WAC 468-17-020. Purpose

(1) The small and veteran-owned business enforceable goals program increases contracting opportunities for small and veteran-owned businesses with WSDOT in a race and gender-neutral fashion. The measures described in this chapter: (a) Ensure that only eligible firms receive credit for and participate in the small and veteran-owned business enforceable goals program; (b) Augment the pool of qualified and competitive companies performing work on WSDOT projects, thereby: (i) Increasing competition for contracts; (ii) Reducing the cost of public works projects; (iii) Expanding the pool of talented and qualified consultants bidding on consultant agreements; and (iv) Creating new opportunities for firms to participate in Washington state transportation projects. (2) Increased participation by and opportunities for small and veteran-owned businesses, which shall be indicated by: (a) New WSDOT subcontracts and subcontractors; (b) New private sector contracts; (c) Increased bonding; (d) Increased gross receipts; (e) Increased bidding; and (f) Decreased disparity. The secretary of transportation may, at his/her discretion, implement or suspend implementation of a small and veteran-owned business enforceable goals program based upon marketplace conditions.