MS HB1131

Department of Finance and Administration shall establish annual goals for service-connected disabled veteran-owned small business participation in state contracts and procurements based on historical data and available capacity.

When public contract bids are substantially equal in quality and service but differ only in price, preference shall be given to certified service-connected disabled veteran-owned small businesses if their bid price is not more than 10 percent greater than the lowest bid.

Service-connected disabled veteran-owned small business means an entity that is at least 51 percent owned by a service-connected disabled veteran and meets small business requirements including fewer than 50 employees and annual gross receipts not exceeding $10 million for construction or $5 million for non-construction operations.

Department shall maintain a monthly updated listing of all certified service-connected disabled veteran-owned small businesses available on its Internet website and in written form upon request.

Department shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement and administer the act, effective July 1, 2017.