DSF's ROLE
DSF through its oversight of the state building program continues to utilize various methods and means to achieve MBE participation in all state building projects. For further information on MBE through DSF see other areas of this Web page or call Godwin Amegashie, Assistant to the Administrator, at (608) 267-7806 or send an email to godwin.amegashie@wisconsin.gov.
BIDDING AS PRIME CONTRACTOR
In keeping with State Statutes, DSF may award any construction contract to a minority business that submits a qualified responsible bid that is not more than 5% higher than the apparent low bid. To qualify for such consideration, the bidder must check the box at the end of the bid form indicating that the bidder has been certified as a minority business by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and wishes to be considered for the 5% minority bid preference.
BIDDING AS SUBCONTRACTOR
Prime bidders must make every effort to obtain minority participation on their projects. Our goal is to award a minimum of 15% of the work to minority business enterprises for all projects within a 60 mile radius of Milwaukee and 5% for projects located elsewhere. See specific project specifications or sample Instructions to Bidders for more details.
PROVIDING ARCHITECTURAL AND/OR ENGINEERING(A/E) SERVICES
DSF is focused on ensuring that 5% of the total amount expended for engineering or architectural services is paid to minority businesses. A selection committee evaluates A/E qualifications for specific projects choosing the best qualified candidate. Part of the evaluation criteria is whether or not an A/E firm is a minority business. For more information on the A/E selection process, please contact Sharon Blattner Held at telephone number: (608) 266-2049 or email address: sharon.blattner@wisconsin.gov
The Policy and Procedures Manual for Architects/Engineers/Consultants describes policy and procedures which A/Es are to use when designing projects for DSF. It also details what information is to be presented for the preliminary and final contract document review phases.
INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS
The following is an excerpt from the DSF master specifications Instructions for Bidders and is included in all specifications:
10. MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE INVOLVEMENT The Bidder shall make every effort to award a minimum of 15% of the work to minority business enterprises for all projects within 60 mile radius of Milwaukee and 5% for projects located elsewhere. The Affidavit of Compliance (Form A) may be submitted with the bid or must be submitted by the apparent low bidder before the end of the seventh calendar day after the bid opening indicating the percentage participation that will be committed. Submission of completed Affidavit of Compliance is an element of responsiveness. Failure to submit this completed form within the time limits will be considered unresponsiveness which may result in DSF awarding the Contract to the next apparent low bidder. A completed Request For Subcontractors Approval (Form DOA-4225) may be submitted with the bid or must be submitted by the apparent low bidder before the end of the seventh calendar day after the bid opening. Under either option, the bidder may present a final Request For Subcontractors Approval which meets the Affidavit of Compliance (Form A) outlined above. Listing a firm on the Request For Subcontractors Approval shall constitute a representation that the contractor has communicated directly with the firm listed, and that the listed firms are available and will complete the specified work. Such listing is also a commitment by the contractor that if awarded the contract, the contractor will enter into a subcontract with the certified firm(s) listed for the work and price set forth thereon.... For assistance in identifying MBE firms which are subcontractors or material suppliers, contact Office of Minority Business, telephone (608)267-7806.
OTHER QUESTIONS
Insurance
Insurance and bonding are generally required of all contractors and subcontractors on State construction projects. Insurance requirements vary somewhat with the type and size of project. Specific requirements are listed in the General Conditions and Supplementary General Conditions in the specific project specifications. Please check those specifications first. Sample insurance requirements can be found in General Conditions, Article 31.A.(3), and Supplementary General Conditions master specifications on this Web site.
Bonding requirements also vary with project type and size. Specific requirements are found in the Instructions to Bidders which is located in a specific project's specifications. Please check those specifications first. Sample bonding requirements can be found in Instructions to Bidders master specifications on this Web Site.
Small Projects
Small projects are projects which have a value less than $150,000. For more information on small projects, please contact Erik Sande at (608) 266-2886 or email him at erik.sande@wisconsin.gov.
DSF Master Specifications
DSF master specifications are available here. They are published in Microsoft(tm) Word 6.0 for Windows(tm) format and are available for downloading. These specifications describe the most common conditions encountered in construction of State facilities and are to be used by consultants in design of State owned facility projects.
Forms
Selected forms are available in the DOA Document Library under Forms Category with the document type of "Facilities & Construction.".
Plan & Specification Distribution for Bidding
A listing of all construction projects currently out for bid can be viewed at the DSF Web page: www.doa.wi.gov/constructionbidding. Plans and specifications can be downloaded directly from the Web site or ordered on CD/DVD media. There is no cost for receiving the documents. They are also generally available at various Builders' Exchanges; the F.W. Dodge Corporation offices in Madison, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis; Dodge/Scan in Chicago; Milwaukee Urban League-MCIP; and the Wisconsin Business Resource Center.
Bid Opening Process
Sealed bids for construction projects are received at the State of Wisconsin Administration Building, 7th Floor, 101 East Wilson St., P.O. Box 7866, Madison, WI 53707, before the time and date indicated in the bid documents. Generally bid opening time is 2:00 p.m. (prevailing time in Madison). All bids submitted for a project must be delivered to the DSF reception desk before the time stated in the bid documents. No bids are received after that time. For more information, please see the List of Projects out for Bid on this web site or contact Diane Erickson via diane.erickson@wisconsin.gov or at (608) 266-2306.
Other MBE Questions
For answers to other MBE questions, please contact Godwin Amegashie at (608) 267-7806 or email him at godwin.amegashie@wisconsin.gov. Persons to be contacted for other subjects are listed.
For additional information please see the DOA Minority Business Program web page.
