October 14, 2024

The benefits of Public Works Small Business Enterprise certification

Harvey Hughes

Washington state is certifying small businesses seeking public works contracts. The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) recently expanded its state certification program to include Public Works Small Business Enterprises.

PWSBE certification is designed for small businesses operating in the construction industry, or other fields engaged in public works contracting. For many years, OMWBE has offered Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification to increase minority- and women-owned business participation on federally funded projects. PWSBE certification provides a similar benefit, for state funded contracting opportunities.

PWSBE differs from the rest of OMWBE’s state program as a race and gender neutral certification. While most certifications are based upon social and economic disadvantage, PWSBE relies solely on economic disadvantage. PWSBEs must be small businesses, but owners are not required to be a member of a minority group or a woman to be eligible for certification. This ensures every small business goes through the same certification process as minority and women business owners, leveling the playing field by holding everyone to the same standards. Other eligibility criteria still apply, requiring both ownership and control of the business, with specific thresholds for economic disadvantage and business size.

BACKGROUND

Photo courtesy of OMWBE [enlarge]

OMWBE director Lekha Fernandes and team speaking at the first annual Northwest Contractor’s Day conference.

The Washington State Legislature created PWSBE certification in Senate Bill (SB) 5268. Legislative funding was provided to OMWBE to establish PWSBE certification, and the Department of Commerce provided funding to the Municipal Research and Services Center to create a new statewide small works roster, which launched on July 1. This laid the foundation for small and diverse business inclusion, but the primary benefit of SB 5268 is in the direct contracting process.

Now, for contracts in the amount of $150,000 or less, SB 5268 allows state agencies and local governments to direct contract with certified businesses. If there are six or more certified businesses on the statewide small works roster, public entities must directly contract with one of OMWBE’s certified businesses.

DIRECT CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY

PWSBE certification can guarantee that OMWBE certified businesses get work. PWSBE certified businesses on MRSC’s new statewide small works roster are eligible for direct contracting opportunities with a state agency or local government. If there are six or more OMWBE certified businesses on the new small works roster, the state agency or local government must select an OMWBE certified business for the small works project.

Equity and inclusion are also built into the selection process, when multiple opportunities are on the table. Agencies and local governments must rotate the use of certified businesses to allow all businesses an opportunity to contract with the government.

BENEFITS ALL SMALL BUSINESSES

PWSBE certification is race and gender neutral, but OMWBE certified minority and women owned businesses in the public works industry are strongly encouraged to add PWSBE certification to their credentials.

The more OMWBE certified businesses listed on MRSC’s statewide small works roster, the more small business owners will get job opportunities. Direct contracting opportunities and a chance to be selected for projects up to $150,000 serve as a benefit for all OMWBE certified small businesses. Small works projects may be larger than the direct contracting threshold as well, up to $350,000 for competitive bidding. Getting PWSBE certified and joining the small works roster opens the door to opportunity.

NO COST

There is no application fee for PWSBE certification. In fact, there is no cost for any OMWBE certification from now until June 30, 2025. If you are a small business owner in the public works industry, apply for PWSBE certification now. Joining MRSC’s new statewide small works roster is also free for every PWSBE certified business. There is no cost to participate in this opportunity to grow your small business.

STREAMLINED APPLICATION PROCESS

© A.Frank/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock [enlarge]

PWSBE-certified businesses on a new statewide small works roster are eligible for direct contracting opportunities with state agencies and local governments.

Businesses that are already state certified with OMWBE may “opt-in” to become PWSBE certified. This is a streamlined process that eliminates paperwork and time to become certified. For applicants without OMWBE certification, the full application process will take 60 days or less.

PWSBE PROCESSING TEAM

OMWBE has a new PWSBE application processing team, which is focused on processing PWSBE applications. The PWSBE team has one supervisor and two experienced certification analysts. A dedicated PWSBE processing team was created to ensure the success of the new PWSBE certification program. Certification analysts assist all PWSBE applicants free of charge. If you have questions about getting certified, call OMWBE at (360) 664-9750 and an expert will guide you through the process.

SPREAD THE WORD

OMWBE’s new PWSBE certification can be a benefit to all small businesses. This certification provides an opportunity for small businesses in the field of public works to avoid the traditional bidding process and directly contract with the government for projects worth up to $150,000. The more businesses take advantage of this opportunity by becoming PWSBE certified and participating with MRSC’s new statewide roster, the more OMWBE certified businesses can get public works jobs with the government.

OMWBE and MRSC have presented on the new PWSBE certification in both eastern and western Washington to reach a wide range of small businesses in the public works industry. We need help spreading the word to any small business interested in public works contracting opportunities. If you are one of those businesses, start your application today!

Sharon Harvey Hughes is the director of policy at OMWBE and previously served as OMWBE’s assistant director of certification.

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