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How to Register as a Vendor in Washington

Where
WEBS (Washington's Electronic Business Solution)
Cost
Free (no fee in DES materials; the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises calls WEBS registration "no-cost")
How long
'"It typically takes one business day" (WEBS Vendor Manual, 2020)'
Last checked
2026-09-27

See 246 open bids in Washington →

What it's for

WEBS is the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) system for state goods and services bids. DES says "businesses interested in contracting with the state must register in WEBS." Once you're registered, you get email notices of bids that match your commodity codes and can respond to solicitations. Many individual agencies post their own bids in WEBS too.

Have this ready

  • Business name, address, and an account administrator (the main contact)
  • Your tax and business IDs, such as FEIN and Washington UBI number. The vendor manual doesn't list these fields, so have them handy.
  • NIGP commodity codes for what you sell. WEBS uses 4- or 5-digit NIGP codes grouped as Goods, Services, or Construction, and DES posts a code list.
  • The Washington counties you can serve
  • Optional: small business, veteran-owned, or OMWBE certification details. Small business status is based on employee count and gross revenue from your tax returns for the last three years.

Steps

The WEBS Vendor Manual (2020) describes five registration sections:

  1. Account Administrator and Company Profile: enter the administrator's details and your company information.
  2. Ownership Profile: optional demographic data and certifications (OMWBE, veteran-owned, small business).
  3. Additional Contacts: add other users and choose who gets notices.
  4. Commodity Codes: pick at least one NIGP code.
  5. Geographic Designations: pick the counties you serve.

Then submit. Add WEBSCustomerService@des.wa.gov to your safe senders list so bid notices and password emails don't go to spam.

After you register

  • Turn on the setting that notifies the account administrator of opportunities if you want the alerts yourself.
  • DES says: "Update your account anytime your essential business information changes." Change codes under "Manage Commodity Codes."
  • The manual says "It is essential to update your commodity codes and review them regularly." No annual renewal is described.
  • Still check the Bid Calendar, since not every buyer relies on code notices.

Watch out for

  • Public works is separate: DES public works and construction bids are on the DES Bonfire portal (deswa.bonfirehub.com), which needs its own account. WSDOT posts highway construction bids on its own site.
  • Getting paid: being awarded a contract may also require registering as a statewide payee. The DES pages checked don't cover this, so confirm with the buying agency.
  • Screens may have changed. The official manual dates from 2020, and DES says its site is being renovated.
  • Registration is free. You don't need a paid service to put you on bid lists.

Certifications and bid preferences in Washington

Standard bid forms for Washington

These are the forms bidders are most often asked to sign or attach on Washington state bids. Each bid lists exactly which ones it needs, and many agencies attach their own copies, so always use the version in the bid documents when there is one.

WEBS Registration (Washington's Electronic Business Solution)
Free vendor registration (needs your TIN) that gets you bid notices from state agencies and local governments.
When: All businesses selling to Washington state and local governments
Bidding Terms and Conditions (Bid Form, Wage Theft)
The standard DES public works bid form and bidding terms you complete and submit through the DES portal by the bid deadline.
When: DES public works construction bids
Bid Bond / Deposit (5%)
Bid security equal to 5% of the base bid, in the form of a bid bond or deposit; a bid without it is rejected.
When: DES public works bids when the base bid plus additive alternates exceeds $35,000
Subcontractor List Form A (HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical) (Form A)
Names and license numbers of your HVAC, plumbing and electrical subcontractors, submitted with the bid; late or missing makes the bid non-responsive.
When: DES public works bids estimated at $1 million or more
Subcontractor List Form B (Structural Steel and Rebar) (Form B)
Names of your structural steel and rebar installation subcontractors, due with the bid or within 48 hours after the deadline.
When: DES public works bids estimated at $1 million or more with those trades
Contractor Certification - Wage Theft Prevention (Responsible Bidder Criteria)
Certification that you meet the wage theft responsible-bidder criteria, due with the bid or within two business days of the owner's request.
When: State public works bids
Form 4: Apprenticeship Utilization Plan (Form 4 (F100-538-000))
Plan showing how you will meet the apprentice labor-hour requirement (15%).
When: DES public works projects of $1 million or more (ESSB 1549, effective July 1, 2026)
Form 3: Prime Contractor Diverse Business Inclusion Plan (Form 3)
Plan describing how you will include diverse (minority, women, veteran, small) subcontractors.
When: DES public works projects over $1 million
L&I Contractor Registration
State registration with Labor & Industries (surety bond, liability insurance, UBI) required to bid and perform construction work; your registration number must be current at bid time.
When: All construction bids
OMWBE Certification (MBE/WBE/Veteran/Public Works Small Business)
State certification that lets you count as a diverse or small business on public works and state contracts.
When: Optional; needed to be credited for diverse business goals
Certificate of Insurance
DES's certificate of insurance form proving your coverage on state construction contracts.
When: State construction contracts after award

Common questions

Is it free to register as a vendor in Washington?

Free (no fee in DES materials; the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises calls WEBS registration "no-cost")

Where do I register to bid in Washington?

WEBS: https://pr-webs-vendor.des.wa.gov/

How long does Washington vendor registration take?

'"It typically takes one business day" (WEBS Vendor Manual, 2020)'

What forms do I need to bid on Washington state contracts?

Each bid lists its own forms. Ones bidders are commonly asked for include: WEBS Registration (Washington's Electronic Business Solution); Bidding Terms and Conditions (Bid Form, Wage Theft); Bid Bond / Deposit (5%); Subcontractor List Form A (HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical); Subcontractor List Form B (Structural Steel and Rebar). The full list with links to the official blank forms is on this page.

Sources

FindMyBids isn't affiliated with any government agency. Registration is free or low cost on official sites; you don't need to pay a third party. Always follow the official portal's instructions.

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