NEW WisDOT Certified Payroll Report submission process for 2025

Attention all vendors currently using the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Civil Rights Compliance System (CRCS) system to submit WisDOT project certified payroll reports.

WisDOT is preparing to take the next step in phasing out CRCS and transitioning to AASHTOWare Project (AWP) with the implementation of the Civil Rights and Labor (CRL) payroll module. Starting this winter, entry of Certified Payroll Reports (CPRs) will be handled in AASHTOWare Project Civil Rights & Labor (AWP CRL).

How will the transition take place?

WisDOT is planning to start this new process with the January 2025 construction bid letting. CPRs for these newly awarded contracts will be contractually required to be entered in AWP CRL. There will not be a conversion of existing contracts from CRCS to AWP CRL so certified payrolls will continue to be entered into CRCS for currently awarded contracts through the completion of those contracts. This means that vendors working on current contracts and new contracts will be entering CPRs into both systems during the transition period.

Timeline:

• November 2024 through March 2025 – Initial vendor training begins.
• January 2025 – First awarded contracts requiring AWP CRL payroll submission.
• 2025 and beyond
  • CPR entry begins in AWP CRL payroll for contracts from the January bid letting as work is initiated.
  • Continue to enter CPRs into CRCS for previously awarded contracts (all contracts from the 2024 and earlier bid lettings).

Detailed Information:

WisDOT AWP CRL payroll user documentation is posted on our AASHTOWare Project Knowledge Base (AWPKB) site under Civil Rights & Labor | Payrolls (Prime contractor and subcontractors) (KB Link). Please note that this information will be continually refined over the next few months as testing and training take place.

How do I get access to AWP CRL payroll?

Access to AWP CRL payroll functionality will be available later this year. More information will be provided at that time.

Do I need to update my vendor information?

Please ensure that your vendor information is up to date. The Payroll Contact person is maintained by the vendor using the Vendor Registration System (VRS) (https://awpkb.dot.wi.gov/Content/vrs/VRS.htm). A WAMS ID is required to log into VRS.

What payroll data entry options does AWP provide?

• Excel spreadsheet – Ideal for most vendors.
• XML extract from the vendors payroll system – Best for larger vendors whose payroll system can support this option. Vendors using the CRCS payroll auto upload capability should consider this option.
• Manual data entry into AWP – For vendors with a small number of employees or may not have a Microsoft Excel license.

In the coming months, additional information will be provided including training as we transition to AWP CRL. If you have immediate questions about the AWP CRL payroll process, please contact WisDOT Labor Compliance at DOTLaborCompliance@dot.wi.gov and include “AWP CRL” in the subject line.