DBE Contracting Opportunities

SR 99 Tunnel Project - DBE contracting opportunities

Providing opportunities to disadvantaged businesses is an important priority of the SR 99 Tunnel Project. WSDOT and its contractor, Seattle Tunnel Partners (STP), aim to award eight percent of work associated with the tunnel design-build contract to disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE).

 

STP is taking the following steps to achieve its eight percent goal:

  • Requesting that all subcontractors meet or exceed the goal as they build their teams.
  • Identifying opportunities and researching the state database for eligible DBE firms. 
  • Referring firms for certification.
  • Hosting and attending events that highlight opportunities for DBE firms.

 

In addition, STP and their subcontractors are working to ensure women and minority business enterprises (WMBE) have the capability and necessary resources to compete for upcoming contracts.

Progress to date

After the second year of a six-year contract, STP has awarded 79 DBE/WMBEs contracts. The majority of these firms are local.

 

During preliminary design, WSDOT and STP pursued opportunities for DBE/WMBEs in areas that are not standard practice in the construction industry. As a result, contracts were awarded in non-traditional areas such as architecture and design, office supplies and other services. More than half of the architecture and design DBE/WMBEs that submitted statements of qualification have been awarded contracts.

Since the beginning of construction in August 2011, STP has advertised contracts for final design, construction and other services. Other proposals from DBE firms are currently under review and/or negotiation, and additional contracts will be awarded as the project continues.

Resources

The SR 99 bored tunnel design-build request for proposals is available on the Contract and Award website.

DBEs, as well as women and minority businesses, can contact the following coordinators to learn about opportunities, receive information about STP's procurement process and obtain a list of subcontractors.

 

Small and large businesses that are not woman- or minority-owned should contact STP at 206-971-8701 or info@stp-jv.com.