Commentary

Washington is Newest State to See Benefits of Competition

Businesses will get a fair shot at providing scores of Washington state services. Under new competitive contracting rules published last week, Washington state agency directors can seek bids if they find businesses that do what their agencies do. Jobs up for bid could range from big-ticket services such as low-security prison operation, Medicaid management, information technology, data processing and welfare-to-work programs to less-complex basic services such as landscape maintenance, university food service and custodial services.