Spokane Valley Contractor Affirmative Action Rules

Civil Rights and Equity Washington 3 Minutes Read ยท published March 01, 2026 Flag of Washington

This guide explains how affirmative action and equal-opportunity expectations apply to contractors working for Spokane Valley, Washington. It summarizes where the city documents contractual requirements, how contractors should prepare compliance documentation, and the pathways to report noncompliance or request a waiver. The goal is practical: help contractors, procurement officers, and community stakeholders understand responsibilities under Spokane Valley procurement and municipal code, and where to get official confirmation.

Overview

Spokane Valley requires vendors and contractors to follow applicable nondiscrimination and equal-opportunity rules when contracting with the city. Specific affirmative action program requirements for prime contractors or subcontractors are governed by the city procurement policies and the city code or referenced state requirements. Contractors should confirm contract language and any solicitation addenda for mandatory clauses before bidding.

Always read solicitation documents and the contract exhibits for required compliance language.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Spokane Valley municipal code and the city purchasing rules govern contract compliance and remedies. The municipal code text does not specify a standalone affirmative action fine schedule for contractors; where monetary penalties or contract sanctions apply, they are set in the applicable contract, procurement rules, or enforcement action documentation rather than a separate affirmative action article in the code.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; monetary remedies are typically set by contract or procurement rule and vary by case.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences are handled through progressive contract remedies or termination clauses; specific ranges are not listed on the municipal code page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to comply, withholding of payments, contract suspension or termination, debarment from future city contracts, and referral for civil action or administrative hearings.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Procurement and Contracts (Purchasing) handles contract compliance and complaints; the Purchasing office and City Attorney coordinate investigations and enforcement. Contact the Purchasing & Contracts office for filing complaints or reporting suspected violations.[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeal or protest procedures are set out in procurement rules and the contract terms; specific appeal time limits should be checked in each solicitation or contract document and with Purchasing.
  • Defences and discretion: legitimate permits, variances, documented good-faith efforts, or force majeure may be considered; contracting officers retain discretion under procurement rules.
If a contract contains affirmative action clauses, follow the contract notice and reporting timetable exactly.

Applications & Forms

The city does not publish a separate affirmative action registration form for contractors on the cited municipal code page; contractors should review solicitation documents and the Purchasing & Contracts pages for required forms, certifications, or vendor registration procedures.[1]

Compliance Steps for Contractors

  • Review contract clauses: before bidding, review solicitation exhibits for nondiscrimination, equal employment opportunity, or affirmative action clauses.
  • Prepare documents: collect any required workforce compositions, subcontractor plans, or certification forms specified in the solicitation.
  • Meet reporting deadlines: follow the exact reporting timetable in the contract or request written extensions from Purchasing if needed.
  • Contact Purchasing: submit questions or complaints to the Purchasing & Contracts office to confirm requirements and remedies.[2]
Keep records of solicitations, submissions, and communications for at least the contract retention period.

Common Violations

  • Failure to include required nondiscrimination language in subcontracts.
  • Missing or late certified reports on workforce composition or minority participation.
  • Noncompliance after corrective orders leading to withholding or termination.

FAQ

Do Spokane Valley contracts require an affirmative action plan?
Not universally; requirements depend on the solicitation and contract language. Check the specific bid documents and Purchasing rules.
Who enforces contractor compliance?
Procurement and Contracts (Purchasing) in coordination with the City Attorney; complaints should be directed to Purchasing.
Are there set fines in the municipal code?
The municipal code does not list a separate affirmative action fine schedule; monetary remedies are typically set by contract or procurement rules and are not specified on the cited municipal code page.[1]

How-To

  1. Read the solicitation and identify any affirmative action or EEO clauses in the contract exhibits.
  2. Gather required documentation, such as workforce data, subcontractor lists, and any certification forms specified.
  3. Submit required forms by the deadlines stated in the solicitation; keep proof of submission.
  4. If you suspect a violation, contact Purchasing with your evidence and request an investigation or corrective action.

Key Takeaways

  • Contract requirements vary by solicitation; always read the contract documents closely.
  • Purchasing handles complaints and compliance questions; contact them early to resolve issues.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Spokane Valley municipal code - Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] City of Spokane Valley Purchasing & Contracts

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