Title
Approval of an Ordinance Amending Olympia Municipal Code 3.16 Relating to Alternative Public Works Contracting Procedures
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, an Ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code 3.16 relating to Alternative Public Works Contracting Procedures.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, an Ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code 3.16 relating to Alternative Public Works Contracting Procedures.
Staff Contact:
Heather Reed, Procurement & Contract Manager, Public Works General Services, 360.753.8771
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Currently, Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) does not explicitly authorize the use of Alternative Public Works processes like Job Order Contracting (JOC). Updating this chapter will provide the City with clear authority to use JOC under RCW 39.10.420.
Job Order Contracting is an alternative project delivery method that allows the City to complete small- to medium-sized construction, maintenance, and repair projects more efficiently. Instead of bidding each project separately, the City can issue individual work orders under a competitively awarded master contract that uses pre-established unit prices for labor and materials. This approach saves time, reduces administrative costs, and provides predictable pricing for recurring work such as facility repairs, utility improvements, and system upgrades.
Because JOC contractors subcontract most of the work, it also creates expanded opportunities for local, small, and disadvantaged businesses to participate in City projects, helping strengthen the local economy and promote equitable access to contracting opportunities with the City.
In addition to authorizing JOC, this code update will establish a framework for the City to consider other alternative contracting methods-such as Design-Build and General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM)- should those approaches be best suited for specific large or complex future projects.
Climate Analysis:
Job Order Contracting supports sustainable practices by reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and encouraging sustainable materials. The process upgrades existing infrastructure instead of relying on new construction, lowering material demand and long-term costs.
Equity Analysis:
Because contractors subcontract at least 90% of work, JOC expands opportunities for small, minority-, woman-, and disadvantaged-owned businesses. Contractors also provide training and outreach programs to strengthen participation.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There are no known community interest related to this Ordinance.
Financial Impact:
Job Order Contracting reduces the administrative overhead necessary to complete small public works projects, conserving staff time and speeding up project completion, and thereby lowering the cost of projects to which Job Order Contracting is applicable.
Options:
1. Move to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, an Ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code 3.16 relating to Alternative Public Works Contracting Procedures.
2. Direct staff to modify the Ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code 3.16 relating to Alternative Public Works Contracting Procedures.
3. Do not approve the Ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code 3.16 relating to Alternative Public Works Contracting Procedures.
Attachments:
Ordinance