What is the competitive bidding threshold for public works in Washington?

Washington sets no single statewide limit — local governments set their own under RCW 39.04. Projects under $530,000 may use the small-works roster instead of full advertised bidding.

Does Washington require prevailing wages on public works?

Yes, on all public work — RCW 39.12 has no minimum dollar threshold.

Does Washington require multiple-prime contracts?

No. Washington has no statewide multiple-prime mandate, unlike New York (Wicks Law) or Pennsylvania (Separations Act).

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Washington

Washington public works bidding requirements

Jurisdiction: State of Washington

View change history

Summary of record

Verified Jul 8, 2026

Competitive bidding threshold (public work): Small-works roster under $530,000
Governing statute: RCW 39.04
Award standard: Lowest responsible bidder
Multiple-prime required?: No statewide mandate
Prevailing wage: RCW 39.12 (no threshold)
Addenda distribution: To all bidders

Compare Washington with every state

Competitive bidding threshold

Washington requires competitive bidding for public works under RCW 39.04, but does not set one statewide dollar limit — individual local governments set their own.¹ Projects under $530,000 may use the small-works roster process (RCW 39.04.151–.154) instead of full advertised bidding.

Confirm the specific agency's bid limit — Washington local governments set their own thresholds within RCW 39.04.

Award standard

Contracts go to the lowest responsible bidder.²

Multiple-prime contracts

Washington has no statewide multiple-prime mandate. Unlike New York's Wicks Law or Pennsylvania's Separations Act, a single general contract is permitted.

Prevailing wage

Prevailing wage applies to all public work under RCW 39.12 — there is no minimum dollar amount. Every contract to perform work at a public agency's cost is a public works contract that owes prevailing wages.³

Document distribution & addenda

Washington State DOT §1-01.3 defines an addendum as a document issued to all bidders before bid opening, and §1-02.4 furnishes necessary information to all prospective bidders as an addendum.⁴

Record of change

Washington owes prevailing wage on all public work — RCW 39.12 sets no dollar floor. Bidding limits vary by local government, and projects under $530,000 may use the small-works roster.

Verified
Jul 8, 2026

Added document-distribution source: Standard Specifications M 41-10 §1-01.3, §1-02.4 (addendum issued to all Bidders).
Verified
Jul 7, 2026

Page created and verified against RCW 39.04 (public works) and RCW 39.12 (prevailing wages).

Sources

1. Washington Legislature — RCW Chapter 39.04 (public works). app.leg.wa.gov
2. MRSC — Public works contracts guidance. mrsc.org
3. WA Dept. of Enterprise Services — Prevailing wages on public works (RCW 39.12). des.wa.gov
4. Washington State DOT (WSDOT) — Standard Specifications M 41-10 §1-01.3, §1-02.4 (addendum issued to all Bidders). wsdot.wa.gov

Frequently asked

What is the competitive bidding threshold for public works in Washington?: Washington sets no single statewide limit — local governments set their own under RCW 39.04. Projects under $530,000 may use the small-works roster instead of full advertised bidding.
Does Washington require prevailing wages on public works?: Yes, on all public work — RCW 39.12 has no minimum dollar threshold.
Does Washington require multiple-prime contracts?: No. Washington has no statewide multiple-prime mandate, unlike New York (Wicks Law) or Pennsylvania (Separations Act).

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Not legal advice. This page summarizes public law from primary sources for reference. Thresholds can change; always confirm the current requirement with the governing agency before relying on it for a specific procurement.