Local business owners interested in government work can get free, one-to-one help sorting through bids, registrations and the paperwork that comes before a contract.
Washington APEX Accelerator's office at Economic Alliance Snohomish County serves Snohomish and Island counties, along with Skagit, San Juan and Whatcom. Its advisers work with businesses entering government contracting and firms that already have experience.
In a Nov. 2 update about transportation contracting, the alliance encouraged contractors and subcontractors to prepare for upcoming opportunities. The practical starting point is its no-cost advising service, which can help an owner decide where to focus before spending time on a bid.
What advisers can help with
The alliance's APEX service page lists help with finding relevant government buyers, understanding solicitations, reviewing bids and navigating registrations and certifications. Advisers also review capability statements, the short business profiles used to explain a firm's services and experience to potential buyers.
Business owners can contact:
- Cara Buckingham: carab@economicalliancesc.org or 425-248-4223.
- Mark Johnson: markj@economicalliancesc.org or 425-248-4222.
APEX asks businesses to register as clients so it can record its assistance. Owners can contact an adviser first to ask whether the program fits their needs.
Bring a specific opportunity or question
A useful first discussion could cover:
- Which opportunities match the firm's services, equipment and experience?
- Which registrations or certifications does that particular solicitation require?
- What needs to be included in the response, and what questions should go to the purchasing agency before the deadline?
For roadwork, use WSDOT's advance contract schedule to look ahead, then check the agency's contracting opportunities for the actual solicitation. WSDOT cautions that planned advertisement dates can change and projects depend on available funding. A planned bid date does not establish when roadwork or a traffic closure will begin.
Free advising, with a separate paid tool
One-to-one advising is offered at no cost. The alliance separately lists its computerized Bid Match subscription at $165 a year after a 30-day free trial. Ask the adviser about that distinction before enrolling in the optional tool.
The first step can be a question about one suitable contract, rather than trying to understand the whole procurement system at once.
