Date
September 3, 2026
Time
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location
Yakima Convention Center
Our Co-Host Agencies for 2026
OMWBE
WSDOT
Platinum Sponsor
OMWBE
Gold Sponsors
WSDOT
DVA
Bronze Sponsor
AGC of Washington
Opportunity Presentations
8:30 AM to 8:45 AM
Washington Department of Enterprise Services
8:50 AM to 9:05 AM
Interstate Bridge Replacement Program
9:10 AM to 9:25 AM
Latino Civic Alliance
9:30 AM to 9:45 AM
MRSC Rosters
9:50 AM to 10:05 AM
OMWBE
10:10 AM to 10:25 AM
TRCC & Apex
10:30 AM to 10:45 AM
Veteran-Owned Businesses
10:50 AM to 11:05 AM
Department of Transportation
11:10 AM to 11:35 AM
Yakima County Development Association
Schedule of Events
All Day
Exhibitor Tables Open
Medicine Creek Room
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Opening Ceremony
Medicine Creek Room
9.30 AM to 10:30 AM
Fireside Chat
Plateau Room
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Panel 1: Resilient Procurement – Sustaining Equity in the Wake of DEI Rollbacks
Plateau Room
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Panel 2: Weathering the Storm – Resilience Strategies for Public Agencies and Minority-Owned Businesses in Times of Financial Uncertainty (Prairie Room)
Plateau Room
9:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Afternoon 1-on-1 Networking Sessions
The One-on-One Networking Session is a structured opportunity for small businesses to meet directly with prime contractors, consultants, and public agency representatives.
Meetings are scheduled in focused, 10-minute increments to explore partnerships and upcoming contract opportunities.
Prairie Room
Prairie Room
Exhibitors
For more info, view Prime Contractor & Consultant Profiles
About us
Celebration 2 years of collaboration with the largest state agencies and Central Region Resource Organizations.
In 2025, the Washington State Department of Transportation partnered with AGC Washington, Department of Enterprise Services, Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprise, Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs, Tri- City Regional Chamber of Commer, Washington APEX Accelerator, Latino Civic Alliance, Yakima County Development Association and MRSC to start the Central Regional Contracting Forum. To expand outreach and increase access to opportunities for contractors, architectural and engineering firms, and vendors. This effort has been made possible through the strong collaboration of local resource organizations and state agencies.
As we move ahead, we look forward to growing this forum into a valuable resource for the broader public, supporting all phases of contracting—including transportation and building projects—and providing information and connections across every stage of the public procurement process.
Who are we
Our forum brings together local resource partners, state agencies, prime contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and community members from across the Central Region to foster meaningful connections and collaboration.
This no-cost event recognizes the value of attendees’ time by providing targeted one-on-one matchmaking sessions between prime contractors and prospective subcontractors and consultants. Participants also benefit from a variety of networking opportunities, engaging presentations from dynamic speakers, and valuable insights from industry experts and agency representatives.
Whether you’re looking to build partnerships, expand your professional network, or learn about upcoming opportunities, this forum provides a collaborative environment designed to support business growth and community engagement.
FAQs
Accordion content is needed for this one
Registration opens Tuesday, August 12th, 2025. Each business may sign up for up to four (4) meetings with different prime contractors or agencies.
Register NowNote: Registration is first-come, first-served. A waitlist will be available once all slots are filled.
To ensure fairness and availability for all participants, any sign-ups beyond the 4- session limit will be removed.
Content is needed
If a Prime’s schedule is full, you may request to be added to the waitlist. Additionally, Prime representatives will receive a list of interested firms and may follow up after the event.
No. All One-on-One sessions must be scheduled in advance. However, business cards and capability statements from walk-ins may be left with RCF staff to share with Prime contractors.
No. Participation in the One-on-One Networking Sessions is free with your general RCF registration.
Content is needed
Yes. A list will be posted in advance and included in your scheduling instructions on August 12th. You will be able to review which firms align best with your services before selecting your appointments.
For questions related to the One-on-One sessions, please contact:
Becky Thornton, Chair, One-on-One Session Committee becky.thornton@soundtransit.org
OR civilrightsDBE@soundtransit.org
Meet our Central RCF Partners (update with actual partner logos)
