MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Purchasing and Contracting

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Local Governments Can Now Dig Into Free Public Works Training

October 5, 2023 by Josh Klika
Category: MRSC News and Updates , Purchasing and Contracting

MRSC has received funding to offer training and technical assistance on public works contracting and to help local governments comply with SB 5268, which modifies small works roster requirements, and HB 1050, which expands apprenticeship utilization to municipalities.

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New Public Works Guidance from MRSC

July 11, 2023 by Steve Hawley
Category: MRSC News and Updates , Purchasing and Contracting

Thanks to state funding and new partnerships, MRSC continues to build its procurement and contracting resources for local governments, including resources on making contracting more inclusive (as well as general best practices) and an updated Small Works Rosters manual.

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2023 Legislative Session Outcomes for Procurement and Contracting, Part 2

June 22, 2023 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting , New Legislation and Regulations

Part two of this series covers five new pieces of legislation that impact procurement and contracting, from increased project limits for community service organization contracts to standardized limits for procurement contracts and expanded contractor registration requirements.

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MRSC, SAO Update Online Contracting Requirements Tool

June 14, 2023 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting

MRSC, with the help of the Washington State Auditors Office, have made improvements to a popular online tool that helps local governments identify and understand their statutory legal requirements for purchasing and contracting.

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2023 Legislative Session Outcomes for Procurement and Contracting, Part 1

June 7, 2023 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting , New Legislation and Regulations

The 2023 legislation impacting contracting includes SB 5268, which expands the number of agencies able to use a small works roster and conditions under which it can be used, and HB 1050, which expands the apprenticeship utilization requirements to more local government entities.

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Clarifications for Filing the Notice of Completion

May 3, 2023 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting

It can sometimes be confusing to know which contracts require an agency file a Notice of Completion with the DOL, L&I, and the ESD, especially if the contract involves purchased services or public works.

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Can an Expired Contract Come Back to Life?

March 8, 2023 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting

When a contract expires, is it a good idea to create an amendment that will bring the contract back to life? A look at the pros and cons.

The Breakdown of Compost Product Purchasing

January 4, 2023 by Josh Klika
Category: Climate Change , Purchasing and Contracting

Any agency required to adopt a Compost Procurement Ordinance must also use compost for four specified types of projects and will need to report to the state on compost-related purchases. These agencies have some options in terms of where and how to purchase the product.

New Law Requires Compost Procurement Ordinances by January 1

November 29, 2022 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Climate Change , Purchasing and Contracting

A new state law covering organic materials management requires compost procurement ordinances for certain cities, towns, and counties by January 1, 2023. These ordinances must set forth how compost will be procured, purchased, and incorporated into applicable projects.

New Resource Helps Local Government and Private Contractors Dig Into Public Works

August 31, 2022 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting

In partnership with the Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), MRSC is launching "Digging Into Public Works," an initiative that will connect, educate, and engage local government staff and private contractors in the field of public works.

Saying Yes to Responsive & Responsible Bids

July 20, 2022 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting

In awarding contracts for public works projects or contracts for goods and services, a local government must determine both if the bid is responsive and the bidder is responsible. Fortunately, there are guidelines to help with this process.

Does the Contract Need to End, or Can It Live Forever?

June 9, 2022 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting

Contracts come with terms which sometimes cover a long period of time. This blog will explore what to consider when choosing the term of a contract.

2022 Legislation Impacting Public Works Contracting

April 28, 2022 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting , New Legislation and Regulations

SB 5693 includes funding for a new partnership between MRSC and the Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center to bring expanded training, outreach, and technical assistance on public works contracting for Washington local governments.

The ABCs of Piggybacking

March 10, 2022 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting , Interlocal Cooperation

Piggybacking allows an agency to use another agency's contract to procure products, services, and public works. However, contracts should be carefully reviewed to make sure these are adaptable and beneficial and to ensure the procurement process was compliant with the law.

No Responses to Your Bid: What Next?

January 10, 2022 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting

Does your procurement process suffer from an empty inbox? This blog provides some practical guidance and next steps to consider when there are no responses to your bid.