Each year, the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) honors two Disabled Veteran
Business Enterprises (DVBE) at the State Agency Recognition Awards (SARA) Ceremony. One
Lopez Award is given for Business Excellence and the other for Individual Excellence. This year
the SARA will be held virtually in Spring 2022.
John K. Lopez, a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War, was instrumental in helping the State
of California establish a DVBE program in 1989. Over the years, John’s devotion to the program
has impacted everyone he has met. This award is dedicated to his memory.
The John K. Lopez award recognizes DVBE entrepreneurship excellence. Award recipients
demonstrate leadership in the veteran community as an advocate for the DVBE program,

participation in community programs that provide other DVBEs with opportunities in sub-
contracting and business development, and a commitment to hiring veterans.

Completed nominations must be received via email ( DVBE@calvet.ca.gov ) no later than
January 21, 2022.
Nomination rating criteria items 1 through 4 below must be completed in full to be considered
for an award. Awardees will be notified prior to the event and honored at the virtual SARA.
Self- nominations will be considered. If you have any questions please contact the CalVet
DVBE team at DVBE@calvet.ca.gov.

For more information: Lopez Award 2021 nomination