Landing a government contract is often rewarding. But the process can be complex, especially for those new to working with the public sector.
Helping businesses navigate the challenge was at the heart of Grit City Connect, a regional networking event held May 12 in Tacoma and co-hosted by the Port of Tacoma, City of Tacoma, Tacoma Public Schools, and Parks Tacoma.
Public works contracting can be confusing. “There’s a long, complicated, and head scratching list of things you have to do, and we don’t want that to be a barrier to working with us,” said Port of Tacoma Executive Director Eric Johnson in welcoming remarks.
Understanding the contracting process is the first step toward competing for projects, building partnerships and, ultimately, winning work.
Public agencies like the Port of Tacoma regularly partner with private contractors to build and maintain infrastructure that keeps the region’s economy moving. But procurement rules, licensing requirements and bidding procedures can feel overwhelming without the right roadmap.
Now in its second year, Grit City Connect brought together industry leaders, government agencies, and subcontractors to explore current and future contracting opportunities and offer a chance for prime contractors and subcontractors to meet.
Routh Thach, Director of Business Development at Tube Art Group, attended the event to connect with general contractors that need signage design and branding services for new facilities they’re building.
“I’m looking to connect with all the general contractors that we're currently working with and get to know some of the ones that we don't,” Thach said. “It’s been great. I learned about a lot of projects that we don’t have on our radar.”
Grit City Connect also helped demystify the contracting process by giving businesses a chance to ask questions, get technical assistance, meet decision-makers, and better understand how public procurement works.
“We've been bidding some public work and getting involved with the Port and some other opportunities,” said Jordan Peterson, Director of Operations at Perlo Construction, who attended with his team and hosted a booth. “This seemed like a great event to meet not only the Port and the different authorities out here, but also the subcontractors and those who are interested in the public realm.”
Perlo Construction recently won a public works contract with the Port for the temporary relocation of Silverback, a tenant at the Port’s Earley Business Center.
“It went really smoothly,” Peterson said. “We went through the Port’s website and followed all the processes there. It was great.”
The Port contracts for a variety of services and projects, including vendors for purchasing supplies and equipment, consultants for professional and personal services, and contractors to perform public works.
Contracts support everything from infrastructure upgrades to day-to-day operations, creating opportunities for companies of varying sizes and specialties.
The Port uses formal procurement processes designed to ensure fairness and transparency. Requests for bids, proposals and qualifications are posted on the Port’s website.
Businesses can also sign up for email notifications to be alerted when new opportunities are published, either for the Port of Tacoma or The Northwest Seaport Alliance.
The Port also uses the statewide small works roster managed by Municipal Research and Services Center, which serves as a pre-approved list of contractors for specific types of work. Contracts with limited budgets may be awarded through this roster instead of a full formal bidding process.
For even smaller jobs, direct contracting may be used under certain thresholds to increase opportunities for small businesses.
For businesses not yet ready to serve as prime contractors, subcontracting can be an important entry point.
The Port and NWSA publish what is known as a “holders list” for each procurement, a list of companies that have accessed project documents. Businesses can use these lists to identify potential prime contractors and seek subcontracting opportunities.
This approach allows smaller or newer firms to build relationships, gain experience, and position themselves for future prime contracts.
Additional information about doing business with the Port of Tacoma can be found in the contracting section of the Port’s website.