Legislative Audit Committee approves 40‑hour research request on contracting goals for service‑disabled veteran‑owned businesses

The Legislative Audit Committee approved a scoping request for the Office of the State Auditor to research the state's performance in awarding contracts to service‑disabled veteran‑owned small businesses.

Auditor Hunter presented Attachment D, a request from Representative Marshall asking the Office of the State Auditor to research whether the Department of Personnel and Administration met statutorily established goals for awarding contracts to service‑disabled veteran‑owned small businesses. Hunter told the committee the scoping request would use up to 40 hours to determine potential audit scope and that the office would return to the committee with a memo describing proposed coverage for a full audit.

Representative and committee members discussed timing and next steps. Senator Weisman asked for clarification that the initial scoping would be limited to 40 hours; Auditor Hunter confirmed. Senator Weisman and others indicated support for taking the first step to scope the issue.

Vice Chair Frizzell moved to approve the research request and Senator Weisman seconded the motion. The committee approved the 40‑hour research authorization by voice; the auditor will return with a scoping memo and recommendation on whether to proceed to a full audit.