Programs that carve out participation goals for traditionally underrepresented workers on federal construction contracts may be under fire, but they’re not dead yet. That was the take from an attorney who focuses on these kinds of government initiatives after President Donald Trump issued several executive orders this week to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the federal government and revoked a ban on discrimination in federal contracting. The Small Business Administration’s 8a program and the Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program set aspirational goals for women and other traditionally underrepresented groups to receive portions of government construction contracts. Those programs have faced legal challenges since the Supreme Court banned affirmative action in university admission practices in 2023. While the challenges put the programs under fire, they also prompted changes that could give them stronger legal footing.
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/trump-impact-dbe-construction/738159/