A wider pool of firms could compete for Olympia School District school construction and design work after the board adopted a revised procurement policy on Aug. 13.

JOLT News reported changes to Policy 6925 commit the district to "maximize opportunities" for businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and socially and economically disadvantaged persons in architecture, engineering and construction contracts.

Those are the contracts that shape the buildings where Olympia students spend their days.

To qualify, businesses must hold a state or federal certification from the Washington Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises.

OMWBE requires firms to be at least 51% owned and controlled by a qualifying individual, with a personal net worth under $2.047 million and gross receipts under $32.82 million. The agency certified 102 small, minority- and women-owned businesses statewide in July.

Board Director Maria Flores suggested the more inclusive language between the policy's first reading on July 16 and its final adoption. "It includes a broader category of those (businesses) who are … being owned and controlled by minority women, veteran, and socially and economically disadvantaged persons," Flores said at the Aug. 13 meeting.

Executive Director of Operations Frank Wilson presented the revisions at both readings. Beyond the equity clause, the updated policy makes three other changes:

Broader scope. The policy was renamed "Architect, Engineering and Construction-Related Professional Services" to reflect the full range of contracts it governs.

Flexible advertising. The old requirement to publish procurement notices in physical newspapers was removed. The district can now use other channels.

Emergency authority. The district itself, not just the board, can now waive the standard selection process when safety or operations are at immediate risk. Wilson cited the Capital High School roof collapse on Christmas morning 2008 as the kind of emergency that demands an immediate response.

Merit-based selection criteria remain. Firms must submit qualifications and performance data, and the district will evaluate them on staff quality, track record with similar projects, production capability, quality control and past client relationships.

The next regular OSD board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 27 at the Knox 111 Administrative Center Boardroom, 111 Bethel St. NE.