Wisconsin Administrative Code Department of Administration
Wisconsin Administrative Code: Department of Administration
I. What is the Wisconsin Administrative Code?
The Wisconsin Administrative Code is a comprehensive collection of rules and regulations created by various state agencies, including the Department of Administration (DOA). These rules have the force of law and are designed to implement, interpret, and enforce statutes enacted by the Wisconsin Legislature.
The Code serves as the legal framework within which state agencies operate and governs how they conduct their administrative functions.
II. Role of the Department of Administration (DOA)
The Department of Administration is one of the central agencies in Wisconsin’s state government. Its main roles include:
Managing state property and finances.
Overseeing procurement and contracts.
Administering state employee benefits and payroll.
Developing and enforcing administrative rules related to these functions.
The DOA creates specific administrative rules that guide how these responsibilities are carried out. These rules are codified in various chapters within the Wisconsin Administrative Code.
III. Key Areas Covered by DOA Administrative Rules
Here are some important areas covered by the DOA within the Wisconsin Administrative Code:
1. Procurement and Purchasing
The DOA regulates how state agencies procure goods and services.
Rules specify procedures to request purchasing authority, submit bids, and award contracts.
This ensures transparency, fairness, and cost-effectiveness in state purchases.
For example, agencies must submit detailed purchase requests that justify the need, cost, and method of procurement.
There are also specific provisions for competitive bidding to prevent favoritism or fraud.
2. Contractual Services
Administrative rules guide how contractual services are procured and managed.
When a contract exceeds a certain financial threshold (for example, $25,000 annually), the DOA requires a detailed cost-benefit analysis.
This analysis considers factors like wages, administrative costs, and monitoring expenses.
The purpose is to ensure that contracts are in the public interest and deliver value for money.
3. Electronic Records Management
The DOA sets standards for managing electronic records held by state agencies.
Rules ensure that digital records are accessible, accurate, authentic, and reliable throughout their life cycle.
This includes requirements to preserve records in formats that maintain legibility and readability over time.
These provisions help protect the integrity and transparency of government data.
4. Supplier Diversity Programs
The DOA administers programs aimed at increasing participation of minority-owned, woman-owned, and disabled veteran-owned businesses in state contracting.
Administrative rules outline certification processes for these businesses to qualify for special programs.
This promotes equal opportunity and inclusivity in state procurement activities.
IV. Why Are These Rules Important?
Legal Authority: These administrative rules have the force of law, meaning state agencies and officials must comply with them.
Efficiency and Consistency: They create standardized procedures to ensure that administrative actions are conducted efficiently and fairly.
Transparency: By setting clear requirements, the rules promote openness and prevent arbitrary decision-making.
Accountability: The rules provide mechanisms to hold agencies accountable for misuse of public resources or procedural violations.
Protection of Public Interest: Ensures that government operations serve the public effectively, responsibly, and with due regard for fairness.
V. How Are These Rules Developed and Enforced?
The DOA drafts these administrative rules based on statutory authority granted by the Wisconsin Legislature.
Before rules are finalized, there is often a public notice and comment period to ensure transparency and stakeholder input.
Once adopted, state agencies are required to follow these rules in their daily operations.
Courts and oversight bodies can review agency actions to ensure compliance with the Code.
VI. Summary
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| What? | A collection of administrative rules created by the Department of Administration. |
| Who? | The Wisconsin Department of Administration manages these rules. |
| Key Areas Covered | Procurement, contracts, electronic records, supplier diversity programs. |
| Purpose | To regulate fair, efficient, and legal administration of state government functions. |
| Importance | Ensures accountability, transparency, and public trust in government operations. |
| Rule Development Process | Rules are drafted, reviewed, and adopted through statutory processes with public input. |
RELATED Blog
0 comments