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WOMEN AND MINORITY BUSINESS
This page provides resources about the City WMBE program. The City’s commitment to communities we serve is including for minority-owned and women-owned businesses (WMBEs) in our contract opportunities.
For construction projects advertised on or after August 24, 2011 the City of Seattle instituted a required submittal at time of bid for all projects above $300,000. The new form, titled Inclusion Plan, replaced the previous Outreach Plan. This new form is a condition of bid responsiveness. Careful attention should be paid to this form.
WMBE Wednesday Workshop
The City holds monthly workshops on the first Wednesday of each month.
General and prime contractors, estimators, woman and minority business
subcontractors, and experts and interested consultants in WMBE utilization
for construction would especially benefit from this workshop, hosted by the
City contracting staff. Click here to see information on the next upcoming event.
Vendor Registration and Rosters
Declare your interest in doing business with the City of Seattle here. The Registration system acts as a "yellow pages" for both city departments and primes seeking subcontractors. The Registration system is only the first step in showing your interest; it does not certify or "approve" you, and will not automatically place you on bid lists.
Subscribe to City WMBE List Serve
The City has an e-mail listserv open to the public, to provide updates and information about our WMBE program.
City Bid Opportunities
For current solicitations, go to www.seattle.gov/purchasing.
City's WMBE Definition
WMBE firms do not have to be certified by the State to meet the City's WMBE definition. The City defines WMBE firms as at least 51% owned by women and/or minority. To be recognized as a WMBE, register here on the City's Registration system. Separately, Federally-funded transportation projects seek Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) that must be certified by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises (OMWBE). For more information click here.
City Bid Requirements:
Most City bids require principals and primes to seek WMBE companies for subcontract teams. Use the tools below to find self-identified WMBE firms.
I need a subcontract team.
How can I connect to
women or minority owned firms? |
I am a WMBE firm.
I have self-identified as a WMBE in the City's Registration system.
What Next? |
When seeking subcontract teams including women or minority-owned firms, search the City Registration directory and Consultant Roster. Click here. Questions? Call Steven Larson at 206-684-4529 |
Are you a Vendor for goods and services? Contact City Purchasing to learn of blanket contracts, bidding opportunities and networking events with city departments. Questions? Call Mark Wheeler at 206-684-4525 |
Click here to search the City's approved Consultant Roster. This list includes women and minority owned firms. Questions? Call Steven Larson at 206-684-4529 |
Are you a consultant? Click here to apply for the City Consultant Roster. The City uses this roster to select firms for many projects under $260,000. This roster has a small business criteria for certain categories of work. Questions? Call Steven Larson at 206-684-4529 |
Click here to search the Office of Minority Women Business Enterprises Directory online list of certified W/M/DBE firms. Questions? Call OMWBE at
866-208-1064 |
Are you a Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises firm? Click here to apply for Federal DBE Certification. The City uses this certification list for federally funded projects.
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Whether you are an interested WMBE or a prime seeking information, the City has people you can contact regarding our WMBE programs.
For general questions, guidance or a policy overview, contact Mark Wheeler, Contracting Compliance Manager at 206-684-4525 or mark.wheeler@seattle.gov
For information about Seattle City Light opportunities, contact Javier Valdez at 206-233-1559 or javier.valdez@seattle.gov
For information about Seattle Department of Transportation opportunities, contact Bobby Forch, Department of Transportation at 206-684-3098 or bobby.forch@seattle.gov
For information about Seattle Public Utilities opportunities, contact Vicky Schiantarelli, Seattle Public Utilities at 206-684-7643 or vicky.schiantarelli@seattle.gov
For information on how to do business with the City, contact Purchasing & Contracting Staff at 206-684-0444.
External Resources |
Tabor 100
Tabor 100 is an association of entrepreneurs and business advocates who are committed to economic power, educational excellence and social equity for African-Americans and the community at large.
Contact: Ollie Garrett, President at 425-881-1312. To learn more visit their website. |
MBEC (Minority Business Enterprise Center)
The program’s objective is to provide ongoing, quality assistance to minority businesses with rapid growth potential, so that they can achieve greater participation in the development of the nation’s commerce.
Contacts: Rhonda DeVito, Business Consultant, Victor Valdez, Project Director or Jim Thomas, Project Operator at 206-267-3131. To learn more visit their Minority Business Enterprise Center website or Community Capital Development website. |
NMSDC (Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council)
The mission of NMSDC is to expand business opportunities for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and create mutually beneficial links between Corporate members and MBEs.
Contact: Brittany Martinez, Administrative Assistant, 206-575-7748. To learn more visit their website.
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