Procurement Fundamentals 2026: Lacey

Wednesday, September 23 & Thursday, September 24
Wed: 8 AM - 4 PM, Thu: 8 AM - 12 PM
Location: Saint Martin's University, Lacey, WA
Cost: $300 (scholarships available - see below)
Capacity: 75 registrants
Credits: 10.0 Contact Hours or 10.0 APWA-CAEC

REGISTER

Registration closes on Friday, September 11 at 5 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Ula Kamaka (UKamaka@mrsc.org).

For this session in Lacey, we are trying a two-day format. We are also offering a single-day session in Wenatchee in November 2026 and have tentatively scheduled sessions for Spokane in April 2027 and Vancouver in May 2027.

Training Overview

MRSC, in partnership with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and the Department of Revenue (DOR), is offering an in-person regional training session focused on the foundational elements of local government procurement. Whether you're new to procurement or looking to sharpen your understanding of specific project types, this session is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and tools to succeed. Through real-world examples, expert instruction, and interactive discussions, participants will gain clarity on the rules, responsibilities, and best practices for a wide range of procurement types, including: 

• Public Works Projects
• Materials, Supplies, and Equipment (Non-Public Works)
• Purchased Services
• Personal Services
• Professional Architecture & Engineering (A&E) Services 

Educational Objectives

This training will cover public works contracting on Day 1. Materials, supplies, and equipment (non-public works) and services (purchased, personal, professional) will be covered on Day 2. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of procurement fundamentals across three key areas:

Day 1 Public Works Contracting

• Define key elements like prevailing wage, bonds, and retainage.
• Understand awarding agency responsibilities for prevailing wage compliance.
• Learn about bid limits and agency thresholds for competition. 
• Differentiate minimal competition, small works rosters, and formal competitive bidding. 
•  Identify unique requirements based on the bidding method used. 

Day 2 (Part 1) – Contracting for Materials, Supplies, and Equipment (Non-Public Works)

• Define materials, supplies, and equipment, and clarify the importance of the “non-public works” distinction.
• Understand how to determine cost, including “like-kind” items and sales and use tax. 
• Review bid limits and agency thresholds for competition.  
• Explore small purchases, informal vendor lists, and formal bidding processes.
• Learn about exceptions or exemptions to competition. 

Day 2 (Part 2) – Contracting for Services

• Distinguish between purchased services, personal services, and professional A&E services. 
• Understand the differences between purchased service contracts and public works contracts, including when prevailing wages apply to purchased services. 
• Review best practices for acquiring services using minimal competition, consultant rosters, and formal bidding.  

Day 2 (Part 3) – Exemptions to Competitive Bidding

• Review competitive bidding exemptions for local governments —including emergencies, sole source purchases, special market conditions, auctions, piggybacking, and other situations.

Training Agenda

Who Should Attend?

This training is ideal for:

• Local government staff new to procurement
• Staff seeking a refresher on specific procurement types
• Anyone interested in understanding recent legislative changes impacting procurement

Whether you attend the full day or only join specific portions, you’ll gain valuable insights tailored to your agency’s needs. At the end of the day, MRSC and L&I will be available during the optional open Q&A time slot for anyone who would like to discuss an agency specific procurement or prevailing wage question. 

Presenters

• Josh Klika, Procurement & Contracting Consultant, MRSC. Josh joined MRSC in October 2021 as a Procurement and Contracting Consultant. Josh has a broad public procurement background with over 20 years in state and local governments. In addition to holding several professional certifications, Josh has served as a recurring panelist, facilitator, and presenter on numerous topics relating to procurement for various professional organizations.
• Chuck Ziegert, Industrial Relations Specialist, Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Chuck Ziegert is a technical specialist on the state’s prevailing wage law at the Department of Labor and Industries. After a successful military career, Chuck joined L&I in 2008 and the prevailing wage program in 2012. He understands the perspectives of public contract awarding agencies, contractors, workers, and labor unions. Chuck is happy to be a resource for your prevailing wage questions.
• Nettie Van Horn. Senior Lead Public Works Specialist, Washington State Department of Revenue. Nettie Van Horn is a technical specialist on the state’s public works program at the Department of Revenue. After a successful 25-year career with Taxpayer Account Administration, Nettie joined the public works program in 2017. She understands the perspectives of public contract awarding agencies and contractors. Nettie is happy to be a resource for your public work contract questions.

Training Scholarships

• The Washington Counties Risk Group (WCRG) will provide limited scholarships for this training. Those wishing to take advantage of this offer are asked to respectfully contact your WCRG risk manager, Mark Sherwood at msherwood@chooseclear.com to request the registration code before you register.
• The Cities Insurance Association of Washington (CIAW) will provide limited scholarships for this training. Those wishing to take advantage of this offer are asked to respectfully contact your CIAW risk manager, Mark Sherwood at msherwood@chooseclear.com to request the registration code before you register.
• The Washington Counties Risk Pool (WCRP) is supporting member county attendance to the upcoming training by paying for up to five (5) registrations, limit one (1) per member. This offer covers the cost of registration only and travel/meal costs associated with this training will be the county's responsibility. Those wishing to take advantage of this offer are asked to contact your county risk manager who will provide you with a free discount code to be used during registration. To learn if you are a WCRP member or if you have questions about WCRP scholarship opportunities, please contact MemberServices@wcrp.wa.gov.
• Read about other scholarship opportunities.

Payment Policy: Payment for this training is completed online by card. If you need to be billed to pay offline, there will be a $5.00 administrative fee added to the total cost of registration. Please contact Ula Kamaka (UKamaka@mrsc.org) if you would like to request an invoice for this training.

Refund Policy: Refunds will be provided minus a 5% administrative fee until the registration deadline at 5 PM on Friday, September 11. No refunds for cancelations or no-shows after the registration deadline. Please contact Ula Kamaka (UKamaka@mrsc.org) if you need to request a refund.