(1) The small and veteran-owned business enforceable goals program increases contracting opportunities for small and veteran-owned businesses with WSDOT in a race and gender-neutral fashion. The measures described in this chapter:

(a) Ensure that only eligible firms receive credit for and participate in the small and veteran-owned business enforceable goals program;

(b) Augment the pool of qualified and competitive companies performing work on WSDOT projects, thereby:

(i) Increasing competition for contracts;

(ii) Reducing the cost of public works projects;

(iii) Expanding the pool of talented and qualified consultants bidding on consultant agreements; and

(iv) Creating new opportunities for firms to participate in Washington state transportation projects.

(2) Increased participation by and opportunities for small and veteran-owned businesses, which shall be indicated by:

(a) New WSDOT subcontracts and subcontractors;

(b) New private sector contracts;

(c) Increased bonding;

(d) Increased gross receipts;

(e) Increased bidding; and

(f) Decreased disparity.

The secretary of transportation may, at his/her discretion, implement or suspend implementation of a small and veteran-owned business enforceable goals program based upon marketplace conditions.