WisDOT MAPSS - Accountability - Minority Business Enterprise Program - The continuous effort to use public dollars in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
Minority Business Enterprise Program - The continuous effort to use public dollars in the most efficient and cost-effective way.The department aims to promote diversity in our operations, as well as our surrounding communities, and the statutory Chapter 16 Minority Business Enterprise requirement furthers this goal. Our target is for 5% of agency spending in each fiscal year to be paid to certified minority businesses. We measure the total percentage of MBE spending at the agency level as well as MBE spending per division.
Chapter 16 of the Wisconsin statutes requires state agencies attempt to ensure that five percent of the total amount expended in state purchasing during each fiscal year is paid to state certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE). The overall department MBE percent spending and MBE percent spending by business areas provide information to the agency and the public that the department is meeting this goal. This measure does not include intergovernmental spending and the Chapter 84 spending for highway projects.
Actual results are affected by the number of State of Wisconsin-certified MBEs who participate in our bidding processes. More firms certified as MBEs means more opportunities for department spending with MBEs. Certified MBE vendors must be able to provide the desired goods and services and win competitive solicitations by submitting bids within five percent of the lowest bid. MBE vendors must be certified by the Department of Administration (DOA). Some vendors choose to not go through the certification process; many win bids without preference. Budgetary constraints may reduce MBE spending since department program areas may be less capable in utilizing the five percent pricing preference.
The Purchasing Section will continue to work with the Department of Administration’s Supplier Diversity program and State Bureau of Procurement to comply and continue to meet and exceed statutory MBE goals and participate in efforts to support the department’s pursuit of these goals.