Washington State Construction Bids Guide: Seattle & Public Works Contracts 2025

Washington State Construction Market

Washington Construction Market

WSDOT Budget:

$6B+

Transportation program

DBE Goal:

15%

Federal-aid projects

Key Market:

Seattle

Puget Sound region

Washington State offers contractors robust opportunities driven by population growth, technology sector expansion, and significant infrastructure investment. The Puget Sound region dominates the market, but opportunities exist throughout the state across transportation, education, and public facilities.

Major Contracting Agencies

State Level

• WSDOT (Transportation)
• Department of Enterprise Services
• State universities (UW, WSU)
• Department of Corrections

Regional/Local

• City of Seattle
• King County
• Sound Transit
• Port of Seattle

WSDOT Procurement

Washington State Department of Transportation

WSDOT is one of the largest state DOTs in the nation, managing significant highway, bridge, ferry, and rail construction programs.

Letting Schedule

Multiple lettings per month. Plans available through WSDOT website. Electronic bidding through Bid Express.

Prequalification

Required for projects over $500,000. Based on financial capacity, experience, and equipment. Work categories include highway, bridge, and specialty work.

Bid Bond

5% bid bond required. Performance and payment bonds at 100% of contract value.

Project Types

Highway construction and paving
Bridge construction and rehabilitation
Ferry terminal facilities
Rest areas and park-and-ride
Intelligent transportation systems

DBE Requirements

Federal DBE goal: 15%
Project-specific goals apply
Good faith efforts documentation
Monthly utilization reporting
Prompt payment requirements

City of Seattle Contracting

Seattle Procurement Overview

The City of Seattle has significant construction programs across multiple departments, with strong emphasis on equity and local hiring.

Seattle Public Utilities

Water, drainage, and solid waste infrastructure. Major capital improvement program ongoing.

Seattle City Light

Municipal electric utility. Substation, transmission, and distribution projects.

Seattle DOT

Streets, bridges, signals, bicycle/pedestrian improvements. Vision Zero projects.

Seattle WMBE Program

14%

MBE Goal

WBE Goal

WMBE

Combined program

City WMBE certification required
Priority hire requirements for large projects
Community Workforce Agreements apply to some projects

Washington State Requirements

Contractor Registration

Department of Labor & Industries Registration

All contractors must register with L&I before working in Washington. Register, bond, and obtain insurance.

Electrical/Plumbing Licenses

Specialty trades require separate licensing through L&I. Journey-level or contractor licenses.

Business License

State business license through Department of Revenue. City business licenses also required.

Apprenticeship Requirements

Washington requires apprenticeship utilization on public works:

Requirements

• 15% apprentice hours on public works
• Applies to contracts over $1M
• Good faith efforts if goal not met
• Monthly reporting required

Approved Programs

• State-approved apprenticeship programs
• Union and non-union programs accepted
• Trade-specific requirements
• Documentation of compliance

Business Programs & Certifications

OMWBE Certification

The Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) certifies disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses.

Certification Types

• MBE (Minority Business Enterprise)
• WBE (Women's Business Enterprise)
• DBE (Disadvantaged Business)
• SBE (Small Business Enterprise)

Benefits

• Access to set-aside contracts
• Subcontracting opportunities
• Directory listing for primes
• Networking and training

Sound Transit DBE Program

Sound Transit has its own DBE program for major transit construction:

17%

DBE Goal

$140B

ST3 Program

SBE

Additional goals

Winning Strategies for Washington

Keys to Success

Complete L&I Registration First
Registration is required to bid. Keep bond and insurance current. Register before pursuing work.
Develop Apprenticeship Capacity
Washington's apprenticeship requirements are significant. Partner with programs or develop your own.
Build DBE/WMBE Relationships
Seattle and regional goals require strong certified business partnerships.
Understand Prevailing Wage
Washington has its own prevailing wage law. Rates can differ significantly from federal Davis-Bacon.

Common Pitfalls

Bidding without current L&I registration
Not meeting apprenticeship utilization requirements
Missing Seattle Priority Hire documentation
Using wrong prevailing wage rates
Not understanding rain day impacts on schedule