Public Procurement Programs and Minority Businesses

Historically, governments in many countries have used public procurement to advance certain policy objectives (Pooe, Maffini, & Tsani-Makhubele, 2015). Government programs geared toward procurement for minority businesses can be seen as essential tools in equalizing opportunity and providing affirmative action benefits to minorities (Pooe, et al. 2015). These programs are also an important means of institutionalizing social equity (Smith& Fernandez, 2013). Affirmative action public procurement dates back to 1953 when the Small Business Administration (SBA) was established to provide government support to small businesses (U.S. SBA, 2014, Winkler, 1995). Initially, the SBA's work resembled what became known as affirmative action. However, the SBA's efforts were mostly legitimized alongside the implementation of the Equal Opportunity Act in 1966.