A Responsible Bidder Ordinance (RBO) is a policy that establishes clear standards contractors must meet before they can be awarded taxpayer-funded construction contracts, ensuring public agencies consider factors beyond just the lowest price—such as proper licensing, insurance, legal compliance, a proven performance record, and participation in training or apprenticeship programs—so that the contract goes to the lowest responsible bidder rather than simply the cheapest bid. Communities adopt RBOs to encourage higher quality and safer work, reduce risks like cost overruns and legal issues from unqualified contractors, deliver better long-term value for taxpayer dollars, and promote a skilled workforce and stronger labor standards.
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Responsible Bidder Ordinance
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State Policy Priorities
PREVAILING WAGE
Ensuring taxpayer funded projects pay family supporting wages which meet the standards of prevailing wages
REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP
Supporting Construction Workforce Training through Registered Apprenticeship programs by expanding union apprenticeship readiness programs and supporting age-appropriate and safe career exposure and exploration programs for Wisconsin’s youth.
PRO-WORKER CLEAN ENERGY POLICY
Supporting Pro-Worker Clean Energy Policy including investments in current and future clean energy infrastructure that includes prevailing wage, labor standards, local hire, and licensing.
We work to ensure that the rapid growth of renewable energy across the state delivers real, family-supporting careers and long-term economic benefits for Wisconsin workers and communities. We advocate at both the local and state levels—including before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC)—to promote responsible development of large-scale wind, solar, battery storage, and other clean energy infrastructure. Our focus is on securing strong labor standards for every project, including prevailing wages, project labor agreements where appropriate, and commitments to registered apprenticeship utilization. We work to ensure that these projects are built by highly trained Wisconsin union members, keeping jobs local, maintaining high standards of safety and quality, and strengthening the state’s skilled construction workforce while accelerating the transition to clean energy.