Orange County prioritizes disabled veterans in County contracting

Orange County is making it easier for disabled veterans to do business with the County.
 
“Orange County is one of the most veteran-friendly counties in the state,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do. “We want our County to do business with the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our nation.”
 
Last Tuesday, the Board unanimously approved the Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise Preference Policy to grant preference to small businesses owned by disabled veterans when awarding hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts issued by the county government.
 
Effective January 1, 2020, veteran businesses that meet the following qualifications will be provided preferred consideration in county solicitations:

• Business must be at least 51% owned by one or more disabled veterans
• Daily business operations must be managed and controlled by one or more disabled veterans
• Home office must be located in the US
• A disabled veteran: 1) is a veteran of the U.S. military, naval or air service; 2) has a service-connected disability of at least 10 percent; and 3) must reside in California

“We’re keeping Orange County tax dollars here in Orange County,” said Supervisor Do, a former business owner. “As the nation’s fourth-largest county with the highest veteran population, we must continue to create and support programs that help set veterans up for success with their transition to civilian life.”

Last month, OC supervisors approved the Veterans Employment Preference Policy, guaranteeing that qualified veterans and their spouses will have the opportunity to get interviewed in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. The County government is one of the largest employers in Orange County, with approximately 18,000 employees at any given time.

“With these actions, the County of Orange reaffirms its recognition of the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families, and values the businesses and skills veterans bring as they continue to serve the public’s wellbeing,” said Supervisor Do.

Orange County is now among the most veteran-friendly in California. In August 2019, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal by Supervisor Andrew Do and Supervisor Lisa Bartlett to develop the Local Small Business Preference Policy to prioritize local veteran-owned small businesses.

Orange County Vice Chairman Andrew Do represents the First District communities of Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster, Fountain Valley, and Midway City. In his second term, Vice Chairman Do has advocated for health and safety-based COVID-19 response planning, reformed Orange County’s mental health services, expanded access to health care, and led efforts to combat homelessness. Supervisor Andrew Do was one of the first officials in the state to propose a face-covering mandate.