Digging Into Public Works: Training and Technical Assistance
The 2022 state budget included funding for MRSC to provide training and technical assistance on public works contracting, in partnership with the Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).
Through June 30, 2023, MRSC and PTAC are working collaboratively to develop and deliver targeted outreach, tools, technical assistance, and training to local governments and contractors.
All the events and resources developed for this project will be posted to this page; we will add more events and resources as they become available.
Resources for Local Governments
- Public Works Contracting Best Practices – Detailed publication provides helpful tips for public works contracting, focused primarily on the traditional design-bid-build model. Addresses ethics, competition, bid documents, contract award and administration, potential pitfalls, and more.
- Making Your Public Works Contracts More Inclusive – 10-page document discusses how to engage your bidding community to attract a broader pool of bidders, potentially leading to more competition and better pricing.
- Small Works Roster Manual – Quick reference guide providing a comprehensive overview of all aspects of small works rosters for projects under $350,000, including maintenance vs. public works, bid limits, sales tax issues, prevailing wages, and more.
- For additional information on local government public works procurement and contracting, see MRSC's resources on Purchasing and Contracting.
Regional Forums for Public Works Staff and Local Contractors
MRSC and PTAC are partnering to provide a series of in-person regional forums across the state. These unique events will convene local government public works staff seeking to refresh their public works programs and create more meaningful engagement with the contracting community, as well as contractors seeking to break into or expand their presence in public works contracting.
For Local Government Public Works Staff:
| Date | Event | Location | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 28, 2023 | Public Works Agency Training | Spokane | Register Here |
| December, 2023 | Public Works Agency Training | Port Angeles | TBD |
| January, 2024 | Public Works Agency Training | Tumwater | TBD |
| February, 2024 | Public Works Agency Training | Vancouver | TBD |
| March, 2024 | Public Works Agency Training | Wenatchee | TBD |
| April, 2024 | Public Works Agency Training | Bellingham | TBD |
| May, 2024 | Public Works Agency Training | Yakima | TBD |
| June, 2024 | Public Works Agency Training | Pullman | TBD |
For Local Contractors:
| Date | Event | Location | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 26, 2022 | Meet the Agencies | North Puget Sound (Lynnwood) | Event Completed |
| November 17, 2022 | Meet the Agencies | Tri-Cities (Kennewick) | Event Completed |
| February 16, 2023 | Meet the Agencies | Vancouver | Event Completed |
| April 19, 2023 | Meet the Agencies | Whatcom/Skagit County (Bellingham) | Event Completed |
| May 18, 2023 | Meet the Agencies | Clallam County (Sequim) | Event Completed |
Recorded Webinars
Digging Into Unit Price Contracts and Job Order Contracts
Recorded Webinar | Free
This webinar will focus on Unit Price Contracting and Job Order Contracting (JOC). Join us to learn how each of these unique public works contracting methods can potentially fit in with your agency’s contract portfolio. We have also invited several contractors to share their own perspectives. Register to view the recording
Meaningful Engagement Strategies for Local Government Procurement
Recorded Webinar | Free
Many potential business contractors and consultants consider the idea of bidding on contracts for local government mysterious, complicated, and overwhelming. To better understand the marketplace, local government agencies need to establish an engagement strategy for communicating opportunities and seeking feedback. For this important topic, we’ve pulled together a panel of professionals to discuss and answer your questions about creating an engagement strategy for your agency. Register to view the recording
MRSC Rosters Electronic Bidding Webinar
Recorded Webinar | Free
MRSC Rosters, in partnership with Bonfire, is pleased to announce that we will launch a new electronic bidding service for local governments in Washington State, beginning in January 2023. E-bidding can significantly reduce the administrative effort involved in public bidding, increase bidder participation and satisfaction, and provide valuable reporting capabilities. Register to view the recording and view the FAQ's page.
Tools for Contractors
For tools and technical assistance for private contractors, see the PTAC website.