Ethics of MBE & WBE 6

[PMR06]

Let's see a discussion on the ethics of MBE and WBE... the idea that a firm would be hired based primarily upon the owner's race or gender versus qualifications, experience, economics, etc. I am interested in articles or other threads discussing the topic.

 

[par060]

I probably should not have mentioned a name with my comment above. I was young and local to the Tawna Brawley case. I believe he is an evil man. I could be wrong its just a personal feeling.

 

[duck0601]

If the number of *BEs matched, by percentage, the populations they represent, then set asides would not be needed and could be discontinued. The same rule should apply to all levels of employment and AA. In my experience, they do not.

 

[TDAA]

I feel that the set-asides are generally a good thing, as I do not believe everyone treats people as ethically as some above do.

I do have a problem with how the system works. In certain sectors, almost every project coming out may have a 10% goal. The issue is that the 10% seems to get filled by in the same portions of the sub-contracts, and by a couple of firms in each of them.

Materials testing is often a good percentage to go towards DBE. Add in some surveying, and perhaps some trucking and you have met your goal. I have seen some relativly good sized materials testing firms work solely on DBE funded projects, and do more business than others.

Although I believe there may be some sarcasm in previous posts, I know first hand that there are many subs selected soly for their chance to improve a DBE goal.