Commercial cleaning bid template — Madison, WI
Madison is Wisconsin's capital and home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, creating a dual-anchor economy of state government and a research-intensive university. UW Health, Epic Systems (the largest private employer in the metro), and a cluster of biotech and insurance firms round out the commercial real estate demand. Wisconsin's minimum wage is $7.25/hr (federal floor); the competitive market wage for commercial janitors runs $15–$17/hr.
Madison Labor Rate Inputs
BLS OEWS May 2024 (SOC 37-2011) places the Madison MSA mean in the $15–$17/hr range. Wisconsin minimum wage information is maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. See the wages breakdown for the Madison MSA.
Burden math on a $16/hr base: FICA 7.65% = $1.22; FUTA/SUTA ~2.4% = $0.38; Wisconsin workers' comp approximately $2.40–$3.20 per $100 payroll; health insurance ~$3.10/hr; vacation/PTO ~4%. Total burden: 28–35%, loaded rate near $20.50–$23/hr. Use the production-rate calculator for full margin analysis.
Madison Pricing Benchmarks
| Segment | Typical Frequency | Market Rate Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class B suburban office (5k–15k sq ft) | 3×/week | $0.11–$0.16/sq ft/month | West side corridors, Middleton |
| State government / university ancillary | 5×/week | $0.14–$0.20/sq ft/month | May require prevailing wage |
| Biotech/research lab support space | 5×/week | $0.18–$0.26/sq ft/month | University Research Park |
| Medical office (UW Health clinics) | 5×/week | $0.17–$0.24/sq ft/month | Bloodborne pathogen compliance |
| Day porter (full-time) | Daily | $2,400–$3,200/month | Multi-tenant buildings, Epic campus |
Cross-check rates against cleaning bid benchmarks. Use the bid stress-test tool before submitting tight-margin bids.
Scope-of-Work Essentials for Madison
State government and UW-Madison contracts are subject to Wisconsin prevailing wage rules and often carry competitive bid requirements under state procurement law. Epic Systems accounts require strict background screening and NDA-compliant access protocols given the sensitivity of healthcare data handled on-site. Biotech and research-lab accounts need documented chemical exposure protocols. Medical office scopes must address OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen requirements (29 CFR 1910.1030). Use the scope-of-work generator for complete exhibit templates.
- Define cleaning zones and frequencies per zone in the contract exhibit
- Include Wisconsin recycling exhibit (WI has single-use plastics diversion requirements)
- Specify background-check and NDA compliance language for Epic and research accounts
- List disinfectants by EPA Reg. No. for medical and biotech accounts
- Confirm after-hours access procedures, including security escort requirements
Wisconsin Licensing and Insurance Requirements
Wisconsin does not require a statewide contractor license for commercial janitorial services. The City of Madison requires a local business license; confirm current requirements at the City of Madison Clerk's Office. General liability minimum $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate is standard; Epic, UW Health, and state government accounts typically require $2M per occurrence minimum. Workers' compensation is mandatory under Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Division rules.
Bid Walk Checklist — Madison Accounts
- Measure cleanable area per floor; confirm university or government building access procedures
- Identify any lab, data center, or restricted access zones requiring separate protocols
- Count restrooms and confirm if biotech/medical compliance is required
- Confirm recycling streams: WI requires separate collection of specific materials
- Document flooring types to price periodic maintenance accurately
Sample Line-Item Bid Structure
| Line Item | Qty / Unit | Unit Rate | Monthly Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nightly cleaning — office (8,500 sq ft) | 8,500 sq ft | $0.14/sq ft | $1,190 |
| Restroom service (7 restrooms, 5×/week) | 7 units | $205/unit | $1,435 |
| Breakroom daily wipe-down + trash | 1 unit | $175/month | $175 |
| Entry glass & lobby detail (weekly) | 1 unit | $115/month | $115 |
| Annual carpet extraction (6,000 sq ft) | 6,000 sq ft | $0.22/sq ft | $110 (amortized) |
| Supplies (paper, liners, soap) | Pass-through | Cost + 12% | ~$215 |
| Total Monthly | ~$3,240 |
Prevailing Wage and SCA Considerations
Wisconsin's Prevailing Wage Law applies to public works projects including state and municipal building cleaning contracts. UW-Madison cleaning contracts through the state system carry prevailing wage obligations; confirm current rates through the Wisconsin DWD Prevailing Wage section. Federal agency cleaning contracts in Madison (EPA Great Lakes office, federal courts) trigger the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act. See cleaning for education facilities for prevailing-wage guidance.
What Buyers Expect in Madison Bids
- Evidence of prevailing wage compliance documentation for state or university accounts
- Strict background-check and NDA-compliance program for Epic and data-sensitive accounts
- Green-cleaning product certification for LEED buildings and sustainability-focused tenants
- References from comparable university-adjacent, biotech, or government accounts
- Escalation clause tied to Wisconsin CPI or BLS wage index
Competitive Landscape and Bid Tips
Madison is a knowledge-economy market where buyers value reliability and documentation above lowest price. National BSC firms hold the largest state and university contracts; local independents compete effectively on mid-market private office and biotech accounts. Epic Systems is a coveted account that cycles rarely; referrals from Epic's supplier network are the most reliable entry point. Use the account profitability auditor to confirm margin before discounting on competitive state bids. The bid generator speeds quote turnaround.
Key Resources for Madison Bidders
- BLS OEWS — SOC 37-2011 Janitors and Cleaners
- Wisconsin DWD — Minimum Wage
- Wisconsin DWD — Prevailing Wage
- Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Division
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
By the Opora Editorial Team · Last updated: 2026