation Equity Framework
- WMBE: Women- and Minority-Owned Business Enterprises. Either State certified or self-identified (for City contracts) as being at least 51% woman or minority owned, in accordance with Seattle Municipal Code 20.42.
Differing bid limits and thresholds allow the City to engage with firms and initiate contracts in various ways. City contracts and procurement fall into three main categories:
- Consulting, which constitutes specialized services on a specific project.
- Public works or construction, which include major construction or significant reconstruction, alteration, repair or improvements of roadways, buildings, and permanent infrastructure.
- Purchasing, which includes the purchase of goods or ongoing services.