Obtaining Qualified Consultants

How do public agencies find and obtain qualified consultants and service providers for their work?

3 tools:  There are a number of different tools available to help agencies with obtaining qualified consultants: 

• Advertise:  Public agencies generally rely upon advertising RFPs or RFQs in the local newspaper to solicit interest from the consultant community.  

• Rosters:  Sometimes, consultants are selected from rosters that have been previously advertised to develop a list of qualified consultants.

• Outreach events:  Some agencies are becoming more proactive in developing interest from the consultant community by hosting business opportunity outreach events.  At these events, a public agency shares about upcoming projects, the agency's processes and values, and often provides free training seminars.  These events are also a good opportunity for consultants to connect with smaller businesses who may be potential sub-consultants on upcoming projects.

Seattle Public Utilities event:  Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has scheduled a Business Opportunities Workshop that will provide information about upcoming projects and contract opportunities for consultants.  Businesses will also have the opportunity to network with SPU staff and other consultants.

• When:  Tuesday, February 26, 2013 (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)

• Where:  Seattle City Hall (Bertha Knight Landes Room)

• Registration:  Advanced registration is required.  Click here to register.  

• Questions:  Contact Vicky Schiantarelli at Vicky.Schiantarello@Seattle.gov for more information.

Regional Contracting Forum:  The 11th annual Regional Contracting Forum will bring together representatives from cities, counties, port districts, state and federal agencies around the Puget Sound area so contractors, consultants, and suppliers can network and meet government contracting representatives.  The event is structured as a "reverse trade show" and is designed to provide businesses with direct access to regional contracting representatives in a semi-structured setting.  Representatives from local, state, and county jurisdictions will staff exhibit booths and will be available to speak one-on-one with event attendees.  Throughout the day, there will be a variety of workshop presentations, panel discussions, and one-on-one networking sessions.

• When:  Tuesday, April 2, 2013 (8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

• Where:  Downtown Seattle (Washington State Trade and Convention Center)

• Cost:  Free

• Information and Registration:  Click here. 
  

Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog 
© 2013 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLC 
http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com