MN HF557

Award up to 6 percent preference in state procurement bids to certified small businesses that are majority-owned and operated by veterans or veterans with service-connected disabilities, but not less than the preference awarded to any other group.

Designate veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to facilitate transition from military to civilian life and compensate veterans for sacrifices including health and time, while enhancing economic development in Minnesota.

Require the commissioner to adopt rules establishing standards and procedures for certifying eligible small businesses and for hearing appeals and grievances related to the veteran-owned business preference program.

Allow the commissioner to exclude or limit participation of nonmanufacturing businesses such as third-party lessors, brokers, franchises, and jobbers from program eligibility.

Effective July 1, 2009, apply to all state procurement contract bid solicitations issued on and after that date, with veteran-owned businesses certified through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.