Small Business Program
The port's Small Business Program is designed to develop mutually advantageous professional relationships with small businesses. 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.
Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS) Program
Small businesses interested in working with the port may be eligible for the Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS) program. The port's partnership on this program with
King County is designed to simplify the required certification process. Only one certification is needed for a qualified business to be certified for King County and the Port of Seattle. Once registered as an SCS, your firm can benefit from vendor training and continuing education workshops, as well as procurement incentives.
There are four methods that the port will consider when integrating the SCS Program into the procurement process (see table below). Each procurement at the Port of Seattle is assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine the appropriate methods used in the bid evaluation. To learn more about each of these four program methods, please read the Port’s Resolution 3618.
| Goods & Services |
x |
x |
x |
|
|---|
| Construction |
|
|
x |
|
|---|
| Consulting Services (>$50K) |
|
x |
x |
|
|---|
| Consulting Services (<$50K) |
|
|
|
x |
|---|
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
The Port of Seattle’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program ensures that DBEs and other small businesses have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in Department of Transportation (DOT)-assisted contracts. It is our policy to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts; to create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly; to ensure that the DBE is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law; to ensure that only firms that fully meet eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs; to help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts; and to assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the market place outside the DBE Program.
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.
The Contractor Data System (CDS)
website allows contractors on current projects to submit Electronic Payroll and other contract data in support of regulatory requirements.
Please
email if you have questions.
The Central Procurement Office (CPO) manages contracting at the Port of Seattle. These opportunities are typically advertised in the
Daily Journal of Commerce and/or
PRMS.
Consulting Services (professional and personal services) are based on dollar value. For contracts <$200,000, we generally utilize the Consultants Roster.
Goods and services are typically procured as direct purchase, three quote, or competitive bid. The Port encourages vendors and suppliers interested in doing business with the port to register on the Goods and Services Roster.
Major Construction is public works > $300,000.
Small Works is public works < $300,000. We utilize our Small Works Roster to notify registered contractors of upcoming opportunities.