Wisconsin MBE, WBE and DVB Certification: Status and What to Do

What it is

The Department of Administration (DOA) runs the Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program (WISDP). It certifies minority-owned (MBE), woman-owned (WBE) and service-disabled veteran-owned (DVB) businesses. State goals are 5% of state purchasing with certified MBEs and 1% with certified DVBs. State agencies "may apply" a 5% bid preference for certified DVBs. There is no WBE goal or preference in DOA's policy.

What changed

• DOA's supplier diversity policy (PRO-606, dated August 1, 2025) and its construction projects page both say the 5% bidding preference for certified minority businesses "is currently paused." Neither page says when the pause began.
• The WISDP home page says conversion of DBE certificates into state certificates is paused "while federal program updates are under review."
• February 2025: the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) and Contractors for Equal Opportunity filed a federal civil rights complaint against the program (per The Daily Reporter).
• July 8, 2026: Citizens Defending Liberty, represented by WILL, sued Gov. Evers and DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld in Waukesha County Circuit Court (case 2026CV001202). It seeks to bar race-based goals and preferences (per The Daily Reporter and WILL). No ruling had been reported as of October 10, 2026.

Who qualifies

• At least 51% owned, managed and controlled by members of an eligible racial or ethnic group (MBE), women (WBE) or veterans with a disability rating of at least 0% (DVB). The business must serve a useful business function.
• The FAQ does not state size limits or citizenship rules.
• DVB: majority owners must live in Wisconsin and the business must be located in Wisconsin.
• Out-of-state MBE and WBE firms must register with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. WBEs need home-state WBE certification and a Wisconsin customer. MBEs need home-state MBE certification or may qualify case by case. City, county and national certificates do not count as home-state certification.
• Wisconsin "does not have reciprocity with other states."

What it means for your bids

• You do not need certification to bid. You do need DVB certification to get the DVB preference.
• Only WISDP-certified MBEs and DVBs count for the preferences, and you must be certified when bids open.
• Do not count on an MBE price preference while the pause is in place.
• WBE certification puts you in the state directory, but DOA's policy gives it no goal or preference.

How to get certified

1. Register on the WISDP portal: https://wisdp.wi.gov/Register.aspx (program site: https://supplierdiversity.wi.gov/).
2. Upload at least 11 documents. The system blocks submission without them.
3. Fees: MBE is free. WBE and DVB cost $150 for new applications and recertification, paid by check or money order.
4. Processing averages 2 to 4 weeks.
5. Certification lasts 3 years. File a free Annual Update after years 1 and 2.

Watch out for

• The lawsuit could change or end the race-based parts of the program. Check before relying on an MBE goal.
• WDVA's Veteran-Owned Business certification is separate and is a marketing logo and directory. Its page does not mention a contracting preference: https://dva.wi.gov/benefits/employment/veteran-owned-business
• Milwaukee County recognizes WISDP MBE and WBE certificates. Other cities and counties run their own programs.
• Federal DBE (WisDOT highway and airport work) is a separate program.
• Free help: WISDP at SupplierDiversity@wi.gov or 608-267-9550.

Programs in other states →

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Sources

• supplierdiversity.wi.gov/
• supplierdiversity.wi.gov/Pages/FAQs.aspx
• supplierdiversity.wi.gov/Pages/AboutUs/WhoWeAre.aspx
• doa.wi.gov/ProcurementManual/Pages/PRO-606.aspx
• doa.wi.gov/ProcurementManual/Documents/PRO-606.pdf
• doa.wi.gov/Pages/DoingBusiness/DFDProjects.aspx
• dva.wi.gov/benefits/employment/veteran-owned-business
• will-law.org/citizens-defending-liberty-v-evers/
• dailyreporter.com/2026/07/22/lawsuit-challenges-wisconsin-supplier-diversity-program/
• dailyreporter.com/2025/06/18/wisconsin-supplier-diversity-program-defense/

FindMyBids isn't affiliated with any certifying agency, and this isn't legal advice. Status can change quickly with court orders and new laws, so confirm with the program office before you rely on it.