Summary

Reforming King County's procurement process is a key goal for King County Executive Dow Constantine. The Executive highlighted his administration’s success in changing the way King County does business today at the ninth annual Regional Contracting Forum in Seattle, where more than 1,500 attendees at the Washington State Convention Center learned how to participate in the county's procurement process.

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Reforming King County's procurement process is a key goal for King County Executive Dow Constantine. The Executive highlighted his administration's success in changing the way King County does business today at the ninth annual Regional Contracting Forum in Seattle, where more than 1,500 attendees at the Washington State Convention Center learned how to participate in the county's procurement process.

"One year ago, I launched an intensive effort to reform King County's procurement process," said Executive Constantine. "I am happy to say those efforts are bearing fruit. This year, we continue to streamline our standard contract language with the goal of eliminating barriers, reducing time spent jumping redundant hurdles, and cutting costs."

In 2010, the Executive led the elimination of 15 pages of forms from standard contracts that provided little or no public value. Technology was used to engage the online vendor registration system, and the County has gone online to promote contracting opportunities.

Under the Executive's direction, cycle time on design contracts for architecture and engineering services, as well as on construction contracts, that took anywhere from eight to 10 months will be cut by an average of 50 percent.

The reforms are also speeding up contracting on small construction projects. In January, the Executive sent a proposal to the Metropolitan King County Council that would allow contractors to join a small works roster. "By combining this strategy with a new, simplified contract, we could slash the time spent in contracting on small construction projects by 75 percent," Constantine said.

The Executive is also working with other agencies in the region to increase opportunities for small and historically disadvantaged businesses. "This week, I will sign an agreement with the Port of Seattle to share standards to certify small contractors and suppliers," Constantine said. "We will invite other jurisdictions to join us in this effort and further our vision of creating 'One King County.'"

The Executive expects to have his two-year procurement reform initiative fully implemented by March 2012.

"We have made progress, but we won't stop," Constantine added. "King County will continue to look for ways to deliver excellent customer service, build a vibrant local economy, and be good stewards of taxpayer dollars."