The Port provides a number of training and networking opportunity for small and diverse businesses. You can learn more about the different PortGen training programs here. On this page you will find information about upcoming PortGen trainings and events you can attend, as well as a wealth of resources from past PortGen trainings to help you understand different aspects of government contracting and the Port.
Upcoming PortGen Events
Meet representatives from the Diversity in Contracting Department and project/division-specific representatives and decision-makers at a PortGen webinar or event. Port staff will share information about our programs and initiatives, contracting goals, resources for small/WMBE businesses, policies, and procedures, and more! PortGens also provide an excellent networking opportunity with prime businesses and other potential collaborators.
Typically, we hold our monthly first look project events on the last Wednesday or Thursday of the month.
2025
- PortGen Connects: Aviation Industry Day - 6.2.25 | Register
Advanced PortGen Video Library
2024 - Informational videos, presentations, and Q&A sessions
- Subcontrating Tips and Tricks - Tips and tricks for finding and building relationships with prime contractors.
- Prevailing Wage Compliance for Public Works Contracts in WA - Don’t let wage compliance requirements catch you off guard or eat into your profit margins. We will explore what it takes to be compliant with wage rates, certified payroll, intents & affidavits as well as how to develop a plan and use resources to meet requirements.
- Indirect Rates & Cash Flow for Government Contractors - Explore cash flow considerations and the importance of indirect cost rates in your long term profitability and success in the government marketplace.
- Insurance for Government Contractors - Understanding the types of insurance and why they are needed will help your firm compete successfully on future contracts.
- Basics of Bonding for Public Works Jobs - When do you need Bonding for public works jobs and what does it take to get a bond and a favorable bond rating?
- Project Labor Agreements - An overview of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) as they relate to public works contracts in Washington State. Participants will explore the legal framework, key features, and practical considerations of participating in contracts that require PLAs.
2023 - Workshop Recordings
- Introduction to Government Contracting - How to navigate agency portals, find opportunities to bid on, pursue an opportunity, determine if it’s a good fit or not and tips on how to find requirements to be responsive.
- Business Development - Understand the importance of building relationships with agencies and primes. Exploring Capability Statements, Statement of Qualifications and how to present your VALUE.
- Prevailing Wage Compliance - Explore what it takes to be compliant with wage rates, certified payroll, intents & affidavits as well as how to develop a plan and use resources to meet requirements.
- Insurance and Bonding - Understanding bonding requirements and what it takes to be bonded. Digging into the insurance requirements for government contracts to ensure your firm is fully covered.
- Financial Considerations - Explore the 7 “C’s” of Financing: Cash Flow, Collateral, Capacity, Capital, Credit, Character, and Condition.
Past PortGen Events & Trainings with Materials
2025
- PortGen First Look - 4.30.25 | Online Presentation-----SEA Construction Projects | Presentation | Registrants (PDF) | Registrants (.xlsx)
- PortGen 101: Construction - 4.23.25 | Presentation | Registrants (PDF) | Registrants (.xlsx)
- PortGen First Look - 3.26.25 | Online Presentation-----One Design & One Construction Project | Presentation | Registrants (PDF) | Registrants (.xlsx)
- PortGen First Look - 2.26.25 | Online Presentation-----Three Construction Projects | Presentation | Registrants (PDF) | Registrants (.xlsx)
- PortGen First Look - 1.29.25 | Online Presentation-----Six Professional Design IDIQ Contracts | Presentation | Registrants (PDF) | Registrants (.xlsx)
2024
- Year-End Celebration & Accelerator Graduation - 12.11.24 | Presentation | RSVPs
- PortGen 101: Business with the Port, Tabor 100 Training - 12.5.24 | Presentation | RSVPs
- PortGen First Look - 11.13.24 | Online Presentation-----Four Construction Projects | Presentation | RSVPs
- Maritime Industry Day - 10.17.24 | Presentation | RSVPs
- PortGen Connects: Aviation Maintenance, Goods & Services - 9.18.24 | Presentation | RSVPs
- Planes Trains and Automobiles - 7.31.24 | Presentation | RSVPs
- Aviation Industry Day - 6.11.24 | Presentation | RSVPs
- PortGen First Look - 4.24.24 | Online Presentation-----Airfield Construction Projects | Presentation | RSVPs
- PortGen First Look - 2.28.24 | Online Presentation-----Airfield Construction Projects | Presentation | RSVPs | Recording
- PortGen First Look - 1.31.24 | Online Presentation-----Airfield Construction & Airport Noise Construction Contracts | Presentation | RSVPs | Recording
To see all previous in-person and online Diversity in Contracting events, please check our Diversity in Contracting Event Archive
