Title: Veteran Preference in State Purchasing

Summary: Requiring state agencies to apply a specific percentage preference to bids, proposals, or replies from certified veteran business enterprises, etc.

Full Text:
An act relating to veteran preference in state purchasing; amending s. 295.187, F.S.; requiring state agencies to apply a specific percentage preference to bids, proposals, or replies from certified veteran business enterprises; providing an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1. Subsection (4) of section 295.187, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 295.187 Florida Veteran Business Enterprise Opportunity Act.  (4) VENDOR PREFERENCE.  (a) A state agency, when considering two or more bids, proposals, or replies for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, at least one of which is from a certified veteran business enterprise, which are equal with respect to all relevant considerations, including price, quality, and service, shall apply a 3-percent preference to the first $500,000 of the bid, proposal, or reply award such procurement or contract to the certified veteran business enterprise. (b) An eligible certified veteran business enterprise must submit a veteran-owned preference form and any required documentation to be given preference. (c) (b)  Notwithstanding s. 287.057(11), if a veteran business enterprise entitled to the vendor preference under this section and one or more businesses entitled to this preference or another vendor preference provided by law submit bids, proposals, or replies for procurement of commodities or contractual services which are equal with respect to all relevant considerations, including price, quality, and service, the state agency shall award the procurement or contract to the business having the smallest net worth. (d) (c)  Political subdivisions of the state are encouraged to offer a similar consideration to businesses certified under this section. Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2013.