Need a Commercial Services Contract in Wisconsin? AroundWire Can Help

In Wisconsin, contracts for commercial services—covering areas such as facility maintenance, janitorial work, landscaping, security, and similar business-to-business offerings—are typically governed by clear scopes of work, defined performance standards, and measurable deliverables. State and local procurement rules often require competitive bidding for public sector contracts, with adherence to Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 16 (procurement) and Chapter 779 (liens) where applicable. Contractors must hold appropriate business licenses, and certain services may require specialized certifications (e.g., pesticide application, security personnel licensing). Insurance is a significant requirement; contractors are usually expected to carry general liability, workers’ compensation, and, depending on the service, professional liability or automobile insurance, with minimum coverage amounts specified in the solicitation. Indemnification clauses are standard, often requiring the contractor to hold the client harmless for losses arising from contractor actions. Payment terms commonly stipulate net 30 days from invoice approval, though state agencies may be subject to prompt payment statutes (Wis. Stat. §16.528). Retainage or milestone payments may apply for longer-term projects. Risk factors include performance penalties for missed deadlines, non-compliance with safety or environmental regulations, and the risk of non-renewal due to poor performance. Dispute resolution typically favors negotiation or mediation before litigation, with venue provisions favoring Wisconsin courts. Prevailing wage laws may apply for certain public contracts, and local ordinances can add further compliance layers, so careful review of contract documents and solicitation requirements is essential.