Doing Business with the city of Seattle

The City of Seattle buys goods and services from many types of businesses including those in construction, public works, and related trades. To help more small and disadvantaged businesses win these contracts, Tabor 100 has partnered with the City of Seattle to offer free, personalized support. If you’re in construction or public works and want to do business with the City but aren’t sure where to start or how to compete this program is for you. Whether you’re brand new to government contracting or want to improve your approach, Tabor 100 is here to guide you every step of the way. You’ll get one-on-one help, group training, tools, and resources designed to help you register, apply, and win contracts with confidence.

Program Goals

  • Support small, BIPOC, and WMBE-owned businesses

  • Break down barriers to City of Seattle contracting

  • Provide practical training, tools, and guidance

  • Increase visibility and success for historically underserved firms

  • Ensure businesses know how to register, bid, and deliver on City contracts

Interested in City of Seattle Contracts?

Click the link below for more info.

What is offered through
this program

Technical assistance in the following areas can be provided via one on one support, in person, virtually, or through workshops, and is customized to each firm’s needs based on an intake assessment.

Navigating City Contracting Opportunities

  • Identifying relevant opportunities in purchasing, consulting, public works, and job order contracting
  • Understanding how to match business capabilities with City needs

Onboarding into City Systems

  • Helping businesses understand the City’s structure and procedures
  • Providing orientation materials and resource referrals
  • Educating on key City contacts like WMBE liaisons and project managers

Understanding Contract Requirements

  • Insurance and bonding requirements
  • General and special terms and conditions
  • Change orders and payment processes
  • Social equity requirements (WMBE, prevailing wage, prompt pay, etc.

Registering and Using City Platforms

  • Online Business Directory (OBD)
  • Consultant Roster
  • Bonfire, ProcureWare, B2GNow, LCPtracke

Preparing Contract Submittals

  • Responding to RFPs, RFQs, and ITBs
  • Crafting capability statements
  • Preparing and submitting invoices

Post-Award Support

  • Understanding contract management expectations
  • Navigating compliance tools and reporting systems

Marketing and Outreach to City Departments

  • Finding the right City contacts
  • Promoting services and pitching your business
  • Developing marketing materials and pitch decks

Business Readiness and Strategy

  • Assessing business alignment with City opportunities
  • Building work plans, business plans, and growth strategies
  • Considering subcontracting or teaming arrangements

Who should participate?

Small, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged businesses especially those in construction and public works that are interested in doing business with the City of Seattle.

What Type of Business is this for?

The City of Seattle contracts with businesses in several industries. If your business is in one of the industries listed here, you may qualify for Technical Assistance through this program!

This program is designed to support businesses that want to better understand the City’s contracting process and improve their ability to compete for public contracts.

Construction & Public Works

  • General contractors
  • Electrical contractors
  • Plumbing/HVAC firms
  • Concrete and paving companies
  • Site development and landscaping
  • Roofing and painting
  • Demolition and excavation
  • Environmental remediation
  • Traffic control and signage
    Includes Job Order Contracts (JOCs), large capital projects, and public infrastructure.

Professional Services & Consulting

  • Engineering (civil, structural, environmental)
  • Architecture and design
  • Project management
  • Urban planning and development
  • IT and software development
  • Environmental and sustainability consulting
  • Legal, financial, and compliance consulting
  • Equity and inclusion training
  • Marketing and communications consulting

Goods & Commodities

  • Office supplies and furniture
  • Safety equipment and PPE
  • Uniforms and apparel
  • Technology hardware and software
  • Building and maintenance materials
  • Vehicles, tools, and equipment
    These are often purchased through blanket contracts or competitive bids.

General & Specialized Services

  • Janitorial and custodial services
  • Security services
  • Landscaping and grounds maintenance
  • Waste and recycling services
  • Moving and logistics
  • Printing and signage
  • Translation and interpretation services
  • Catering and food service
  • Temporary staffing services

Are you ready to do business with the City of Seattle?

Fill out the intake form below to apply

How to Find Opportunities With the City of Seattle

Businesses interested in City of Seattle contracts should explore:

Still Have Questions?

Contact our designated Program Manager
Darold Bivens
[email protected]
(425) 528 – 0117

Walk-In Hours with the City of Seattle

Every Wednesday