FL H0719

State agencies must grant a 3-percent preference to certified veteran business enterprises when evaluating two or more bids for commodities or contractual services, with the preference applied only to the first $500,000 of the response.

Solicitation documents must include a statement that the preference applies and provide an application form developed by the Department of Management Services for veteran business enterprises to claim the preference.

Only certified veteran business enterprises that complete the application and provide required documentation are eligible to receive the preference.

When a veteran business enterprise and other preference-eligible businesses submit equal bids, the state agency must award the contract to the business with the smallest net worth.

Political subdivisions are encouraged to offer similar preference consideration to certified veteran business enterprises.

The act takes effect July 1, 2013.