Number: RL33284
Title: Minority Contracting and Affirmative Action for Disadvantaged Small Businesses: Legal Issues
Authors: Jody Feder, American Law Division 
Abstract: Since the early 1960s, minority participation "goals" have been an integral part of federal policies to promote racial and gender equality in contracting on federally financed construction projects and in connection with other large federal contracts. Federal contract "set-asides" and minority subcontracting goals evolved from Small Business Administration (SBA) programs to foster participation by "socially and economically disadvantaged" entrepreneurs (SDBs) in the federal procurement process. Minority group members and women are presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged under the Small Business Act, while non-minority contractors must present evidence to prove their eligibility. "Goals" or "set-asides" for minority groups, women, and other "disadvantaged" individuals have also been routinely included in federal funding measures for education, defense, transportation, and other activities over much of the last two decades.
Pages: 25
Date: January 19, 2007