1. (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:

   1. (a) Ensure that only eligible firms receive credit for and participate in the small and veteran-owned business enforceable goals program;

   2. (b) Augment the pool of qualified and competitive companies performing work on WSDOT projects, thereby:

      1. (i) Increasing competition for contracts;
      2. (ii) Reducing the cost of public works projects;
      3. (iii) Expanding the pool of talented and qualified consultants bidding on consultant agreements; and
      4. (iv) Creating new opportunities for firms to participate in Washington state transportation projects.

2. (2) Increased participation by and opportunities for small and veteran-owned businesses, which shall be indicated by:

   1. (a) New WSDOT subcontracts and subcontractors;
   2. (b) New private sector contracts;
   3. (c) Increased bonding;
   4. (d) Increased gross receipts;
   5. (e) Increased bidding; and

   6. (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.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 39.04.155, 43.19.727, 47.01.101, and 47.28.030. WSR 19-12-026, § 468-17-020, filed 5/29/19, effective 6/29/19.]