How and when are bids issued?

We issue solicitations when a purchase exceeds the direct buy limit.

How do I learn about bid notices?

You can be notified of bidding opportunities by email or you can view notices online.

• Sign up in Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) to receive bid notices via email; see WEBS instructions and search tips for more information.
• Visit the DES website to view bidding opportunities online

For more information, contact:
Department of Enterprise Services
Contracts and Procurement Division
1500 Jefferson St., 6th Floor
Olympia, WA 98504-1017
Tel: 360-902-7400

How do I respond to a bid notice?

Preparation tips

1. Ensure you read and understand the procurement document, all appendices, amendments and other attachments.
2. Contact the procurement coordinator if you have questions.
3. Attend any pre-bid conferences or site visits.
4. Research previous bids and contracts.
5. Seek minority- and women-owned business enterprise participation.
6. Ensure your bid is completely filled out and signed in ink.
7. Include all required attachments and documentation.
8. Make sure you download the solicitation using WEBS to ensure notification of any amendments. Vendors are responsible for checking WEBS and should do so frequently.
9. If required, you must sign and return a copy of each amendment before the bid-due date.
10. Ensure your bid is properly addressed and delivered to our office before the date and time set for opening.

Pre-bid conference, bidder questions and solicitation amendments

All potential bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference at which the solicitation is explained and questions about the solicitation can be raised and addressed.  All questions raised during the solicitation question-and-answer period will be addressed through WEBS amendments. Any changes to a solicitation made by DES prior to the bid-due date will be posted in WEBS as official solicitation amendments; all bidders that downloaded the original solicitation will be notified of solicitation amendments by WEBS-generated email.

Determining results

Winning bidder(s) will be determined after the solicitation is closed and bids are evaluated and measured against the stated award criteria. The bid(s) most responsive to those criteria based on the solicitation’s evaluation formula will receive award(s). After announcement of the Apparent Successful Bidder (ASB), all bids are available for public review. All winning bids for state master contracts will be posted on the contract summary pages after the contract is awarded.  Copies of other bids may be obtained by contacting the Public Records Office.

Women-owned and/or minority certifications

Washington state encourages participation from minority and women-owned businesses. For more information, call 866 208-1064 or visit the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises website.

Streamline the payment process

The Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) maintains a central vendor file for Washington state agencies to use for processing vendor payments. This allows you, as a vendor, to receive payments from all participating state agencies by direct deposit, the state’s preferred method of payment.  If you do business with one or more state agencies and you do not already receive your payments by direct deposit, visit Receiving Payment from the State to sign up for payment as a statewide vendor.

Meet licensing requirements

• In-state vendors must be licensed with the Department of Licensing. Call 800-451-7985 for more information.
• Out of state vendors should seek guidance from the Washington Department of Licensing for specific requirements.