The Veteran Initiative, also known as LaVet small entrepreneurships, was established in accordance with LRS 39:2171 et. seq. This is a goal-oriented program which encourages state agencies to contract with certified veteran-owned and service-connected disabled veteran-owned small entrepreneurships as well as encouraging contractors who receive contracts from the State to use good faith efforts to utilize certified LaVet's in the performance of the contract. The Veteran Initiative is a race and gender-neutral program. The primary intent of the program is to provide additional opportunities for Louisiana-based LaVet small entrepreneurships that are certified by Louisiana Economic Development (LED) to participate in contracting and procurement with the State. The comprehensive Rules governing the program are located at http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/osp/se/docs/LaVetRules.pdf. This program is under the auspices of the Division of Administration and all State Departments/Agencies including Colleges and Universities, Community and Technical Colleges, Facility Planning and Control, Office of Contractual Review, and DOTD are required to participate. The Office of State Purchasing is facilitating the implementation of the program.

Certain procurements will be designated as suitable for small entrepreneurship participation. In order to be responsible to the solicitation, the vendor must either be a certified veteran-owned or service-connected disabled veteran-owned small entrepreneurship or put forth a good faith subcontracting plan to utilize certified LaVet's in the performance of the contract.

In order to assist in locating those certified LaVet's who have registered with the Office of State purchasing, a quick reference list has been compiled, which is arranged alphabetically, by commodities, and by LaVet classification (certified veteran-owned and service-connected disabled veteran-owned small entrepreneurships). This list is automatically refreshed (updated) each time it is opened. The complete list of certified LaVet small entrepreneurships is maintained by LED and may be accessed at https://smallbiz.louisianaforward.com/CertifiedVET_List.asp (Veteran-Owned) and
https://smallbiz.louisianaforward.com/CertifiedSD_VET_List.asp (Service Connected Disabled Veteran-Owned).

LaVet small entrepreneurships that are not currently certified and are interested in participating in procurement and contracting opportunities with the State are encouraged to visit the LED Small Business Certification System at https://smallbiz.louisianaforward.com/index_2.asp for qualification requirements and on-line certification. Businesses are encouraged to register in LaGov Supplier Portal https://lagoverpvendor.doa.louisiana.gov/irj/portal/anonymous?guest_user=self_reg after certification.