The state of New Jersey has had a 3% set-aside rule ensuring veteran- and disabled-veteran-owned business get a small share of the procurement pie.
It’s a noble gesture. But one that is not being followed.
Numerous issues have prevented veterans from gaining more access to work contracts. Some say it is the onerous ways the set-aside is written. Others say it is a lack of a desire to take on the issue.
Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican nominee for governor, said he’s not concerned about why it hasn’t happened; he’s just vowing to fix the problem.
“This has been a point of frustration for me and very many business owners around the state,” he said. “The governor can change this tomorrow with his pen through an executive order.”
Ciattarelli made the remarks to business leaders at the recent candidates’ forum sponsored by the N.J. Business & Industry Association.
Ciattarelli told the overflow crowd that the state needs to follow models that work elsewhere.
“New York’s procurement process is world’s better than New Jersey,” he said. “Why don’t we adopt New York’s procurement processes?”
Ciattarelli said a willingness to find the right answer quickly will be a staple of his administration. Complaining is not allowed, he said.
“Whenever you come to meet me … I don’t want to just have a gripe session. We know there’s a lot to gripe about,” he said. “Come to me with three or four or five reforms specific to your industry, and as long as we’re not screwing the consumer, doing irreparable harmony environment, you’ll have a champion in me.
“I’ll bring a leadership in from both houses, and we’ll get this done.”
He promised such action when it comes to set-asides for veterans.
“We’re going to observe the set asides for our minority-owned businesses and our veteran-owned businesses on Day One – and do that by adopting New York’s procurement processes, which are so much better than ours.”
