While I can't comment on the DOL's methodology because I don't know what it is, I've seen many SV tech companies essentially define the qualified-applicant pool

While I can't comment on the DOL's methodology because I don't know what it is, I've seen many SV tech companies essentially define the qualified-applicant pool in a way to explain systemic biases. The most obvious one, is "Unless you attended school X, you're unqualified," which quite frankly, is utter bullshit.