MS HB1132

Department of Finance and Administration, in consultation with the State Veterans Affairs Board and Mississippi Development Authority, may establish annual goals for service-connected disabled veteran-owned small business participation in state contracts and procurements.

Preference may be given to certified service-connected disabled veteran-owned small businesses in public contract lettings when bids are substantially equal in quality and service but differ only in price, if the veteran-owned business bid is not more than 10% greater than the lowest bid.

Service-connected disabled veteran is defined as a veteran with a service-connected disability rated at not less than 30% by the appropriate federal agency.

Service-connected disabled veteran-owned small business must be at least 51% owned by a qualifying veteran and meet small business criteria including fewer than 50 full-time employees and annual gross receipts not exceeding $10 million (construction) or $5 million (nonconstruction).

Entities seeking certification must submit current federal documentation with each bid or quotation; the Mississippi Development Authority shall maintain and publish a listing of all certified businesses.