The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) has increased its support for California Small Business\/Microbusiness (SB\/MB) over the last three years, awarding more than $9.5 million in SB\/MB contracts in FY 2011-12. That represents more than 28% of CalVet\u2019s total<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
contract dollars. <\/p>\n
In addition, CalVet awarded more than $2 million in Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) contracts, which accounts for more than 6% of the Department\u2019s total SB\/MB contract dollars.<\/p>\n
CalVet\u2019s contracting performance has exceeded the State\u2019s 25% SB\/MB goal and more than doubled the State\u2019s 3% DVBE goal. CalVet\u2019s contracting efforts also exceeded its own more stringent 5% DVBE goal.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese numbers directly reflect CalVet\u2019s strategic goals because support of small business and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises means jobs for veterans,\u201d said CalVet Secretary Peter J. Gravett. \u201cIt took a lot of work on the part of everyone involved in the procurement process for CalVet to make this happen, and I\u2019m enormously proud of my staff.\u201d<\/p>\n
CalVet credits its success to a DVBE\/SB first policy which requires buyers to first seek out certified DVBE and SB vendors for any purchases and contracts.\u00a0 This policy requires an approved waiver prior to contracting with other vendors.\u00a0 Management support of this policy, and the DVBE and SB programs in general, is also critical to exceeding these performance goals.<\/p>\n
Follow CalVet on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>.<\/p>\n CalVet: Carolyn Ballou
916-653-1355
Jaime Arteaga
916-657-9329
August 1, 2012<\/p>\n