Barriers Facing Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses in Pennsylvania

摘要

In the 1980s and early 1990s, the U.S. Supreme Court's Croson and Adarand decisions resulted in the dismantling-either voluntarily or by court order-of state and local government- sponsored minority and women business enterprise programs. Many viewed these programs that used race and gender as factors in awarding contracts as ways to ensure a fair distribution of business opportunities to minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs). Against this changing landscape, the Advisory Committee received allegations that M/WBEs continue to encounter practices in Pennsylvania that impede their ability to compete for and carry out contracts successfully. The Committee became concerned that commitments by public leaders for an increased share of business opportunities for M/WBEs would weaken, and that in the absence of remedial or substitute efforts, discriminatory practices would continue. To address these concerns, the Committee held a one-day forum in January 1999 in Philadelphia with M/WBE owners, government officials, community leaders, and representatives from large prime contractors. To supplement the forum, the Committee reviewed data on M/WBE participation rates in state and local contracting, literature on barriers M/WBEs encounter, and the structure and operation of state and local monitoring agencies. It also held meetings with Philadelphia agency representatives to follow-up on the city's progress in revising its M/WBE program. Staff also closely monitored allegations of fraud and mismanagement in large-scale projects in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia for their adverse impact on M/WBE utilization. This report is based on information gathered from the forum and these subsequent follow-up efforts.