October 18th, 2023
Sets goal for 6% of County contracts to go to SDVOBs
Spanish Language Version (PDF)
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced the signing of an Executive Order implementing a new policy on Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses, to ensure that they have equal opportunity to receive and participate in County contracts.
“As our community continues to recover, we want to Bring Monroe Back better than it was before. That means ensuring all our businesses have the opportunity to successfully and equitably compete,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “Our new Service- Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses policy creates a clear pathway to economic competitiveness and greater access to locally-funded contracts and county procurement. These businesses employ our neighbors and friends, build generational wealth and positively impact quality of life.”
The policy has a number of objectives, including:
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Expanding opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses;
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Promoting and encouraging the continuing economic development of service- disabled veteran-owned businesses;
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Encouraging and supporting eligible businesses to play a greater role in the economy of the county by increasing participation in Monroe County’s contracting opportunities;
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Removing barriers to the participation of SDVOBs in Monroe County contracts by adding a 6% goal for spend with New York State Certified SDVOBs on all eligible contracts;
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Assisting the development of firms so they can compete successfully in the marketplace
The 6% goal for SDVOBs will stand alongside the existing goals set for Minority and Women- Owned Businesses. Under Gantt’s Law for Utilization of Minority and Women-Owned Businesses, the county set utilization goals for most county contracts at 12% for Minority Business Enterprises and 3% for Women-owned Business Enterprises.
“I’m grateful to the County Executive for deciding to do this. It has been advocated for by the community for a long time and is a sensible, effective, and timely announcement,” said Veterans Service Agency Director Nick Stefanovic. “Decisions like this do more than just thank our veterans, they give them an opportunity to thrive.”
“I am excited that we are launching the SDVOB program in Monroe County,” said David Scott, Director, Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “This program will offer many opportunities for disabled vet business owners because they can qualify by being certified in New York State or through the federal program.”
“I am immensely proud to support this policy change to help our Service-Disabled Veterans who have given so much to this Country and deserve more than we can ever pay in return,” said County Legislator Mark Johns. “Thank you for your continued service to this community through small business, economic growth, and local jobs - I look forward to seeing all the new and expanded opportunities that lie ahead for the County of Monroe and our Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses.”
