Research set-aside programs thoroughly

As the construction industry still struggles in a weak economy, contractors continue to explore new opportunities for work. This may be why many of the author's clients want to find a way to participate in programs designed for Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) or any of the other programs for contractors that qualify for "set-asides," or who get a preference or other special consideration. When exploring the idea of participating in a set aside program, the most important question to ask yourself may be, why do you want this status. The whole point of set aside programs is to encourage participation by socially disadvantaged individuals, so it should not be surprising that the rules make it difficult for non-qualifying individuals to directly profit from these programs.