SUPPLIER DIVERSITY
New policy will help level playing field
Enterprise Services is introducing a supplier diversity procurement policy, effective April 1, 2023, that will require all state agencies to consider supplier diversity in all aspects of their goods and services procurements.
The use of small, diverse and veteran-owned businesses by state government has been low for 20 years. Last fiscal year, state government spent $817 million on goods and services through DES-managed contracts, only 1 percent of which was with businesses owned by women, people in racial minorities, and veterans. Only 6.8 percent of that amount was with small businesses. ?
Enterprise Services is working to transform its practices to create durable change:
- DES created an interactive handbook that takes contracts and procurement professionals step-by-step through the policy requirements.
- All procurement professionals and contract managers can take the required training course, called Washington State Supplier Diversity Training, through the Washington State Learning Center.?
- The policy establishes accountability requirements for agency leaders and transparency measures for agencies? procurements.
- State agencies? compliance with this policy will be a factor in their delegated purchase authority.??
Why does supplier diversity matter?
The goal of the supplier diversity policy is to give small, diverse and veteran-owned businesses equitable access to state contracts. Watch this short video to learn more about the policy and why it matters.
MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
Contract to extend to January '26?
Enterprise Services is giving notice that Contract 02119 for medical diagnostic testing services has been extended to Jan. 10, 2026.
The Contract Summary page has been updated to reflect the term date change.
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