Small Works Roster Manual
This e-publication provides a comprehensive overview of small public works rosters for local and state government agencies in Washington State, with an emphasis on the statewide public works roster administered by MRSC Rosters (mrscrosters.org).
It is intended to satisfy the requirements of RCW 39.04.151(3) requiring MRSC to provide guidance on how to use the statewide small works roster and process.
It is part of MRSC’s series on Purchasing and Contracting.
This guidance pertains specifically to the use of the statewide small works (construction) roster administered by MRSC Rosters under RCW 39.04.151(2). MRSC Rosters also administers a vendor roster and a consultant roster for other types of contracts, which many public agencies are authorized to use, but those are not discussed here.
For public agencies that choose not to use the statewide small works roster administered by MRSC Rosters, the contracting process and requirements are still the same. Any authorized local government that maintains its own roster or uses another entity’s roster must ensure that its own roster complies with the same state laws.
New legislation: Beginning January 1, 2027, HB 2420 (enacted in 2026) will allow more public works contracts to be awarded using the small works roster process by increasing the small works roster threshold in phases:
- Previous threshold: $350,000
- January 1, 2027 to June 30, 2027: $530,000
- July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028: $560,000
- July 1, 2028 to June 30, 2029: $590,000
- July 1, 2029 to June 30, 2030: $620,000
- July 1, 2030 and later: $650,000
The direct contracting limit of $150,000 will stay the same. All thresholds shown exclude sales tax. We will update the Small Works Roster Manual once this legislation takes effect.
Contents
- Preparing to Use a Small Works Roster – Includes information on what a roster is, which agencies are eligible, the statewide small works roster administered by MRSC Rosters, and required internal controls (ordinances, resolutions, policies, and procedures)
- Planning a Small Works Roster Project – Includes the definition of a "small works" project, scoping/cost estimating, prevailing wages, bonds/retainage, solicitation options, and federal funding considerations
- Competitive Bidding for Small Works Contracts – Describes the bidding process required for small works roster contracts of $150,000 to $350,000, which may also (optionally) be used for contracts under $150,000
- Direct Contracting for Small Works – Describes the contracting process that may (optionally) be used for small works roster contracts under $150,000, including contractor rotation, negotiation, and small/certified business utilization plans
Small Works Roster Training Materials
MRSC has conducted several training sessions to prepare local governments for the new roster procedures. Below are the resources from those training sessions:
August 1, 2024 Webinar: Using the Statewide Small Works Roster Platform
- Webinar Recording
- Webinar Slide Deck
- Webinar Q&A and Key Takeaways – Provides a summary of key points and answers user questions received before and during the webinar
May 2024 In-Person Workshops: "Preparing for the Future: Changes to the Small Works Roster"
- “Preparing for the Future” Slide Deck
- Workshop Handout – Includes sample scope development checklist, bidder responsibility checklist, ordinance/resolution, rotation policy, and business utilization plan
- Workshops Q&A and Key Takeaways – Answers many questions asked at the workshops as well as additional questions received outside the workshops
