1. (a) The department shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to do the following:

   1. (1) Increase contracting opportunities for Indiana veteran owned small businesses described in section 1.5 of this chapter with a goal to procure in each state fiscal year at least three percent (3%) of state contracts with Indiana veteran owned small businesses.
   2. (2) Develop procurement policies and procedures to accomplish the goal described in subdivision (1), including guidelines to be followed by the department in conducting the department's procurement efforts.

   3. (3) Implement section 1.5 of this chapter.

      These procurement policies do not apply to a procurement of supplies and services to address immediate and serious government needs at a time of emergency, including a threat to the public health, welfare, or safety that may arise by reason of floods, epidemics, riots, acts of terrorism, major power failures, a threat proclaimed by the President of the United States or the governor, or a threat declared by the commissioner.

2. (b) The department shall annually evaluate its progress in meeting the goal described in this section for the previous state fiscal year. After June 30 and before November 1 of each year, the department shall submit a report to the governor, the Indiana department of veterans' affairs, and the interim study committee on public safety and military affairs established by IC 2-5-1.3-4 and the legislative council in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6 . The report must include:

   1. (1) the percentage goal obtained by the department during the previous state fiscal year; and
   2. (2) a summary of why the department failed to meet the goal and what actions are being taken by the department to meet the goal in the current state fiscal year.
3. (c) The department shall post the report described in subsection (b) on the department's website not later than thirty (30) days after the report is submitted. The Indiana department of veterans' affairs shall post the report described in subsection (b) on the department's website not later than thirty (30) days after the report is submitted by the department.

As added by P.L.15-2020, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.1-2025, SEC.19.