University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
OP-T2-25: Local Businesses

Reciprocity. Wisconsin law does not provide a preference for in-state businesses. Rather, Wisconsin treats another state’s vendors as our vendors are treated there (i.e., Wisconsin penalizes an out-of-state vendor if its state imposes an in-state preference). Vendors from states without a preference compete on an equal basis with Wisconsin vendors. The absence of an in-state preference allows Wisconsin businesses to compete for contracts in other states without penalty. However, there are Special Statutory Considerations #1 Badger State Industries (BSI). BSI, or Prison Industries, is a Department of Corrections vocational and work skills development program. State law requires agencies and campuses to write specifications that, to the extent possible, permit the purchase of goods or services from BSI. Agencies must purchase from BSI if its pricing is comparable to market prices. BSI contracts include furniture and signage. BSI contracts are mandatory. State Use Program. #2 Agencies and campuses must purchase from State Use contracts awarded to community-based work centers that offer training and jobs to individuals with severe disabilities. Statutes permit a work center to qualify for a contract if it meets the State’s specifications and provides the good or service at or below fair market value. Examples of State Use contracts include clothing, mops and brooms, pens and pencils, food, pallets, first aid kits, toothpaste and vinyl floor mats. The Governor-appointed State Use Board oversees the program; all contracts are mandatory.