LAC 19:II.901. Small Business Bonding Assistance

A. Program Activities―Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute (LCAI) 1. Eligibility. All SEB construction contractors who are certified by the Small and Emerging Business Development Program, Department of Economic Development, are eligible to attend the institute. However, other contracting businesses will be invited to attend the institute but they will not be able to receive bond guarantee assistance until they have been certified by the SEBD Program. 2. Standards and Procedures for Determining Course Content. The staff of Bonding Assistance Program (BAP) will once a year, or as budget permits, consult with the heads of the construction schools in Louisiana approved by the Board of Regents and Department of Education to ensure that current course content adequately prepares the students to run their construction firms in a businesslike manner. 3. Attendance. Attendance is open to only certified or potentially certified small and emerging business construction contractors. However, contractors must register for the institute he or she wishes to attend. Each contractor who successfully completes the LCAI will be issued a certificate of accreditation. 4. Accreditation without Institute Attendance. An SEB firm may request to be accredited without attendance. The staff of the BAP will conduct a review of the firm. If the contractor can present evidence he conducts business within standards set by best practices, an accreditation may be issued to the firm.