LANSING – In an effort to assist veteran businesses competing for government contracts, the Department of Technology, Management and Budget will now accept the National Veterans Business Development Council certification when determining eligibility for the state’s service-disabled veteran-owned business pricing preference.
The option to submit an NVBDC certificate to qualify for the pricing preference can reduce the time and simplify the process for disabled veteran owned businesses. Currently, they are required to collect and submit traditional documents such as their DD214, VA Decision Letter, and proof of company ownership.
“We want to encourage the veteran community to compete for state contracts.” said DTMB Director David Behen. “Offering this alternative for certification will eliminate some of the steps our service-disabled veterans need to take to qualify for their well-deserved preference.”
Formed in Michigan, the National Veterans Business Development Council is a non-profit organization specializing in third-party certification of veteran businesses. After a review of the NVBDC certifying process, it was determined that their criteria met the requirements for qualification set forth in state statute for the disabled veteran pricing preference. The state of Michigan provides for a 10 percent pricing preference for qualified service-disabled veteran owned businesses who submit proposals for state contracts.
Michigan has a goal of awarding five percent of all state work to disabled veteran businesses. With the addition of the new certification acceptance, along with a comprehensive outreach initiative, DTMB continues to work with the veteran community to increase the amount of awards to service-disabled veterans.
Veterans wishing to learn more about the state’s contracting process, the preference, or an upcoming Vets Business Boost outreach event, should visit the state’s Contract Connect website at www.michigan.gov/micontractconnect.
