How we do business
We use statewide contracts that the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) awards for many purchases. We encourage vendors to contact DES to find out how to become a provider on statewide contracts. Start by visiting the DES webpage about working with the state.
If we need a service or product but no statewide contract exists, we post procurement opportunities on Washington's Electronic Business Solution (WEBS). Once you register with WEBS, you will automatically receive notices when we post requirements for products and services your business offers.
We locate qualified vendors for purchases outside of state contracts by using:
- WEBS.
- The Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE).
- The Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs (WDVA)
For more information about doing business with us, email our procurement unit staff at esdprocurement@esd.wa.gov.
Certification for minority, veteran and women-owned businesses
Washington encourages minority, veteran and women-owned businesses to compete for government contracts. Certification can give your business greater visibility in state government and sets you apart from your competitors. If your business is at least 51% minority, veteran or women-owned, you might qualify to be certified.
- Visit the OMWBE website to learn more about certifying minority- and women-owned businesses.
- Visit the WDVA website to learn more about certifying veteran-owned businesses.
Forecasting
See a list of upcoming opportunities with Employment Security through June 2025 (CSV, 91KB)
Sole-source contracts
We can award sole-source contracts when only one business can feasibly meet the contract requirements. We need to be able to justify our decision that only one business meets the requirements.
In these situations, we do not use the usual competitive bidding process. We will post an "Intent to Award Sole Source" notice in WEBS and on this webpage.
We must post notifications of sole-source contracts at least 15 working days before the proposed contract start date. Read the law about sole-source contracts on the Washington State Legislature website.
Current sole-source contracts
None at this time.
Emergency contracts
We can use emergency contracts only if a situation presents a threat when we do not take action. Read the definition and the law for emergency contracts on the DES site.
We must post notifications of emergency contracts within 10 business days of the contract start date.
Current posted emergency contracts
None at this time.
Interagency agreements
We write interagency agreements when we need to collaborate with one or more public agencies to provide services to the public. These agreements are also called interlocal or interstate agreements. We post the status of officially filed interagency agreements on this webpage. Read the law about interagency agreements on the Washington State Legislature website.
Current interagency agreements
Public works contracts
After a public work contract is completed, agencies contact ESD to verify that the contractor has paid their unemployment insurance taxes. Learn more on our public works contracts page.