Contracting with the Port

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The Port of Anacortes plays an important role in the economic development and creation of family wage jobs in our community. We rely on the services of qualified contractors, vendors, and consultants from a variety of industries in maintaining our facilities and accomplishing our mission. The Port advertises projects in the Skagit Valley Herald and utilizes Builders Exchange for online bid documents.

For assistance concerning requirements on Port of Anacortes public works contracts or consulting services, please contact the Port’s Contracts Administrator, Becky Darden, at becky.darden@portofanacortes.com or by phone at (360) 299-1831.

“Public work” means all work, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement other than ordinary maintenance, executed at the cost of the Port on any Port property. Public works must follow guidelines as outlined in the general rules for public works found at Chapter 39.04 RCW and specific rules for port districts found at RCW 53.08.120.  Additionally, all public works, including maintenance when performed by contract, shall comply with Chapter 39.12 RCW (Prevailing Wages). The Port of Anacortes contracts for public works in three ways:

Formal Bid (>$300,000)

Projects with estimated costs exceeding $300,000 are advertised in the Skagit Valley Herald. Bids are required to be submitted to the Port on the date and time specified in the invitation to bid. Bids received after the specified time will not be accepted or considered. A bidder must be registered as a contractor in the State of Washington before submitting a bid to the Port.

Bid documents including drawings and technical specifications can be found on Builders Exchange.

Small Works Roster (Between $35,000 and $300,000)

The Port maintains a Small Works Roster for public works contracting opportunities between $35,000 and $300,000. To be eligible to work on our small public works projects, you are required to apply, for free, using our Small Works Roster Application Form. The Port advertises and updates its small works roster annually, but will accept applications to be placed on the list at any time.

Direct Award (<$35,000)

RCW 53.08.120(2)(c) allows port districts to contract for any public work without calling for bids whenever the estimated cost of the project will not exceed $40,000. The Port has elected to adopt this provision on projects not exceeding $35,000.

Notice of Completion of Public Works Contract

The Port of Anacortes maintains an on-call consultant services roster, which includes various categories under Professional Services (Chapter 39.80 RCW) and Personal Services (Chapter 53.19 RCW).

Professional services are considered those services procured under the authority and procedures outlined in Chapter 39.80 RCW. Specifically, professional services include architects, engineers, land surveyors, and landscape architects. Licenses or certification by State agencies is required.

Annually, the Port publishes a formal Request for Qualifications (RFQ) of Professional Services on its website and in the Skagit Valley Herald. Consultants must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for consideration. Professional Services Consultants are evaluated based on qualification criteria listed in the RFQ and only those selected are added to the on-call roster and issued a base contract with a duration of 1 to 3 years.

Whenever the Port has a need for professional services to be performed under the consultant roster, the specific discipline category is referred to and a selection is completed based upon an evaluation of the submittals as defined in the published criteria.  The Port may also on occasion publish project specific Request for Qualifications (RFQ) or Request for Proposals (RFP) for various services.  Again, the selection is completed based upon an evaluation of the submittals as defined in the published criteria.

Personal services means professional or technical expertise provided by a consultant to accomplish a specific study, project, task, or other work statement which may not reasonably be required in connection with a  public works project. Independent consultants that require specialized knowledge, advanced education, professional licensing or certification and where the primary service provided is mental or intellectual, involving the consistent exercise of good judgment or discretion, provide these services.

Annually, the Port publishes a formal Request for Qualifications (RFQ) of Personal Services on its website and in the Skagit Valley Herald. Consultants must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for consideration. All qualified Personal Service Consultants submitting an SOQ are added to the on-call roster. Although an annual publication is completed in order to satisfy competitive solicitation requirements, qualified consultants will be accepted at any time during the year.

In accordance with RCW 53.08.440, the Port of Anacortes maintains a database of contracts, which is updated monthly. The database includes all public works contracts awarded during the current year and all active Professional and Personal Services Contracts/Agreements. Click Here to view the current contract list.

The Port of Anacortes, owner of the Anacortes Airport, has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. The Port has received Federal financial assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an agency of the DOT, and as a condition of receiving this assistance, has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26. It is the policy of the Port to ensure that DBE’s, as defined in Part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT/FAA-assisted contracts. Click Here to view full policy statement.

The Washington State Public Works Act, Chapter 39.12 RCW, also known as prevailing wage law, requires that employees of government contractors be paid prevailing wages for all public work. Agencies awarding public works contracts include state agencies, counties, municipalities, and all political subdivisions in the state. The Department of Labor & Industries administers the law. All public agency contractors performing public work, and construction workers on public works construction should be aware of their rights and legal responsibilities. Payroll reports for the contractor and each subcontractor must be submitted weekly for all Federally funded projects. Other prevailing wage forms required include approved Statement of Intent to Pay Prevailing Wages (prior to work commencing), and approved Affidavit of Wages Paid (prior to payment of retainage).

The following agencies are available to assist prospective contractors with information concerning requirements on public works contracts:

City of Anacortes

Business License: (360) 293-1968

Building Department: (360) 293-1901

Department of Labor & Industries

Mount Vernon Office: (360) 416-3000

Prevailing Wage Office: (360) 902-5335

Contractor Registration Office: (800) 647-0982

Office of Women and Minority Business Enterprises

(866) 208-1064