Frequently Asked Questions
All WMBE and contracting equity inquiries can be sent to DOT.WMBE@seattle.gov.
Procurement Basics
- SDOT: Seattle Department of Transportation
- SMC: Seattle Municipal Code
- DBE: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. Federal program which aims to provide “small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals” opportunities to compete for federally funded contracts.
- OMWBE: Washington State Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises.
- WMBE: Women- and Minority-Owned Business Enterprises. Either State certified or self-identified (for City contracts) as being at least 51% woman or minority owned, in accordance with Seattle Municipal Code 20.42.
- FAS: Finance and Administrative Services
- OCR: Office of Civil Rights
- OEEI: Office of Equity and Economic Inclusion
- OBD: Online Business Directory, citywide.
- TEF: Transportation Equity Framework
- CCU: Consultant Contracts Unit
- PC: Purchasing and Contracting
- PM: Project Manager
- PLA: Project Labor Agreement
- JOC: Job Order Contracting
City contracts and procurement fall into three main categories:
- Consulting, which constitutes specialized services on a specific project.
- Public works or construction, which include major construction or significant reconstruction, alteration, repair or improvements of roadways, buildings, and permanent infrastructure.
- Purchasing, which includes the purchase of goods or ongoing services.
Within each category, there are different bid limits and thresholds that allow the City to engage with firms and initiate contracts in different ways. See our How to Work with SDOT document for 2023 bid limits.