We are committed to equitable, transparent, and inclusive procurement practices that expand access to contracting opportunities for businesses of all sizes, with a focus on supporting women- and minority-owned business enterprises (WMBEs), small businesses, and a diverse supplier community.
Procurement Equity, Supplier Management, and WMBE Programs support vendors, consultants, contractors, and suppliers interested in doing business with Seattle City Light and the City of Seattle, either as prime contractors/consultants or subcontractors/consultants.
We provide guidance on City procurement processes, promote equitable contracting practices, connect businesses with contracting opportunities, and offer outreach and technical assistance to help firms successfully compete for City work.
What We Do
The Procurement Equity, Supplier Management, and WMBE Programs:
- Support inclusive, transparent, and equitable procurement and contracting practices.
- Administer and support Seattle City Light's Women- and Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (WMBE) Program.
- Guide City procurement processes, contracting requirements, and share contracting and supplier opportunities.
- Connect businesses with City procurement resources, outreach events, and networking opportunities.
- Coordinate technical assistance and business development resources to help businesses build capacity and compete for City contracts.
We encourage businesses to stay informed about contracting opportunities.
View current solicitations and bid opportunities through the City of Seattle Procurement Portal powered by OpenGov.
When available, we also share upcoming contracting opportunities, providing businesses with additional time to prepare, build partnerships, and identify subcontracting opportunities before solicitations are advertised.
We are committed to supporting the growth and success of women- and minority-owned businesses and small businesses by connecting firms with educational resources, business development opportunities, and technical assistance.
University of Washington - Foster School of Business
City Light partners with the University of Washington Foster School of Business to provide technical assistance and business development opportunities for WMBE firms.
Ascend Seattle Program
City Light sponsors participation in the University of Washington's Ascend Seattle Program, a nationally recognized business development program that helps businesses accelerate growth through:
- Executive business education
- Strategic business planning
- Access to public and private contracting opportunities
- Connections with corporate partners, lenders, investors, and mentors
- Leadership development
University of Washington - Minority Business Executive Program (MBEP)
The University of Washington Minority Business Executive Program is an intensive executive education program designed to strengthen business owners' capabilities in financial management, strategic planning, marketing, operations, technology adoption, and leadership.
University of Washington - Foster Consulting Program
Through the Foster School Consulting & Business Development Center, student consulting teams partner with business owners on projects such as: Market research, Marketing strategies, Pricing analysis, Product development. Business Problems, and Operational efficiency.
Businesses interested in City Light-sponsored technical assistance opportunities are encouraged to contact the Procurement Equity and Supplier Management Advisor.
Take these initial steps to begin doing business with Seattle City Light and the City of Seattle:
- Visit the Doing Business with the City website to learn about City procurement and contracting processes.
- Register your business in the City of Seattle Procurement Portal powered by OpenGov:
- Sign up on the City of Seattle Procurement Portal powered by OpenGov to receive notifications for contracting opportunities that match your firm's products or services.
- Apply for the Consultant Roster or Vendor List for your firm’s expertise.
- List yourself as a WMBE if your business is 51% or more owned by women or minorities. All City Departments use this tool to search for vendors.
- Connect with the Procurement Equity and Supplier Management Advisor to learn about outreach events, networking opportunities, technical assistance, and City Light contracting resources.
- Register Your Business with the City of Seattle today using the single registration system.
- Contact the City Light WMBE Manager to learn about our WMBE resources and discuss potential City Light contracting opportunities.
- Find more City of Seattle contracting opportunities by regularly checking the Daily Journal of Commerce and City of Seattle Procurement website. Please note to follow all solicitation rules for these listings.
The following resources can help businesses navigate City contracting and supplier opportunities:
- City of Seattle Procurement Portal powered by OpenGov
- Doing Business with the City booklet - A resource for many of your contracting questions.
- City contract search portal - the city database used to pull detailed history on previously awarded current and past City of Seattle contract.
- City Women- and Minority-Owned Businesses (WMBE) Program
- Consultant Rosters and Vendor Lists
- City Priority Hire website - A program prioritizing the hire of residents that live in economically distressed areas, particularly in Seattle and King County.
- Tabor 100 Technical Assistance - Training and guidance on how to navigate City of Seattle contracting. Click on the Technical Assistance dropdown and select Technical Assistance Intake Form.
- Business Impact Northwest Technical Assistance - Business support services for companies that wish to contract with the City of Seattle.
- University of Washington Foster School Consulting & Business Development Center
We regularly participates in and hosts outreach events designed to strengthen relationships with the business community and increase awareness of contracting opportunities.
Outreach activities may include:
- Reverse Vendor Trade Shows
- Consultant networking events/Capital Consultant Connection Open House
- Business outreach and matchmaking events
- Industry forums and educational workshops
- Pre-solicitation and informational meetings
- Technical assistance and supplier development events
These efforts help businesses build relationships, understand City procurement processes, and prepare for future contracting opportunities with Seattle City Light and the City of Seattle.
Contact a Representative
Contact a City Light Women- and Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (WMBE) representative to schedule a meeting. For questions, email us at SCL_WMBE_Program@seattle.gov.