Los Angeles transit agency to assist disabled veterans with project bids

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) will launch a program on Nov. 18 to help disabled veterans successfully bid on agency projects.

The Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE) program establishes a 3 percent contracting goal for all non-federally funded, competitively negotiated contracts for construction, goods or services over $100,000, according to a LACMTA press release.

A five-point evaluation scoring preference is included for certified DVBE firms with principal offices in California. To participate in the program, a firm must be certified by the California Department of General Services.

"One of the most important things we can do for our veterans is make sure they have employment opportunities when they return home, and [LACMTA's] new DVBE program will boost veteran hiring in California," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who chairs LACMTA's board and is a Navy reservist.

LACMTA will work with veterans organizations and other advocates to identify disabled veteran-owned businesses qualified for the program, agency officials said.