A new security fence surrounding a retention pond at Clark College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center in Ridgefield is now complete, marking it the first finished project through the Washington EDGE pilot program.

The project was completed by Battle Ground-based Sampson Built Solutions, Inc., a small contractor participating in the program. Washington EDGE is a new DES program designed to help small construction firms gain experience navigating public works contracting while creating more opportunities to apply for state work.

Clark College identified the need for the new steel security fence after safety concerns arose from people accessing the retention pond during winter weather conditions.

“We wanted something that improved safety while still fitting into the look and feel of the campus,” said Clark College Capital Projects Manager Tom Sandhwar. “It was important to us that the solution protected the area without creating something overly dominating.”

The project was completed ahead of schedule and came in about 10% below the consultant cost estimate. The contract value was approximately $98,000.

Tom said the fence project demonstrated how the Washington EDGE pilot program can help connect public agencies with small contractors while also creating positive outcomes for local communities.

“What makes the program different is taking talent from an unrecognized source and giving them a good platform within public works,” Tom said. “It helps build confidence in small contractors and creates opportunities for them to grow.”

Sampson Built Solutions first learned about Washington EDGE through a government contracting newsletter. This was the company’s first public works contract.

Karen Sampson, president and office manager for Sampson Built Solutions, said public works contracting felt intimidating at first because of the paperwork, bonding requirements, insurance standards, and other processes that are often unfamiliar to small contractors entering the space for the first time.

Karen said the Washington EDGE training and support from DES helped make the process more approachable.

“It kind of demystified public works for us,” she said. “It made it not quite so scary. It gave us a real tool in our toolbox and allowed us to expand our portfolio and the things we would feel comfortable offering in the future.”

Karen credits DES staff, including retired project manager Paul Fiedler, with helping guide her company through the public works contracting process.

“The fact that everyone was so helpful and accommodating to someone who had never done this before was a tremendous asset,” Karen said. “Having somebody there who understood the process and could walk us through it was immeasurably helpful.”

For Clark College, the partnership between the school, DES, and contractor is a key reason for the project’s success. Unlike public works projects that rely heavily on outside consultants, portions of the fence project planning and construction documentation were developed in-house by the college and DES.

“That really gave us a good bang for our buck,” Tom said. “Every dollar we save can go toward improving the student learning environment.”

For Sampson Built Solutions, successfully completing the project created confidence to go after more public works opportunities in the future.

“We’re kind of proof of concept,” Karen said. “Now we have another feather in our cap and another offering we can give the community.”

Tom said he hopes other agencies and contractors consider participating in Washington EDGE as it continues to grow.

“If it exposes you to a longer journey in terms of expanding your business and your networks, I think it’s the greatest investment you can do for yourself.”

More information

Are you interested in finding out if your business can participate? Learn more on the Washington EDGE program page.