What is debarment? 

Debarment is the process that bans a vendor from participating in government contracts.  

Businesses and contractors who are debarred can’t bid on, or have a bid considered, for any public state contract. 

Reasons for debarment 

Any ethical or illegal actions as outlined in RCW 39.26.200: Authorization of DES to fine or debar contractors.  

DES debarment authority  

Our authority only covers state contracts for goods and services.  

We don’t handle any city, county, district, or other local government vendor issues.  

Public works 

L&I manages debarment for state public works contracts. All referrals dealing with public works projects should be sent to PW1@lni.wa.gov. 

Current goods and services debarments 

• No debarments are in effect. 

DES debarment process 

We investigate and make recommendations for debarment on a case-by-case basis.  

Submitting a referral starts the process, which may take time. We recommend debarment only if an investigation shows credible cause for it. 

Once we get a referral for debarment we:

1. Review 

   • Confirm that we got your referral. 

   • Review the referral and confirm that it is within our authority. If it isn’t in our authority, we will close the case and let you know. 

2. Investigate 

   If it is within our authority, we will:  

   • Do an initial review of the facts. 

   • Do a full investigation if the facts justify it.  

3. Make a recommendation 
   
   After our investigation we will:  

   • Let you know our results.  

   • Make a debarment recommendation to the Director.  

Please note that all vendors have the right to appeal any debarment decisions.  

How to submit a debarment referral 

Anyone can submit a debarment referral.

To submit a debarment referral to us, it must involve state contracts for goods and services. We don't handle public works, or local government (cities, counties, districts) organizations. 

• Submit a debarment referral