Digging Into Public Works: Training and Technical Assistance
The 2022 state budget included funding for MRSC to provide training and technical assistance on public works contracting, in partnership with Washington APEX Accelerator (formerly the Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)). This year, the state budget included funding for MRSC to continue these efforts.
Through June 2025, MRSC and APEX Accelerator are working collaboratively to develop and deliver targeted outreach, tools, technical assistance, and training to local governments and contractors. All the events and resources developed for this project will be posted to this page; we will add more events and resources as they become available.
Resources for Local Governments
- Public Works Contracting Best Practices – Detailed publication provides helpful tips for public works contracting, focused primarily on the traditional design-bid-build model. Addresses ethics, competition, bid documents, contract award and administration, potential pitfalls, and more.
- Making Your Public Works Contracts More Inclusive – 10-page document discusses how to engage your bidding community to attract a broader pool of bidders, potentially leading to more competition and better pricing.
- Small Works Roster Manual – Quick reference guide providing a comprehensive overview of all aspects of small works rosters for projects under $350,000
- For additional information on local government public works procurement and contracting, see MRSC's resources on Purchasing and Contracting.
Training for Public Works Staff
Public Works Fundamentals Training for Local Government Public Works Staff:
MRSC is partnering with Labor & Industries (L&I) and Department of Revenue (DOR) to provide a series of in-person regional training sessions across the state focused on the fundamental elements of public works contracting. These training events will convene local government public works staff seeking to refresh and expand their public works contracting knowledge.
| Date | Event | Location | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 23, 2024 | Public Works Fundamentals Training | Pullman | Event Completed |
| November 14, 2024 | Public Works Fundamentals Training | Bellingham | Coming Soon |
| March 27, 2025 | Public Works Fundamentals Training | Vancouver | Coming Soon |
| April 17, 2025 | Public Works Fundamentals Training | Puget Sound | Coming Soon |
| May 22, 2025 | Public Works Fundamentals Training | Tri-Cities | Coming Soon |
| May 29, 2025 | Public Works Fundamentals Training | Sequim | Coming Soon |
Additional Public Works Training for Local Government Public Works Staff:
| Date | Event | Location | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 14, 2023 | Public Works Contracting Laws for Cities | Tumwater | Event Completed |
| December 13, 2023 | Public Works Training for Counties | Olympia | Event Completed |
| February 23, 2024 | Small Works for Ports | Virtual or Vancouver | Event Completed |
| May 2, 2024 | Preparing for the Future: Small Works Changes and the New Statewide Roster | Spokane | Event Completed |
| May 15, 2024 | Preparing for the Future: Small Works Changes and the New Statewide Roster | Tacoma | Event Completed |
Regional Forums for Local Contractors
For Local Contractors:
| Date | Event | Location | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 26, 2023 | Meet the Agencies | Snohomish County | Event Completed |
| November 2, 2023 | Meet the Agencies | Spokane County | Event Completed |
| November 30, 2023 | Meet the Agencies | Thurston/Pierce County | Event Completed |
| February 7, 2024 | Meet the Buyers | Skagit/Whatcom County | Event Completed |
| February 22, 2024 | Meet the Agencies | Clallam County | Event Completed |
| March 14, 2024 | Alliance Northwest | King County | Event Completed |
| April 25, 2024 | Meet the Agencies | Kitsap County | Event Completed |
| May 9, 2024 | Meet the Agencies | Vancouver | Event Completed |
| May 14, 2024 | Meet the Agencies | Tri-Cities | Event Completed |
Recorded Webinars
Implementing Apprentice Utilization Requirements (AUR Series – Part 2)
Recorded Webinar | Free
Join MRSC for this informative webinar, the second in our AUR Series. The focus for this session is current practices in implementing AURs including topics such as bidding document and contract provisions, creating and using specific forms, and enforcing and documenting. Register to view the recording
Apprentice Utilization Requirements and Prevailing Wage Reporting (AUR Series – Part 1)
Recorded Webinar | Free
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the upcoming Apprentice Utilization Requirements (AUR) and associated Prevailing Wage Intents and Affidavits (PWIA) reporting? Join the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) and MRSC for this informative training. Register to view the recording
Engaging the Bidding Community with APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC)
Recorded Webinar | Free
Are you looking for opportunities to better connect with your local bidding community? In this webinar, we would like to introduce your agency to a trusted Government Contracting (GovCon) resource you may not be aware of, APEX Accelerator, formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). Register to view the recording
Digging Into Unit Price Contracts and Job Order Contracts
Recorded Webinar | Free
This webinar will focus on Unit Price Contracting and Job Order Contracting (JOC). Join us to learn how each of these unique public works contracting methods can potentially fit in with your agency’s contract portfolio. We have also invited several contractors to share their own perspectives. Register to view the recording
Meaningful Engagement Strategies for Local Government Procurement
Recorded Webinar | Free
Many potential business contractors and consultants consider the idea of bidding on contracts for local government mysterious, complicated, and overwhelming. To better understand the marketplace, local government agencies need to establish an engagement strategy for communicating opportunities and seeking feedback. For this important topic, we’ve pulled together a panel of professionals to discuss and answer your questions about creating an engagement strategy for your agency. Register to view the recording
MRSC Rosters Electronic Bidding Webinar
Recorded Webinar | Free
MRSC Rosters, in partnership with Bonfire, is pleased to announce that we will launch a new electronic bidding service for local governments in Washington State, beginning in January 2023. E-bidding can significantly reduce the administrative effort involved in public bidding, increase bidder participation and satisfaction, and provide valuable reporting capabilities. Register to view the recording and view the FAQ's page.
Tools for Contractors
For tools and technical assistance for private contractors, see the Apex Accelerator website.