Our Mission
The Office of Social Responsibility supports the Port of Seattle’s commitment to the local community and ensures port business activities are conducted within a framework of fairness, inclusion, openness, and equal access to economic opportunity.
Small Business Program
The port’s
Small Business Program is designed to develop mutually advantageous professional relationships with small businesses. The program aims to encourage healthy competition, while also increasing the number of small businesses applying and competing for Port procurements. Under this umbrella program the Office of Social Responsibility manages two main sub-programs: the Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS) Program and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. The Office of Social Responsibility encourages all interested small businesses to register with the Port to learn more about contract opportunities.
Small Contractors and Suppliers Program
The Port of Seattle has a
Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS) Program that provides benefits for certified firms. Through King County’s certification process, small businesses can fill out one application to be certified as an SCS firm for both agencies. Once certified as an SCS, firms can benefit from vendor training and continuing education workshops, as well as procurement incentives. If you are a small business interested in learning more about Port opportunities, visit
King County's website.Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE)
The port’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Programs established in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Program guidelines and procedures aid in ensuring that DBEs have equal opportunity to compete for contracts, subcontracts, and agreements in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts.
It is our policy to:
- Ensure nondiscrimination in the award of DOT assisted contracts;
- Create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT assisted contracts;
- Ensure that a firm meets federal eligibility standards (49 CFR Part 26) prior to participation in the DBE Program;
- Assist in identifying and removing barriers to participation for DBEs in federally assisted contracts; and
- Assist in the development of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, in order to increase their competitiveness in the market place.
How to participate
The port encourages participation by all firms wishing to participate in Port contracting opportunities. Firms seeking to be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) should contact the state of Washington Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE).
How do I become certified as a DBE?
Contact the Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises (OMWBE) in Olympia, WA, for information on the eligibility criteria, instructions and certification materials online or by phone (360) 753-9693. For questions regarding this program contact Mian Rice.
Learn about the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (ACDBE Program) here.
Networking Opportunities
If your business or organization would like to schedule a Meet and Greet at the Port of Seattle or receive invitations to attend other Port-sponsored networking events, please contact Tina Boyd by
email.Workforce Development
The Port is embarking on a workforce development initiative consistent with its economic development authority. The goal of the initiative is to increase training, job, and business opportunities for local communities in trade, travel, and logistics. As a part of this effort, the Office of Social Responsibility continues to contract with nonprofit organizations in order to build on existing programs that train workers in skills that will prepare them for job openings with local employers, including Port tenants, customers and contractors. For more information on existing programs for which the Port provides funding as well as in-kind support, look at the following sites:
Fellowships
Veterans Fellowship Program (VFP)
The Office of Social Responsibility has partnered with the port's Human Resources & Development department to create the Veterans Fellowship Program. It is designed to facilitate veterans’ transition from military service to civilian employment.
Learn more about the VFP here.
National Urban Fellows
National Urban Fellows (NUF) is a national program that develops accomplished and courageous professionals of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, particularly people of color and women, to be leaders and change agents in the public and nonprofit sectors, with a strong commitment to social justice and equity. Each year, the Port of Seattle provides a 10-month mentorship opportunity to a National Urban Fellow for a unique chance to participate in the day-to-day operations of a large public organization.
Internships
In addition to these fellowship programs, the Port of Seattle also runs an
Internship Program, which is designed to provide qualified candidates with valuable experience and an opportunity to excel in their field of study by offering internships for graduate, undergraduate and high-school students in various specialties.
Environment
Clean Truck Program
The Clean Truck Program was designed through combined efforts of the Office of Social Responsibility, the Seaport Environmental and Business teams, and Community Relations as a means to support the goals of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, a large-scale initiative aimed at reducing emissions from all sectors of maritime operations. To date, more than 9,500 trucks and 120 trucking companies meet regulatory standards and are registered in the Port’s Drayage Truck Registry. Visit the
Clean Truck Program page for more information, and visit the
environmental section of the website to learn more about the Port’s overall environmental stewardship efforts.