As the example setter for curing social ills of all sorts, the Federal Government is actually required to prefer small businesses, minority-led business, etc. w

As the example setter for curing social ills of all sorts, the Federal Government is actually required to prefer small businesses, minority-led business, etc. when possible on contractors of a certain size. This requirement extends to prime contractors as well for large enough contracts IIRC. The requirement is easily evaded, of course. Big Contractors typically help a minority or disabled veteran start a business and land the contract at some inflated rate, and then the small contractor buys the service from Big Contractor and keeps the overhead costs.