Wisconsin RFPs: The Ultimate Guide to Wisconsin Bids

Did you know that Wisconsin is known as the Cheese State? There’s a great reason for the moniker: Wisconsin produces more cheese than any other state in America. And milk is its official state beverage! After you have enjoyed your cold glass of milk and delicious cheese curds, it’s time to think about ways to mooove your business up in the world! Diving into Wisconsin RFPs may be just the right way to build your business. 

Registering for Wisconsin RFPs

Vendors hoping to win a contract award in Wisconsin must secure a place on the state’s approved list of vendors. Vendors must also participate in Wisconsin’s procurement process. So, in order to participate in the process, you must become a registered vendor. Afterwards, keep your eyes open for all potential procurement opportunities that fit your business. 

In Wisconsin, the eSupplier Portal for Bidders is available for businesses who want to participate in the procurement process. Make sure to select codes for all of the various goods and services you provide so that the state is aware of what you can provide. 

After you have registered, you will receive email notifications about new procurement opportunities in the state. All state agencies, the University of Wisconsin System campus and some Wisconsin municipalities advertise their procurement opportunities in the eSupplier Portal. You can also respond to solicitations through the eSupplier Portal. You can register for free here.

Wisconsin also uses VendorNet, which contains all available solicitations and current contracts with the state. VendorNet allows you the ability to search Wisconsin RFPs, bids and contracts and obtain great information on what goods and services the state is looking for. Visit VendorNet at https://vendornet.wi.gov/. 

Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program

To set your business apart, if you are eligible, participating in the State of Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program may help you set your business apart from the competition. The Supplier Diversity Program certifies Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBE), Service-Disabled Veraged Owned Businesses (DVB) and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE). Being certified allows these businesses to provide better opportunities for them to do business with Wisconsin and to assist the state in achieving its goal of purchasing 5% with MBEs and 1% with DVBs.  

To qualify as:

• A Minority-Owned Business Enterprise: a minority from an eligible racial ethnic category must own, manage, and control at least 51% of the business as well as serve a useful business function.
• A Women-Owned Business Enterprise: a woman must own, manage and control the business as well as serve a useful business function.
• A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise: a veteran with a disability rating of at least 0% should own, manage, and control at least 51% of the business.

The business must serve a useful function, the majority of the owners must reside in Wisconsin and the business must be located in Wisconsin. 

There are advantages to being certified as with the Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program. If certified, you will be listed in Wisconsin’s Database of Certified Suppliers. The Database is used by state agencies and private businesses to find diverse suppliers. 

The state also has a goal of purchasing 5% with certified MBEs and 1% with certified DVBS. MBEs and DVBs are also eligible to receive a 5% bid preference when bidding on a project or contract. Setting yourself apart as being part of the Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program can have a big payoff when you submit your Wisconsin RFPs.  

You can apply for the Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program at https://wisdp.wi.gov/Register.aspx. 

What Wisconsin Purchases

The State of Wisconsin is purchasing goods and services from a variety of vendors for many reasons. The state has previously sought solicitations for engineering, advertising and consulting services. IT and janitorial services have also been available contracts. The state has also sought bids for medical and scientific services. Wisconsin has also sought a wide range of other services from businesses within the state. 

The state has also sought out various goods from Wisconsin businesses. Goods such as furniture, power tools and office machines have also been part of the procurement process. The state has sought solicitations for building and construction goods and motor vehicle and transportation commodities. The list is lengthy and diverse as to what types of goods Wisconsin is looking for. 

If you are wanting to build your business, the State of Wisconsin has advertised for various goods and services that may fit with what you do. Taking some time to register and search for potential Wisconsin RFPs will be well worth your time.   

Now that you have learned about where to find Wisconsin RFPs and how to set yourself apart, get mooooving and start exploring what’s available in Wisconsin. What are you waiting for? 

Interested in Competing for Wisconsin RFPs? Do it With The Bid Lab!

Ready to move on to the next step and start building your response? We’ve got you covered. Read up on how to create RFP response templates in our Learning Center. Or, if you’re looking to find the perfect RFP in the state of Wisconsin, check out Bid Banana, our user-friendly RFP database. The Bid Banana Blog can help you find bids in all 50 states. So reach out to schedule a free consultation with us today by calling 1-844-4BIDLAB or emailing respond@thebidlab.com.