WSDOT workshop aims to help smaller contractors compete on bids

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is looking for help from local prime and subprime contractors.

To inform consultants and contractors about opportunities to bid on upcoming jobs around the state, WSDOT officials hosted a workshop this week in Vancouver.

WSDOT hopes the workshop encourages local small businesses -- especially those owned by women, minorities and veterans -- to apply for certification to bid on contracts.

“Getting more firms into the WSDOT program is the right thing to do,” WSDOT Construction Engineer Chris Tams said. “We want our workforce – both external and internal – to represent the communities in which we live and serve.”

Attending the workshop were representatives of the American Council of Engineering Companies, Associated General Contractors, City of Battle Ground, City of Vancouver, Clark County Public Works, National Association of Minority Contractors, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Native Procurement Technical Assistance, Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise, Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, Small Business Development Center, USDOT Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Veterans Business Outreach Center and the Women’s Transportation Seminar.