MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS PROGRAM IN CERTAIN AUTHORITIES

(a) An authority consisting of one subregion governed by a subregional board created under Subchapter O may establish a program reasonably designed to increase the participation of minority and women-owned business enterprises in contracts awarded by the authority. If the program is established, the board shall provide a program outlining acceptable assistance to be given minority and women-owned business enterprises in the area served by the authority to achieve the purposes of the program. (b) An overall minority and women-owned business enterprise contract percentage goal may be established as a part of the program only after reasonable consultation with affected organizations and a qualified independent source and after public comment. In establishing a goal, the authority shall consider the various types of construction contracts the authority expects to award and the effect of market conditions on the feasibility of attaining the goals. (c) The authority shall periodically review the effectiveness of the program and the reasonableness of the program goals. (d) This section does not affect Sections 452.106, 452.107, and 452.108(a) and (b), but prospective bidders may be required to meet uniform standards designed to assure a reasonable degree of participation by minority and women-owned business enterprises in the performance of any contract. (e) In this section: (1) "Minority" includes blacks, Hispanics, Asian Americans, American Indians, and Alaska natives. (2) "Minority business enterprise" means a small business concern at least 51 percent of which is owned and controlled in management and daily operations by members of one or more minorities. (3) "Women-owned business enterprise" means a small business concern at least 51 percent of which is owned and controlled in management and daily operations by one or more women.