Working with King County in the Wellness Space
There are some lovely opportunities for healing work in government spaces. As more and more folks grapple with the effects of neglecting or even ignoring their spiritual and mental health, businesses find themselves hiring nutritionists, mindfulness facilitators, physical fitness leaders and more to support their workforce.
There is also a general interest and appreciation of wellness activities like sound baths, yoga, meditation, breath work and more, it’s what the people want and the days of mental healthcare activities being taboo or “weird” are starting to move behind us.
Lately, I’ve learned a lot (and am VERY MUCH still learning) about earning jobs in spaces that traditionally haven’t hired spiritually/wellness facilitators but very much are now. My intention with this article is to share what I have learned in working with King County, WA. We CAN make money doing healing work, people need us in every sector and our work matters in the deepest way. Let’s go!!
Registering as an E-Procurement Supplier:
This is where you start in working with King County. It opens you up to the “job board” makes you visible as a supplier option and makes it easier to be compensated. Some of the things they ask for might be confusing but google often and you should be able to get it.I left a lot of things blank and was still able to submit my registration. I used the NAICS codes 611430;611699 which are for professional/developmental training because I couldn’t find anything related to mindfulness, meditation, yoga, etc.
Registering in E-Procurement will:
Allow your company to receive King County solicitation notifications.
Allow your company to respond to King County solicitations and qualification questionnaires electronically.
Allow your company to enroll on King County's Capital Project Rosters (solicitations that are not formally advertised).
Enhance your company's collaboration and messaging capabilities with County employees.
Grant access to your company's King County activity dashboard.
To list your company on the Supplier directory for King County agencies.
follow this link Register as a Supplier - King County to register as a King County supplier, it can take up to 30 days to be added to the system so the sooner the better.
Registration vs. Certification: What’s the difference?
Registration is required to participate in King County solicitations. By registering, you also get email notifications of new solicitations, and can opt-in to roster programs (unadvertised contracts).
Certification is like a gold star next to your name. King County buys
from small businesses whenever possible, and gives special consideration to small businesses bidding on contracts.
SCS: Small Contractors and Suppliers
This is is where you go to become an official and/or certified contractor or supplier for King County. These certifications can increase your chances of working with King County greatly.
In their words: King County is committed to developing and growing the pool of Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS) in our region. Your firm is invited to apply for SCS Certification to increase your competitiveness as a contractor, consultant or supplier for King County contracts. Get started by clicking the DCMS button below. Get more info here
Solicitation Contracts/King County E-Procurement Portal
This is where you go to see what supplies, services, offerings etc. are desired by King County. You can then bid on aka apply for, the job. Make sure to register as a supplier first ( see above) . The big advice is to apply well before the job listing closes as bids can take a large amount of time to finish and can be tricky to submit on the King County site.
OMBWE: Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises
This group helps marginalized people score contracts and jobs in the public space that historically are not awarded to them.
In their words: The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises leads the Statewide M/WBE program as the sole agency that certifies minority- and women-owned business enterprises to participate in public contracting and procurement. This program includes a comprehensive certification process, small business support services, and the Supplier Diversity team that works with the Governor’s Subcabinet on Business Diversity, state agencies, and institutions of higher education to instill equitable and inclusive purchasing practices.
These efforts help small businesses owned by minorities, women, and veterans to obtain more government contracts which strengthens our communities, makes our economy more resilient, and improves the quality of life for all Washingtonians. Check them out here
Have more questions? Attend a free online orientation with King County and get more info on Procurements & Payables (P&P) here
