Purchasing Networking Meeting (10.20.26): What's New in Purchasing?-PPT - 10.20.26

PPT - 10.20.26 - Whats New in Purchasing

Pdf Summary

The presentation outlines upcoming purchasing changes for Washington school districts.<br /><br />The small works roster limit will increase to $530,000 from January 1 through June 30, 2027, then rise annually to $650,000 by July 2030. These limits exclude sales tax. The federal simplified acquisition threshold remains $350,000, and federally funded projects require a separate procurement review. The direct-contracting limit remains under $150,000, so the higher roster ceiling does not change direct-contracting rules or other public works requirements.<br /><br />Districts should consider how the new limits affect upcoming projects, update purchasing procedures and posted thresholds, review contract templates, and confirm whether board policy or signing authority needs revision. For projects supported by federal funds, staff should verify which requirements apply.<br /><br />Starting July 1, 2026, qualifying schools and districts may claim a sales tax exemption for certain services, including IT services and software development or customization, temporary staffing, investigation, security, armored car services, and live presentations. Vendors must receive a completed exemption certificate for applicable purchases. Certificates may be single-use or blanket; a recurring relationship requires at least one transaction within 12 months. Vendors retain certificates for five years, and districts should keep copies and establish processes to review invoices for unexpected tax.<br /><br />ESSB 6302, effective June 11, 2026, requires the Department of Labor and Industries to investigate qualifying referrals involving three or more independent contractors doing the same covered finishing work simultaneously on a public works project. Purchasing and facilities teams should coordinate how they identify and raise concerns.<br /><br />The presentation also invites districts to discuss vendor pricing, contract renewals, software subscriptions, approvals, and cooperative purchasing, and to continue sharing questions through WASBO forums.

Keywords

Washington school districts

small works roster

purchasing changes

sales tax exemption

federal procurement review

direct-contracting limit

contract templates

exemption certificate

ESSB 6302

cooperative purchasing