In 2024, we updated the risk assessment process to achieve these goals:

1. Improve process efficiency to be able to assess agencies’ delegated authority in a timely manner.
2. More clearly define and communicate how DES administers the risk assessment so agencies better understand the process and how we use the information.
3. Improve customer satisfaction with the process.

Completed 2024-2025 risk assessment

This iteration of the Procurement Risk Assessment was based on agency contracting data from fiscal year 2024. As of June 2026, the 2024-2025 risk assessment is complete.

• View the contract audit scoring rubric.
• View the implementation plan.
• View the agency review schedule.
• View the completed risk assessment agencies.

Next Procurement Risk Assessment starts late 2027

The next Procurement Risk Assessment is scheduled to begin December 2027. DES will reach out to agencies with schedule details before the assessment starts.

Applying lessons learned

To implement lessons learned from the fiscal year 2024 Procurement Risk Assessment, DES will:

• Review 2024-2025 assessment results and stakeholder feedback.
• Conduct internal process improvement meetings.
• Meet with agencies to discuss the 2024-2025 assessment outcomes and recurring risk themes.
• Collaborate and coordinate with internal teams at DES and partner agencies, including the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises, Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Office of Equity, and the Department of Ecology, to provide educational opportunities based on gaps identified, and improve training, communication, and risk management.
• Evaluate opportunities to improve assessment methodology, guidance, and scoring methods for future assessment cycles.

Continuous support for agencies

As the team prepares for the next assessment cycle, we will conduct interim follow-up meetings with agencies to evaluate lessons learned, touch base on implementation progress, address questions, and provide support and resources for agencies managing procurement risk.

This interim work is intended to support continuous improvement of both the assessment process and statewide procurement risk management practices in preparation for the 2027 Procurement Risk Assessment.

DES will add more resources and updates to this page as they become available.