The award recognizes DES for its exceptional leadership and advocacy in promoting diversity and equity in state contracting. Pam Duncan, DES Deputy Director and Chief Transformation Officer, accepted the award on behalf of the agency.

The NWMMSDC honored DES for its unwavering commitment to increasing opportunities for minority business enterprises (MBEs) in Washington. As the state's lead procurement agency, DES is at the forefront of advocating for small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses, ensuring these businesses have equitable access to state contracting opportunities. The council praised DES for making a tangible impact on both the business community and for setting a strong example for other government agencies to follow.

In her acceptance speech, Duncan praised the power of collaboration in advancing state spending equity. "With partners like you, we can create more opportunities for minority businesses in Washington state," Duncan said. She highlighted the launch of the state's supplier diversity policy in 2023, which led to 100% of procurement specialists completing diversity training and more than 270 procurement professionals joining a statewide community dedicated to supplier diversity.

Through active partnerships with organizations like NWMMSDC, DES continues to open doors for small and diverse businesses to engage in state contracts. Duncan also noted the agency's active engagement in more than 150 outreach events each year, offering resources and guidance to businesses eager to work with the government. DES is committed to creating valuable, equitable opportunities for diverse businesses across Washington.

Learn how to get started doing business with the state: https://des.wa.gov/sell

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DES sets procurement policy for Washington state government. DES is working to remove barriers and improve equity in public spending to create more opportunities for small, diverse- and veteran-owned businesses, which are the backbone of our state's economy and our communities. DES' efforts include technical support and outreach as well as supporting best practices across the state enterprise to help businesses and agencies succeed.