Are M/WBEs given preferences when awarding contracts?

No. The public agency must award contracts to the lowest responsible, responsive bidder without regard to race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, or handicapping condition. The M/WBE program establishes participation goals for projects, not quotas. The local government and prime contractors are required to use a number of strategies to encourage bids from M/WBEs, but they are not required to award a contract to an M/WBE that is not the lowest responsible bidder.

Public Officials - Local and State Government Roles
Topics - Local and State Government