WSDOT - business support services program

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Business Development Organization (BDO) to implement its Business Support Services Program through Competitive Solicitation No. 2025-0509. The procurement aims to secure a contractor who will provide comprehensive free services to Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprise (OMWBE)-certified firms in the highway construction and consulting industry. Key service categories include program management, accounting practices, marketing/sales advisement, and bid preparation/contracting support. The solicitation covers multiple Washington counties and cities, with an initial two-year contract term and potential extensions. Evaluation criteria will be comprehensive, including a non-cost factor evaluation (55% of total score), cost factor evaluation (20%), and a demonstration/interview component (25%). Critical dates include a pre-bid conference on May 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with bid submissions due by June 27, 2025, and an anticipated contract award on August 13, 2025. Bidders must submit detailed documentation including certifications, performance requirements, pricing information, and comprehensive business profiles.

The solicitation includes voluntary numerical diversity goals, targeting 10% Minority-Owned Businesses, 6% Women-Owned Businesses, 5% Veteran-Owned Businesses, and 5% Washington Small Businesses. Only OMWBE-certified firms are eligible to receive the free support services, with the program specifically focused on supporting minority and women-owned businesses in developing their highway construction and consulting industry capabilities. WSDOT anticipates purchasing approximately $500,000 of services, with the contract contingent upon funding availability. Potential contractors must meet extensive qualifications, including registration with the Washington Secretary of State and Department of Revenue, appropriate insurance coverage, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Bidders must demonstrate expertise in technical service management, bookkeeping, business development, marketing, bid preparation, scheduling, change order management, and bonding assistance. The program's ultimate objective is to promote growth and self-sufficiency among participating minority and women-owned businesses in the transportation sector.