Contracting

SPU Contracting

Seattle Public Utilities’ (SPU) procures a majority of the goods and services it uses every day through contracts.  SPU is deeply committed to equitable contracting practices that support the business community, especially women and minority-owned and small businesses. 

The SPU Contracts and Procurement Team and SPU WMBE Program are here to provide support to vendors, consultants, and contractors interested in doing business with the City of Seattle, particularly SPU, either directly or as a subcontractor. 

Check out the “what we do” section below for more details on services provided and how to connect with us.

What we do

SPU Contracts and Procurement

• Lead inclusive, transparent, and equitable contracting processes
• Provide guidance on contracting, and related requirements and best practices
• Communicate contracting opportunities
• Connect you to City contracting resources

E-mail SPU_Contracting@seattle.gov

SPU WMBE Program

• Provide guidance on navigating City of Seattle WMBE Program expectations
• Connect you to City WMBE Program resources

E-mail SPU_WMBE@seattle.gov

Upcoming opportunities

SPU upcoming contracting opportunities (PDF)  Last updated: Nov 2024

This is a regularly updated list of upcoming SPU professional service, construction, and new and renewing blanket contracting opportunities for goods and services commonly used by SPU.

We believe it’s important to communicate opportunities, when possible, in advance of advertisement, to provide ample time to plan, network, and ask questions.

Capital project/program summary sheets:

• GSI Support Services (PDF)
• South Park Drainage and Roadway Improvements Phase 2 (PDF)
• Bitter Lake Reservoir Improvements (PDF)
• Tolt Reservoir Debris Boom Replacement (PDF)
• Holden Natural Drainage System (PDF)
• Watermain Rehab Package 5B (PDF)
• Cedar East Side Supply Line Replacement (PDF)
• Magnolia Tank Seismic Upgrade and Recoating (PDF)

Getting started

Below are initial steps you can take to start your journey to contracting with the City of Seattle.

1. Visit the Purchasing and Contracting Doing Business with the City website for detailed information on how to contract with the City of Seattle.
2. Register on the City of Seattle’s Online Business Directory (OBD).  A tool used by SPU, and other City departments, to search for firms providing a variety of goods and services. 
3. Sign Up on the City of Seattle Procurement Portal powered by OpenGov, to receive notifications on current opportunities.

Additional resources and information

Below are links to a handful of resources you may find helpful in answering any questions you may have about contracting with the City and its WMBE Program.

Doing Business with the City booklet (PDF) - A resource for many of your contracting questions.

City contract search portal – Reflects all current and past City of Seattle contracts.

City Women- and Minority-Owned Businesses (WMBE) Program website – WMBE Program information and links to resources.

City Priority Hire website – A program prioritizing the hire of residents that live in economically distressed areas, particularly in Seattle and King County.

City of Seattle standard contract terms and conditions (PDF)

Tabor 100 Technical Assistance – Training and guidance on how to navigate City of Seattle contracting.  Click on the Technical Assistance dropdown and select Technical Assistance Intake Form.

Business Impact Northwest Technical Assistance – Business support services for companies that wish to contract with the City of Seattle.