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Events and Workshops

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

Session 4 – Bonding

  • What is surety bonding?
  • Surety Bonds vs Insurance
  • Major Categories of Bonds
  • Public Works Contract Bonds
  • The 3 “C’s” of Surety
  • Underwriting

Session 5 – Insurance

  • 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.

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Region 6 is hosted by the Thurston County Economic Development Council and serves Pierce County.

ABOUT THE THURSTON EDC

The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) is a private non-profit organization.  As the lead economic development organization in Thurston County our mission is to create a vital and sustainable economy throughout the county and region that supports the livelihood and values of our residents. We do this by:

·        Connecting local businesses with experts and resources that help them remain competitive

·        Creating and delivering strategic messages that attract new investment to our community

·        Working with our community partners to enhance our collective prosperity and encourage our economic future 

·        Participating regionally to ensure that Thurston County plays an appropriate role on the regional economic stage.

Pierce County services are primarily provided virtually. 

This location is funded, in part, through a partnership with Pierce County through the Navigator Program

General Contact: pierce@washingtonapex.org

Clallam and Jefferson counties

Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce

Tri City Regional Chamber of Commerce

Region 8 is hosted by the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and serves Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Grant, Klickitat, Walla Walla, and Yakima counties.

About the Tri-City Regional Chamber

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce is the leading business advocate for nearly 1,000 private, public, and non-profit member firms in the Tri-Cities region. The fifth largest chamber in Washington, the Tri-City Regional Chamber advocates for a strong business community and supports the interests of its members. The Regional Chamber is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a strong community.

Address

7130 W Grandridge Blvd, Suite C
Kennewick, WA. 99336

Email: tricity@washingtonapex.org

GREATER SPOKANE INC

Region 7 is hosted by Greater Spokane Inc and serves Spokane, Adams, Asotin, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Stevens and Whitman counties.

ABOUT GREATER SPOKANE INC

Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) is the Spokane region’s business development organization, focused on leading transformative business and community initiatives to build a robust regional economy. Founded in 1881 as the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce, GSI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a vibrant Spokane region by advocating for the region, driving strategic economic growth, and championing a talented workforce. Learn more at GreaterSpokane.org

Address

801 West Riverside Avenue, Suite 100
Spokane, WA 99201

Contact: spokane@washingtonapex.org

Green River College

Region 5 is hosted by the Green River College serves King County.

ABOUT THE GREEN RIVER COLLEGE

The mission of Green River College is to ensure student success through comprehensive programs and support services responsive to our diverse communities.

ADDRESS

1221 D St NE
Suite 210 C
Auburn, WA 98002

Email: king@washingtonapex.org

Economic Alliance Snohomish County

Region 4 is hosted by the Economic Alliance Snohomish County and serves Snohomish, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Whatcom counties.

ABOUT THE EASC

The Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) is a nonprofit serving as a combined economic development organization and a countywide chamber of commerce. We bring together private-public partners to create a unified voice for Snohomish County.

Address

808 134th St. SW, Suite 101
Everett, WA 98204

Email: snohomish@washingtonapex.org

Columbia River Economic Development Council

Region 3 is supported by the Columbia River Economic Development Council and serves the counties of Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania. 

Columbia River Economic Development Council 

Address

805 Broadway St, Suite 412
Vancouver WA 98660

Email: swwa@washingtonapex.org

Thurston County Economic Development Council

Region 2 is hosted by the Thurston County Economic Development Council and serves Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Grays Harbor, Pacific, Wahkiakim, Chelan and Kittatas counties.

This center is also the main center for Washington APEX Accelerator Statewide

ABOUT THE THURSTON EDC

The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) is a private non-profit organization.  As the lead economic development organization in Thurston County our mission is to create a vital and sustainable economy throughout the county and region that supports the livelihood and values of our residents. We do this by:

  • Connecting local businesses with experts and resources that help them remain competitive
  • Creating and delivering strategic messages that attract new investment to our community
  • Working with our community partners to enhance our collective prosperity and encourage our economic future
  • Participating regionally to ensure that Thurston County plays an appropriate role on the regional economic stage.

Address
4220 6th Ave
Lacey, WA 98503

General Contact: thurston@washingtonapex.org

Kitsap Economic Development Alliance

Region 1 is hosted by the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance and serves the counties of Kitsap and North Mason.  

ABOUT KEDA

The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) is a 30+ year old public/private nonprofit 501 (c) (6) corporation founded in June 1983. Our goal is to attract and retain jobs and investments in this community that generate wealth, enhance the quality of life and embrace future generations.

Address
2021 NW Myhre Rd, Suite 100
Silverdale WA 98383

Email:  kitsap@washingtonapex.org