CA AB1218

Requires awarding departments to consider requiring disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) participation exceeding the current 3% minimum goal on state contracts for professional bond services and goods/services.

Provides greater participation incentives to prime contractors who own DVBEs and have not previously contracted with the state, DVBEs employing over 50% veteran workforce, and DVBEs with no prior state contracts.

Requires contractors subcontracting with DVBEs to obtain DVBE signatures acknowledging expenditures or provide proof of payments to subcontractors when submitting certifications to awarding departments.

Mandates awarding departments maintain DVBE subcontract records for a minimum of 5 years and establish procedures to verify accuracy and completeness of reported amounts.

Requires agency DVBE Program Advocates to maintain records of promotional events attended, including business demographics and outcomes such as new DVBE certifications and state contract entries within two years following events.