FAQ

1. Register your business on VendorConnect
   VendorConnect is the Port of Seattle’s contracting platform and vendor directory. Registering on VendorConnect makes sure that you will be seen by Port staff and others who are seeking vendors. Make sure they have what they need to contact you by providing your: correct contact information, NAICS codes, business firm certifications, and upload your business firm resume/one-pager. For registration assistance, please use this registration guide.
    
2. View bid opportunities on VendorConnect
   If you see a project you’re interested in:
   1. Register as a planholder on projects you are interested in to ensure you receive timely communication on procurement updates.
   2. Attend the pre-proposal conference/pre-bid meeting to understand the project requirements and start networking with primes.  If you are unable to attend, we post every pre-proposal conference attendee list should you want to make contact with primes in the area.
   3. To get a better idea of the Port’s procurement requirements, take a look at previous solicitations.

      Please also look at future bid opportunities to get an early look at opportunities that will be posted to VendorConnect in the future.

3. Sign on to the Diversity in Contracting Mailing List
   Never miss out on the Port’s many contracting opportunities, networking events, training opportunities, and important updates, by signing up to our mailing list.

This list of what the Los Angeles World Airports buys provides a rough snapshot of what the Port of Seattle also purchases. This is not a definitive list, nor do all Port procurements get posted on VendorConnect, so for more specific information, please email diversityincontracting@portseattle.org

The best way to meet a buyer or procurement decision maker (the project manager) is by attending Diversity in Contracting PortGen events. PortGen First Look presentations allow you to hear about a specific project directly from the project manager, with the opportunity to ask questions at the end. PortGen Connections events are a dedicated time for WMBE firms to meet and network with Port personnel, and representatives from prime companies to discuss projects and potential partnerships.

The best ways for a smaller construction firm to get their foot in the door at the Port is to:

1. Sign up to be on our small works roster (for Projects less than $300,000 - which includes contracts under $40k where contractors are contacted directly) by registering onto VendorConnect and selecting “Small Works” under the “Roster Tags” field in your VendorConnect vendor profile.
2. Reach out to the Port of Seattle Job Order Contract contractor Centennial (with a cc to diversityincontracting@portseattle.org) who is required to subcontract at least 90% of the work, and has a 16% WMBE commitment and 5% DBE goal.

Anyone working at the airport must have a badge. Each badge costs $133.88. This fee includes the required background checks and training. If your company has never applied for and received an airport badge or it has been more than 30 days since your company has had an active badge, there is a $200 fee to establish an account with the badging office. Please refer to the New Company Set up and Authorized Signers Page for more information.

The Port is constituted of three operating divisions: Aviation (SEA Airport), Maritime (Fishermen’s Terminal, Marinas, Cruise Ship Terminals), and Economic Development, which are supported by corporate offices serving administrative functions.

All authority of the Port of Seattle is vested with the Commission in its actions as a public body under RCW 53. Five Commissioners, elected at large by the voters of King County, serve four-year terms to govern the Port, lead all inter-governmental functions, and oversee the Executive Director. More information here

While the Diversity in Contracting team and Office of Equity Development and Inclusion (OEDI) collaborate as necessary, Diversity in Contracting is a part of the Economic Development Division and is focused on increasing the utilization of WMBE businesses in the Port's contracting process, and OEDI reports directly to the Executive Director and is focused on deepening the Port’s efforts towards equity and catalyzing organization-wide systemic change. OEDI efforts include workforce development which aims to connect and retrain workers to careers within the Port and the port-related industries.

The Port has used a Project Labor Agreement on specific major works projects since 1999. More information here