May a municipality give preference to bids submitted by local contractors?
In most cases, the answer will be no.
State law now specifically provides that “[e]xcept when necessary to
secure federal aid, a political subdivision may not use a bidding method
that gives preference based on the geographic location of the bidder or
that uses criteria other than the lowest responsible bidder in awarding
a contract.” Wis. Stat. sec. 66.0901(1m)(b).