An Act Establishing A Set-aside Program For Disabled Veteran Contractors.
Impact
If enacted, HB 05954 would amend Chapter 58 of the general statutes, directly impacting the procurement process within state agencies. It is designed to enhance accessibility for disabled veteran contractors in the competitive bidding landscape, encouraging more inclusive participation in government procurement. Supporters of the bill argue that it would help level the playing field for these businesses, which may face unique challenges in securing contracts compared to larger, more established companies.
Summary
House Bill 05954, introduced by Representative Klarides, aims to establish a set-aside program that reserves a portion of state contracts for businesses owned by disabled veterans. Specifically, the bill mandates that state and quasi-public agencies that engage in contracts exceeding $10,000 in goods and services each fiscal year must allocate at least three percent of these contracts for competitive bidding exclusively by qualified disabled veteran contractors. The intent behind this legislation is to provide financial opportunities and support for disabled veterans transitioning into civilian business operations.
Contention
Discussion surrounding the bill may include various points of contention about the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing a set-aside system. Critics may raise concerns about potential limitations on competition and whether such set-asides are the most efficient way to assist disabled veteran contractors. Additionally, there may be debates on the percentage set aside and the criteria for determining qualified contractors, which could influence the bill's overall effectiveness in achieving its goals of supporting veteran-owned businesses.