skip navigation

MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for Josh Klika

A magnifying glass against financial figures and stacks of coins

2024 Legislative Session Outcomes for Procurement and Contracting

How will 2024 legislation impact procurement and contracting in Washington? Contractors sanctioned for violating prevailing wage laws may see additional sanctions, prompt payment provisions have been strengthened, and change orders requirements have been updated.

Read more

level up

“Level Up” to Avoid Bid Splitting

Bid splitting, or dividing up a public works project into parts solely for the purpose of getting the individual purchase or contract award below bidding requirements, could result in a potential audit finding as well as add costs. Leveling up is one way to avoid a split bid.

Read more

The word unprepared with 'un' crossed out

Small Works Rosters Are Changing: Are You Ready?

Thanks to legislation in 2023, changes are coming to small works contracting requirements for state agencies and local government entities, and these agencies/entities only have until July 1 of this year to prepare.

Read more

A circled calendar date with the phrase, Learn something new!

Local Governments Can Now Dig Into Free Public Works Training

MRSC has received funding to offer training and technical assistance on public works contracting and to help local governments comply with SB 5268, which modifies small works roster requirements, and HB 1050, which expands apprenticeship utilization to municipalities.

Read more

A close up of plans for a park that is being developed

2023 Legislative Session Outcomes for Procurement and Contracting, Part 2

Part two of this series covers five new pieces of legislation that impact procurement and contracting, from increased project limits for community service organization contracts to standardized limits for procurement contracts and expanded contractor registration requirements. 

Read more

The word 'update' against a blurred background and tech and communication related images

MRSC, SAO Update Online Contracting Requirements Tool

MRSC, with the help of the Washington State Auditors Office, have made improvements to a popular online tool that helps local governments identify and understand their statutory legal requirements for purchasing and contracting. 

Read more

Female apprentice carpenter installs handrails while colleague advises her

2023 Legislative Session Outcomes for Procurement and Contracting, Part 1

The 2023 legislation impacting contracting includes SB 5268, which expands the number of agencies able to use a small works roster and conditions under which it can be used, and HB 1050, which expands the apprenticeship utilization requirements to more local government entities. 

Read more

Close up of person's hand checking off a square box on virtual interface while working on a laptop

Clarifications for Filing the Notice of Completion

It can sometimes be confusing to know which contracts require an agency file a Notice of Completion with the DOL, L&I, and the ESD, especially if the contract involves purchased services or public works. 

Read more

A magician working magic with a hat and wand

Can an Expired Contract Come Back to Life?

When a contract expires, is it a good idea to create an amendment that will bring the contract back to life? A look at the pros and cons.

Read more

The Breakdown of Compost Product Purchasing

Any agency required to adopt a Compost Procurement Ordinance must also use compost for four specified types of projects and will need to report to the state on compost-related purchases. These agencies have some options in terms of where and how to purchase the product.

Read more

New Resource Helps Local Government and Private Contractors Dig Into Public Works

In partnership with the Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), MRSC is launching "Digging Into Public Works," an initiative that will connect, educate, and engage local government staff and private contractors in the field of public works.

Read more

Saying Yes to Responsive & Responsible Bids

In awarding contracts for public works projects or contracts for goods and services, a local government must determine both if the bid is responsive and the bidder is responsible. Fortunately, there are guidelines to help with this process. 

Read more

Does the Contract Need to End, or Can It Live Forever?

Contracts come with terms which sometimes cover a long period of time. This blog will explore what to consider when choosing the term of a contract.

Read more

2022 Legislation Impacting Public Works Contracting

SB 5693 includes funding for a new partnership between MRSC and the Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center to bring expanded training, outreach, and technical assistance on public works contracting for  Washington local governments. 

Read more

The ABCs of Piggybacking

Piggybacking allows an agency to use another agency's contract to procure products, services, and public works. However, contracts should be carefully reviewed to make sure these are adaptable and beneficial and to ensure the procurement process was compliant with the law. 

Read more

No Responses to Your Bid: What Next?

Does your procurement process suffer from an empty inbox? This blog provides some practical guidance and next steps to consider when there are no responses to your bid.

Read more

Introducing Josh Klika, Procurement & Contracting Consultant

MRSC welcomes Josh Klika, most recently with the City of Olympia, as the new Procurement and Contracting Consultant.

Read more

LOAD MORE