Establishes price preference program on State contracts for businesses owned by women veterans or women in military service.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the competitive landscape for bidding on state contracts, as it incentivizes state agencies to prioritize and support businesses led by women veterans and military personnel. It establishes a formal mechanism for these businesses to gain a competitive edge, effectively reducing barriers that have historically limited their participation in public contracts. Should two or more qualified businesses bid on the same contract, the one with the lower bid after applying the preference will be awarded the contract, thereby potentially increasing their market share.
Summary
Assembly Bill A3159 aims to establish a price preference program specifically for businesses owned by women veterans or women currently serving in the military. The bill mandates that, in the award of state contracts that are funded by state money and publicly advertised for bids, state agencies must provide a preference of up to 10% to qualifying businesses. This initiative is designed to enhance access to state contracts for women veterans and military servicewomen, promoting economic opportunities and empowerment within this demographic.
Contention
While the bill has the potential for positive impact, it may also prompt debates surrounding fairness and equality in state contracting processes. Some may argue that the bill creates an unequal competitive advantage based on gender and veteran status, potentially leading to concerns from other small business owners who could feel disadvantaged by this preference. The bill also includes provisions for contract eligibility continuation if the woman owner of the business passes away during the contracting process, which seeks to protect the interests of these businesses under certain tragic circumstances.