OFM Supplier Diversity Program
OFM is committed to combating discrimination and ensuring that public money is spent equitably in the private sector by creating meaningful opportunities for small and diverse businesses to work with us through contracts and purchasing.
While there is no guarantee that you will gain business with our agency, this webpage is designed to inform you as to how to work with us and learn about upcoming opportunities.
Free OMWBE Certification Indefinitely
In the past, OMWBE charged certification and renewal fees. After temporarily waiving fees in 2023, and several extension periods, all fees have been waived indefinitely. OMWBE is proud to eliminate this barrier to entry for small and diverse businesses, so they can pursue contracting opportunities with Washington State. Go here for more certification information.
Goals
Out of our total amount spent on vendor purchases, our goal is to spend at least 10% with minority-owned businesses, 6% with women-owned businesses, and 5% with veteran-owned businesses. This includes the total amount spent by OFM, the Governor’s Office, and agencies established within the Governor’s Office.
Tip of the month
If you are a small, minority-, women-, or veteran-owned business, ensure you are eligible to do business with us by first registering as a statewide vendor. This will make the payment process quicker. Learn how to register.
Doing business with OFM
Read about the steps to follow to be able to provide purchased services/goods to us:
Current and upcoming opportunities
Items we purchase most frequently
Resources for small and diverse businesses
- OMWBE – Certification | Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises
- WDVA – Veteran Owned Businesses | WDVA
- WEBS – WEBS
- DES – How to work with the state | Department of Enterprise Services
- Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) “No cost, confidential, one-on-one technical assistance in all aspects of selling to federal, state, and local governments.” – Washington PTAC – PTAC – Washington State Procurement Technical Assistance Center
- How to become registered as a statewide vendor
IMPACT Team
On March 21, 2022, Governor Inslee issued Executive Order 22-04 Implementing the Washington State Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Plan & Playbook. The PEAR Plan & Playbook, now known as IMPACT, establishes a unified vision of equity for state government which includes, mission, values, and goals, and embeds these within every government action across state government. State agencies are required to develop, implement, and report on the progress of its IMPACT Strategic Action Plan.
In its efforts to eliminate disparities, OFM has completed its Initial Baseline Equity Impact Review (EIR) and has established its initial IMPACT Team, which has selected its first set of Service Line Priorities and Investments, upon which the agency will focus in the OFM IMPACT Strategic Action Plan.
One of the selected priorities is that of supplier diversity. It is the goal of OFM to increase contracts and purchases made with diverse businesses. OFM has invited members of diverse business groups to serve on the subcommittee that will be working on this priority. If you wish to provide information or feedback, send it to us at ofmbuysdiverse@ofm.wa.gov.
Get updates
Program executive sponsor and lead
- Amber Leaders, Executive Sponsor: (360) 789-5750
- Natalie Eckart, Program Lead: (360) 790-4823