Committee advances ordinance to let state-certified MWBEs automatically qualify for King County contracting program

The Government Accountability and Oversight Committee on Feb. 10 voted to forward to the full council an ordinance that would amend county code so businesses certified by the State of Washington as minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) automatically qualify as small contractors and suppliers under King County's contracting opportunities program.

The change was presented by Brandy Parabello of Council Central staff, who said the measure implements an executive order from King County Executive Dow Constantine and responds to a disparity study that found state-certified MWBEs are experienced and near parity with other firms for award counts. —The proposed ordinance would amend King County code to enable minority and women's business enterprises that have been certified by Washington state to automatically qualify as a small contractor and supplier firm under the county's contracting opportunities program,— Parabello said.

Ken Guy, director of the county's Finance and Business Operations Division, told the committee the county's Fast Track certification for state-certified firms has been in place since April 2021 and has expanded since 2024. Guy said the county's small contractor and supplier inventory includes about 4,104 certified firms, of which roughly 3,644 (about 89%) are MWBEs. He said the ordinance removes a requirement that firms complete additional mandatory training to remain in the program but keeps technical assistance available on a voluntary basis: —We offered technical assistance—through a local business organization and workshops on applying for county contracts, capital access and promoting small business,— Guy said.

Committee members asked what types of technical assistance and training had been required previously; Guy described the prior regime as a mix of initial training, ongoing technical workshops and optional supports that the disparity study found were unnecessary for many firms. Vice Chair Fain moved approval; the clerk recorded a committee vote of 4 ayes, 0 nos. The chair said the ordinance will be transmitted to the full council with a —do pass— recommendation and, barring objection, placed on the consent agenda.

The change aims to lower administrative barriers for state-certified MWBEs to participate in King County contracting while retaining voluntary supports to help smaller or less-experienced firms compete. The ordinance will next appear on the full council agenda for final action.