Bellevue looks to make procurement more inclusive

Businesses invited to weigh in on city plan

In an effort to ensure a diverse range of businesses have fair access to city contracting opportunities, the City of Bellevue is updating its Procurement Diversity Inclusion plan. The city is reaching out to businesses and other organizations for input.

Virtual meetings will be on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 and 2. Businesses, regardless of whether or not they’ve done business with the city in the past, are invited to register to attend one. Organizations and people thinking of starting businesses are also welcome. Suggestions are also being taken via an online survey, which will run through Nov. 30.

Bellevue spends approximately $120 million annually for public works construction and the procurement of goods and services of many types. The city strives to reflect the City Council vision, "Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength” in its procurement practices. The city also upholds federal, state and local regulations that require transparent competition for city contracts. 

The Procurement Diversity Inclusion plan, introduced in 2016, expanded the city’s procurement outreach and modified procurement processes to make them more equitable. Further feedback from businesses, the council and staff indicated the plan needed refinement, including better data collection, to truly level the playing field for all businesses and organizations interested in entering into contracts with the city. More details are at Procurement Diversity Inclusion Plan Update.