It is the policy of the state of Washington to provide the maximum practicable opportunity for increased participation by minority and women-owned businesses in public works and the process by which goods and services are procured by state agencies and educational institutions from the private sector.

OMWBE is directed by RCW 39.19.030(1) to: "Develop, plan, and implement programs" to provide such opportunities for participation by qualified minority and women-owned businesses. OMWBE has found that there is a need to supplement the certification program in order to encourage MWBE participation in state contracts. Therefore, OMWBE will develop participation programs to advance the state of Washington's policy to mitigate the effects of societal discrimination, and to increase opportunities for minority and women-owned firms to do business with the state. The implementation of these programs will result in increased opportunities for MWBEs to develop and grow in the existing market place, and to assist them in establishing new business relationships with the state of Washington.