Q&A
Lack of SDVOB designation at NYC level
1:26:55
ยท
142 sec
VAB members discuss the lack of Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business (SDVOB) designation at the NYC level, despite its existence at the state level. This designation would provide procurement opportunities for veteran-owned businesses.
- SDVOBs currently don't have preference for procurement opportunities in NYC, unlike MWBEs
- SDVOB designation exists at the state level but is nonexistent in the city
- VAB members express frustration with the lack of support from the city council on this issue
Mercedes Elias
1:26:55
So I think the introduction of having the veterans on the actual board and being represented is a significant movement.
1:27:03
Because right now, a lot of what has been passed has been through the veteran or the vendor advocacy project, which is non profit and does not include veterans.
1:27:14
So we need to get veterans included in the actual legislation.
1:27:18
Separately, what we what Ryan wanted to refer to was the designation as an SDVOB at the city level.
1:27:24
Because currently, you can you wanna expand on that?
Ryan Graham
1:27:30
Sorry.
1:27:30
I'm having Oh, here I go.
1:27:35
Yeah.
1:27:35
I one one of the biggest issues is obviously MWBEs.
1:27:39
They get preference for different things, including, procurement opportunities, but they don't but they're but SDVOBs, service disabled veteran owned businesses, they, it's nonexistent here in the city.
1:27:53
But yet, up in Albany, statewide, there is that designation.
1:27:57
And, I mean, outside of my my role, on the VAB, obviously, some of you already know what I do, on the policy front.
1:28:06
I've constantly put it in it's it's on the VFW's agenda, to put it in there, but we I'll I'll tell you outright.
1:28:14
We don't get that much support off of the city council side minus all of you.
1:28:20
You're very,
Robert Holden
1:28:22
Well, the fact that we didn't we didn't even appoint we have a vacancy for for years now.
1:28:29
That that kinda speaks volumes at this point of of the city council, of which I'm a member, that that that the vacancy hasn't been filled.
1:28:42
I would even you know, I think this committee should have some input and we do have some input on on appointments.
1:28:47
At least we could recommend to the speaker.
1:28:50
But it ultimately, it's the speaker.
1:28:53
But I think that you guys should you mentioned this, Chair, in in your testimony that you should have something to say.
1:29:01
You should have recommendations that are honored.
1:29:04
Not just, oh this, we need to, you know, we should have, you know, this person would be good for the board and then nothing happens.
1:29:11
Have you done this, by the way?
1:29:13
It's a good question.
1:29:14
Have you recommended someone and it just fell on deaf ears?