Dig Safe Certification Training

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is initiating a Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 27-PS-04 to procure Dig Safe Certification Training services across multiple Washington state jurisdictions. The training is designed for excavators, contractors, landscapers, facility operators, public works employees, and individuals working around pipelines and underground utilities. The contract requires delivering 10 separate one-day in-person education programs across different areas of Washington, with each class accommodating a maximum of 40 participants, totaling 400 in-person attendees. Additionally, the contractor must provide virtual training via an online platform in both English and Spanish, consisting of at least 45 minutes of training for 300 students. The contract period spans from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with potential extension options for three additional one-year periods. Bidders must meet minimum qualifications, including being licensed to do business in Washington, possessing at least ten years of experience in construction trades involving excavation, demonstrating experience with locating and working around underground utilities, and showing familiarity with the Underground Utilities law in Chapter 19.122 RCW. The proposal submission deadline is July 26, 2025, and proposals exceeding $60,000 will be considered non-responsive.

The RFP does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The UTC has budgeted a total of $60,000 for this project, with $45,000 allocated for the 10 in-person trainings and $15,000 for 300 online trainings. The successful contractor will be required to provide written course materials, including Spanish materials if needed, and submit comprehensive documentation including an attendance list, final training report, attendance feedback, and recommendations for program enhancement. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the training appears to be a new initiative focused on improving safety and awareness around underground utilities. The contract includes specific deliverables such as developing training content, conducting in-person and virtual sessions, and providing post-training documentation. The relatively modest budget of $60,000 suggests this is a targeted training initiative aimed at improving excavation safety across Washington state's diverse jurisdictions.