In 2022 Washington APEX Accelerator created a 10-part virtual training series covering the fundamentals and bidding process for Public Works contracting. Each session has a PowerPoint presentation and support documents to enhance the learning experience.
If you are interested in viewing any of these sessions, select the session title, then “sign up”. You will be directed to log in or register for our services. Once registered for the session, you have access to the recording and associated documents. All at no cost.
If you have any difficulties logging in please contact training@washingtonapex.org.
Your local APEX Accelerator advisor is also available to support your learning with Public Works in dedicated 1:1 sessions. If you need to connect with your local advisor here’s the link to set an appointment.
Public Works Upcoming Changes
Public Works Changes You Need To Know About
- The establishment of a Statewide Small Works Roster through the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC)
- MRSC is waiving the fee to join the Statewide Small Works Roster for all businesses starting July 1, 2024
- Reporting usage of Small Works Roster (all bids received and awarded)
- Public Works Small Business Enterprise certification (PWSBE) through the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE)
- When 6 or more PWSBE certified businesses are in the agencies roster category, they’re considered first
- Direct Contracting for projects under $150,000
- All contractors are notified in the agencies roster category for projects of $150,000 – $350,000
- Apprentice Utilization Plans for projects over 2 million
Public Works Fundamental Sessions:
Session 1 – Introduction to Public Works
- Basics of Public Works Contracting
- Types of Public Works Projects
- Basic Requirements to Get Started
- Project Delivery Methods
- Contracting Relationships
- Business Development
- Have You Considered Certification
- Finding Assistance – Resource Appendix
Session 2 – Public Works Fundamentals
- The Fundamentals of Public Works Contracting
- Minimum Requirements
- Labor and Industries (L&I) Requirements
- Contract Documents
- Small Works Projects
- The Bidding Process
- Payment Process
- Know your Rights
- Project Closeout Paperwork
- Finding Assistance – Resources
Session 3 – Accounting Principles
- Accounting Basics
- Difference between profits and cash
- Understanding your financial fitness
- Managing growth and resources (good records)
- Public Works requirements
- Monitoring financial results
- Establishing an advisory team
- What is surety bonding?
- Surety Bonds vs Insurance
- Major Categories of Bonds
- Public Works Contract Bonds
- The 3 “C’s” of Surety
- Underwriting
- Contractual Requirements
- Commercial General Liability
- Business Classification and Rating
- Commercial Auto
- Pollution Liability
- Certificates of Insurance
- Endorsements
- Audit
Public Works Bidding Process Sessions:
Session 6 – Business Plan & Pursuit Schedule (plan the plan)
- Business plans
- How to build a pursuit schedule
- Go/No-Go Worksheet
- Statement of Qualifications
Session 7 – Specs & Schedule (digging in)
- Tips and Techniques of how to read through specifications
- Flow down clauses
- Direct Services vs Indirect Services
- 2 Part Agreement (Master and Special Provisions)
- Extra Work Order
- State Safety Regulations
Session 8 – Pricing (nuts and bolts)
- The art of pricing
- How to breakdown a contract
- Preparing a bid
- Estimating tools
- Pricing
- Submittal flow
- Estimating structure
- Components of a bid proposal
- Pricing indirect
- Pricing direct
Session 9 – Bidding (making final adjustments)
- Importance of Adds and Cuts
- How to track Adds and Cuts
- Project Manager
- Small Tools and Supplies
- Labor Burden
- Risk
Session 10 – After Bid Submission Etiquette (now what?)
- How to follow up properly after bid submission
- Asking for a debrief
- Public Disclosure procedures
- Face to Face debriefs
- Telephone debriefs
- Stay positive
About the Instructors
The Introduction and Fundamentals to Public Works sessions are led by David Zeitlin and Tom Cole with SilverPhox Consulting. These two instructors have many years of experience in the construction industry. David has been a Project Manager and licensed architect focused on public works and primarily public-school construction for over 20 years. Tom’s career has spanned 45 years as a commercial and industrial general contractor (estimator, project manager/executive, VP and partner). These two sessions lay a solid foundation for many of the requirements needed to perform Public Works.
The Accounting Principles for Public Works session is led by Joan Baldwin of Baldwin Services. Joan has 40+ years in Construction Accounting & Management and is was the Chair, Board of Directors, ABC NW 2002-2003. Joan will share resources to build a stronger accounting foundation and show you what processes are need to be put in place to ensure requirements for documentation and reporting are met for Public Works.
The Bonding session is led by Kara Skinner with Integrity Surety. Kara Skinner is a third-generation surety bonder with an extensive background in surety. Kara’s grandfather Rod Skinner started in the surety industry back in the 1950s, and her father, Robert Skinner, has been a bond producer since the 1970s. Over the years, Kara has worked with many surety companies, retail agents, obligees, attorneys, engineers, and contractors. She has managed the surety bond department of a major insurance wholesale brokerage.
The Insurance session is led by Kristina Doer with DeFranco Insurance. Kristina provides an insurance overview to prepare contractors with the tools needed to meet contractual requirements, in order to win public works contracts. The format of this training is based on an actual bid and there are tips on how to find all the requirements quickly.
The Bidding Process sessions are led by Mr. Young-Sang Song with Song Consulting and Catina Patton with PNW Diverse Solutions. They both have demonstrated experience bidding and winning work in the construction industry and have taken the time to share their experiences on what works and what does not work. For the last three years, Song has helped one DBE firm in Washington secure over $100 million in contracts and subcontracts using the recommendations shared during this 5-week training series. Mr. Song will present all the aspects of how to bid public works opportunities and provide hands-on tools to support your learning and enhance your performance in future bidding.
