This program, adopted by the Board in April 2006, encourages participation of disabled veteran-owned businesses through training, marketing knowledge contracting and networking. Metropolitan's Board established a goal of at least 3 percent. The program is inclusive of both the State of California and Federal certification programs for the Disabled Veteran Owned business. The goal applies to the total contract dollars expended each fiscal year.

In 1999 Congress passed the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act.  This legislation established government-wide goals to increase service-disabled veteran small business firms’ participation within the federal procurement process.  Metropolitan encourages participation of qualified DVBE businesses through our small business incentive program.

The program is inclusive of both the State of California and Federal certification programs for disabled veteran owned businesses.

The goal applies to the total contract dollars expended each fiscal year.

To qualify as a DVBE business, the firm must be at least 51 percent owned by one or more disabled veterans, managed and controlled by one or more disabled veterans and located in the U.S. (The home office can’t be a branch or subsidiary of a foreign corporation, foreign firm or other foreign-based business.)

Vendors must register to receive business opportunities. During the registration process, vendors may indicate whether they are a small, regional or disabled veteran business.  Certification in the Small Business Program is not required.

Disabled Veteran Program FAQs

What is Metropolitan's SDVOB?

Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise are companies, privately or publicly owned, where at least one or more disabled veterans holds 51 percent of the control or ownership.  A DVBE may be:

• A sole proprietorship
• A publicly traded business or
• A joint venture

How does one qualify?

• Must be at least 51 percent owned by one or more disabled veterans;
• Must be managed and controlled by one or more disabled veterans; and
• Must be located in the U.S. (the home office can’t be a branch or subsidiary of a foreign corporation, foreign firm or other foreign-based business.)

What qualifications does a “disabled veteran” need for certification purposes?

• Is certified with the State of California or U.S. Federal Government,
• Is a veteran of the U.S. military, naval or air service;
• Has a service-connected disability of at least 10% (only applies to State of California); and
• Must be a California resident (for California certification.)

What are the DVBE regulations?

• Military and Veterans Code, Div. 4, Chap. 6, Art. 6, Sect. 999-999.13
• California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Sect. 1896.60-1896.95.

Does Metropolitan certify Disabled veteran owned businesses?

• No, but you can register with the State of California or the Federal government.