About the pilot 

The Washington EDGE pilot program helps businesses whose gross revenue averages no more than $5 million over the last three years. Program participants receive access to Washington EDGE-only bid opportunities on selected public works construction contracts under $1 million. 

As a pilot program, we continue to review and improve through feedback. Within 2½ years after starting, we will do a formal review to see how it’s working and update policies. We will also use what we learn from this review to set new goals. 

The key components of the Washington EDGE program include:

• Completing the required Washington EDGE training program. 
• Hands-on technical experience and assistance for navigating Washington bidding rules and process. 
• Connection with experienced firms and industry professionals. 
• Access to Washington EDGE program reserved bidding opportunities, therefore bidding against like-sized businesses on a more level field. 

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the Washington EDGE program:

• Business revenue must not be more than $5 million averaged over the prior three years. 
• The business must have no federal, state, or local debarments, suspensions, or revocations within the last two years. 
• The business must hold necessary licenses, registrations, and permits required by state law to operate as a construction contractor in the state of Washington. 
• The majority business owner must have at least three years of experience working in the construction industry. 
• Majority business owners may not own multiple businesses with a combined average annual business revenue higher than $5 million over the last three years. 
• The firm cannot be involved in any situation where its business dealings or business dealings of its owners might influence or interfere with the interests of Washington EDGE. 
• The firm must submit a complete application signed by the principal business owner or authorized representative of the business. 
• The firm must be a Washington-based business. 

How to apply 

To apply for the Washington EDGE pilot program, you must complete the application and any required addendum by the deadline. 

We recommend you submit your application as soon as possible. If interest in the program exceeds its capacity, we may close the application window early. 

*If you need assistance completing your application via the web forms, please email waedge@des.wa.gov.

Required:

• Complete the application and unsworn declaration  
• Complete Addendum 1 – Owner Information form for every individual with ownership interest in the company.

If applicable:

• Complete one Addendum 2 – Parent Company Information form for every business with ownership interest in the company.

Deadline:

Submit your application before May 7, 2025. 

Timeline 

• May 7, 2025: Application deadline for making it into the first training sessions 
• July 2025: Training sessions occur 

We will process applications in the order we receive them. If interest in the program exceeds DES capacity to manage the program, we may close applications early. If that happens, we will post the information here and notify those who’ve subscribed to get Washington EDGE updates. 

If your application is incomplete or inaccurate we will notify so you can make corrections or provide missing information or documents. 

We will let you know our decision on your application about one month after we receive your complete application.  

Orientation and training 

The Washington EDGE training program will consist of no more than 20 hours of training and will cover various topics, including: 

Intro to Washington EDGE program 

• Public works contracts rules, regulations, policies, and procedures 
• Compliance and success: Being a general contractor compared to subcontracting 

Bidding on DES public works contracts 

• Washington Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) registration and use 
• Bidding on DES public works contracts 
• Using Bonfire, the online public works bidding system 
• Project bonding 101 
• Understanding public works responsibility criteria 

Managing DES public works contracts 

• How to invoice DES for payment 
• Complying with B2GNow subcontractor reporting requirements 
• Construction project closeout 

Resources 

• Washington EDGE Program factsheet (PDF)
• You can find the FAQ current/adopted on the Washington EDGE Pilot Program policy. We will continue to update the FAQs as questions come up. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for, please email us  

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