PROCUREMENT-VETERAN PREFERENCE

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Allows an authorized official of Cook County under the county's veteran-owned business program to certify to the Department of Veterans' Affairs that Cook County's certification standards do not conflict with the requirements of the Code concerning veteran-owned businesses. Requires that, upon certification, the Department of Central Management Services will notify Cook County businesses of certain information concerning the notification and ensure that parties who obtain certification under Cook County's program are immediately registered with the State as certified and qualified businesses under the Code. Requires the Department to contribute money to support the program under available appropriations. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Requires the Department of Central Management Services to submit an annual report concerning certifications issued to veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Requires the Department to conduct a minimum of 2 outreach events per year to ensure that veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses know about the procurement opportunities and certification requirements with the State. Adds additional requirements concerning the certification program for veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Provides that the Department of Central Management Services, in consultation with the Department of Veteran Affairs, may develop programs and agreements to encourage cities, counties, towns, townships, and other certifying entities to adopt uniform certification procedures and certification recognition programs. Provides that a business shall be certified by the Department of Central Management Services as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business or a veteran-owned small business if the Department determines that the business has been certified as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business or a veteran-owned small business by the Vets First Verification Program of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and the business has provided to the Department with specified information. Provides that the policies of the Department of Central Management Services regarding recognition of the Vets First Verification Program shall be reviewed annually. Effective immediately.