Socio-Economic Programs

Programs that are incorporated into the procurement process to foster the achievement of national goals. The Government utilizes its purchasing power as a means of promoting public policies. Government contracts attempt to further such national goals as fostering small business, overcoming regional unemployment, assisting minority workers, giving preference to domestic and other special sources, ensuring fair treatment of employees, maintaining integrity and fair competitive practices, and protecting the environment.

Small Business:Any concern, firm, person, corporation, partnership, cooperative, or other business enterprise which, under 15 U.S.C. 637(b)(6) and the rules and regulations of the Small Business Administration in Part 121 of Title 13 of the Code of Regulations, is determined to be a small business concern for the purpose of Government contracting. [FAR 30.301]

Small Disadvantaged Business: A small, disadvantaged business concern is:

• At least 51 percent unconditionally owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged, or
• A publicly owned business that has at least 51 percent of its stock unconditionally owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and that has management and daily business controlled by one or more such individuals. [FAR 19.001]

8A Contractors:The U.S. Small Business Administration's "Section 8A" businesses are minority-owned businesses as defined by the federal government. Businesses classified as Section 8A minority businesses can be awarded a main contract (a "Prime Contract") without competition, because their owners are of a certain racial or ethnic background.