• Conduct individual counseling sessions to assess each business’s certification needs, procurement experience, capabilities, and readiness; develop prioritized action plans with clear next steps.
• Guide businesses through DBE certification applications, including identifying applicable eligibility requirements, organizing ownership and control records, preparing document checklists, reviewing submissions for completeness, and responding to requests for additional information. Explain the distinction between certification and vendor registration.
• Provide Washington-specific guidance using current resources from the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE), the Department of Enterprise Services (DES), and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Explain applicable certification maintenance, renewal, reevaluation, and interstate certification processes as relevant.
• Assist with WEBS, local vendor portals, SAM.gov registration, Unique Entity ID requirements, and opportunity searches. Guide businesses through Sound Transit’s Biddingo Vendor Portal for registration, commodity codes, bid alerts, solicitation documents, addenda, questions, and electronic submissions as required. Help eligible contractors register through MRSC Rosters and select Sound Transit for Small Works Roster opportunities.
• Explain how government purchasing works, including solicitations, vendor outreach, prebid meetings, submission deadlines, evaluation criteria, and prime contracting and subcontracting opportunities.
• Help businesses research Washington cities, counties, ports, transit authorities, public institutions, and state and federal agencies; establish opportunity alerts and identify purchasing contacts. Provide guidance on Sound Transit’s B2Gnow system for outreach, utilization plans, participation tracking, and contract compliance reporting, as applicable to the business and contract.
• Review capability statements and basic bid or proposal materials; help businesses understand submission instructions, identify gaps, and organize responsive materials within the authorized scope of assistance.
• Develop and deliver brief workshops, resource guides, checklists, and training on DBE certification, vendor registration, and government contracting.
• Maintain timely counseling records, client action plans, application and registration status, referrals, follow-up activities, and hours worked; provide concise progress reports to the assigned supervisor.
• Protect confidential business and personal information, use approved systems, disclose conflicts of interest, and verify guidance against current agency requirements. Certification and award decisions remain with the responsible agencies.

Required Qualifications

• At least five years of relevant experience in government procurement, small business technical assistance, supplier diversity, certification support, contract administration, or a closely related field.
• Working knowledge of DBE certification and application documentation, with the ability to research and accurately explain current requirements.
• Experience supporting vendor registrations, procurement opportunity searches, or bid and proposal preparation for local, state, or federal agencies.
• Familiarity with Washington procurement resources, or ability to quickly develop proficiency with OMWBE, WEBS, WSDOT, Sound Transit’s Biddingo Vendor Portal and B2Gnow system, MRSC Rosters, and local agency systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain technical requirements clearly and work respectfully with business owners from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, confidentiality practices, and proficiency with Microsoft Office, virtual meeting tools, and online application platforms.
• Ability to manage a limited part-time schedule, meet deadlines, document services accurately, and coordinate priorities with the supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience helping businesses prepare DBE applications or navigate Washington and Sound Transit procurement, vendor registration, and contract compliance systems.
• Experience with a small business development center, public agency, transit agency, or supplier diversity program.
• Experience counseling small or disadvantaged businesses and facilitating training or workshops.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Schedule and Assignment Expectations

This is a temporary W-2 employee assignment of approximately 10 hours per week. The weekly schedule will be coordinated with the supervisor based on client needs and approved priorities. Counseling, preparation, research, training, documentation, and reporting are included within the scheduled hours. Additional hours require prior supervisor approval. The assignment start and end dates, work arrangement, and any travel requirements will be established before hire.