Veteran-owned small business bids

A construction bid program that allows up to a 6 percent bid preference to veteran-owned small businesses would be expanded under a bill passed as amended by the House April 25.

Sponsored by Rep. Bob Dettmer (R-Forest Lake) and Sen. Al DeKruif (R-Madison Lake), HF1821/ SF1597* would enable the transportation commissioner to designate a construction contract to be awarded only to veteran-owned small businesses, if at least three such businesses are likely to bid.

The purpose is to help veterans transition from military to civilian life and to “keep that pool of talent here in Minnesota,” Dettmer said during a previous House hearing.

While most of the work awarded has been in the area of manual labor, the bill would expand bid preferences for construction-related goods and services. That may mean that veteran-owned architectural and design businesses could be included in the program.

Counties could create a similar hiring preference program.

Goals would be set by the commissioner for prime contractors to subcontract to small targeted businesses, such as veteran-owned companies. The prime contractors may receive financial incentives for exceeding the set goals.

A report would be due every other year to the Legislature giving a summary of the program and recommendations for any suggested changes.

The bill, amended with two technical changes, passed 125-0. The Senate re-passed the bill 63-0. It now awaits action by the governor.