University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
OP-T2-24: Historically Underutilized Businesses

The State of Wisconsin operates a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program to maximize the use of minority business enterprises in the purchase of goods and services. The goal of the state is to attempt to ensure that 5% of the total amount expended in the state’s purchasing program in each fiscal year is paid to minority business enterprises. The MBE Program operates through the Department of Administration and has a full-time director who is responsible for implementation of the program. The director seeks out, identifies and assists minority vendors in participating in state contracts. If a minority business enterprise submits a qualified, responsible, competitive bid that is no more than 5% higher than the lowest responsible bid, the award may be made to the minority business enterprise. To meet the State's commitment and goals regarding utilization of minority business enterprises, contractors are required to cooperate with the MBE Program. The MBE program ensures that minority business enterprises have the maximum opportunity to compete for subcontract work whenever feasible. http://vendornet.state.wi.us/vendornet/vguide/mbe.asp The State Bureau of Procurement encourages the participation of veteran-owned businesses in the statewide purchasing program by inviting veteran-owned businesses to actively solicit public purchasing business and by reducing undue impediments to such participation. The Bureau: A. Maintains a bidder list of veteran-owned businesses located in this state which have indicated a willingness to provide materials or services to the state and notifies these businesses of purchasing requests for which they may wish to submit bids or proposals. B. Eliminates or reduces, where possible, administrative burdens on veteran-owned businesses located in this state which submits bids and proposals to the state and assists these businesses in complying with the state's competitive bidding and competitive negotiation procedures. C. Submits an annual report (October 1) to the Council on Small Business, Veteran-owned Business and Minority Business Opportunities which: 1. Evaluates the performance of small businesses located in this state; 2. Makes recommendations for increased involvement of small businesses in submitting competitive bids and proposals; and 3.Develops actions through a small business, veteran-owned business and minority business "outreach" program to communicate with small, veteran-owned and minority businesses.