Louisiana Veteran Initiative and Veterans First Business Certification

Louisiana runs a procurement preference for veteran-owned businesses that is worth more than most state set-asides, because it operates as evaluation points rather than a quota. Under the Louisiana Veteran Initiative, a certified veteran-owned business gets inclusion in state purchasing outreach, and on a request for proposals up to 12 percent of the total evaluation points can be added to a bid. For purchases under $25,000 state agencies may waive the requirement to obtain additional bid quotes, which in practice means a certified business can be awarded small purchases directly. A prime contractor that uses veteran-owned subcontractors receives additional bid points too, so certification is worth having even when you are not bidding as prime. The eligibility test is the Small Entrepreneurship standard and it is specific: at least 51 percent veteran ownership, principal place of business in Louisiana, fewer than 50 full-time employees, annual gross receipts no more than $6 million for non-construction or $10 million for construction, Louisiana resident owners and officers who are U.S. citizens or legal residents, independently owned and operated, and not dominant in its field. A service-connected disabled veteran-owned business additionally needs 51 percent or more ownership by a service-connected disabled veteran. Watch the size ceilings rather than the ownership test. A growing business crosses 50 employees or the receipts limit and silently loses the preference, and the receipts figure differs by $4 million between construction and everything else. Apply through the Louisiana SMALLBIZ system. Louisiana Economic Development administers it at (225) 342-5534 or (225) 342-5663. The Hudson Initiative is the parallel small business program and a business can often qualify for both. Veterans First is a different thing and the names invite confusion. It is a certification and promotion program for businesses at least 51 percent owned by veterans, active duty, reserve or National Guard members, or surviving spouses receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, and it lists certified businesses in a public searchable database. Documentation is a DD-214, NGB-22, or DD-256 for veterans, a valid military ID for those still serving, or a VA confirmation letter for a surviving spouse receiving DIC. Register at the Veterans First site or contact [email protected], (800) 450-8115, or (225) 342-3000. The difference in one line: the Veteran Initiative gets you procurement preference points; Veterans First gets you visibility. Most veteran business owners in Louisiana should hold both, and the Veterans First eligibility is broader because it reaches current servicemembers and DIC-receiving surviving spouses. Louisiana Economic Development also runs PAVE, Pathway to Assist Veteran Entrepreneurs, which is training rather than certification.