R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-14.3-1: Purpose.

The purposes of this chapter are to honor veterans of the United States armed services for their service and to assist them by increasing opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses to participate in state agency contracts and subcontracts, and to carry out the state’s policy of supporting the fullest possible participation of firms owned and controlled by certified veterans in state-funded and state-directed public works projects and in-state purchases of goods and services. This includes assisting such businesses throughout the life of contracts in which they participate.