Minority construction contractors in Connecticut are raising concerns that state policies meant to promote equity in public contracting are falling short, with some calling for a pause in affordable housing funding until systemic issues are addressed.
Speaking before the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, industry leaders said minority-owned firms continue to face barriers despite longstanding inclusion goals. Bernard Thomas, chairman of the Connecticut Minority Construction Council, criticized the gap between policy language and real-world outcomes.
“When we sit there and want to use the words ‘equity’ and ‘inclusion’ we are not doing what we say we are doing,” Thomas said to the board. “Our minority contractors feel they don’t get access to the work and if they do get access, it’s very minimum.”
Thomas joined affordable housing developer Harold Foley in urging officials to suspend financing awards until disparities in contracting are addressed.
Under Connecticut law, state agencies aim to award at least 25% of contracts to small businesses, with a portion designated for minority-owned firms. However, a 2024 disparity study by the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities found that minority-owned businesses still face significant disadvantages in securing contracts.
The study highlighted several barriers, including the state’s prequalification process, which requires financial documentation, bonding letters and fees that can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Contractors say these requirements can limit participation, particularly for smaller firms.
Minority contractors also report being excluded from bidding opportunities even after contributing to project planning. Others describe being undercut by general contractors, reducing profitability or pushing them out of projects altogether.
“You have a governor who has individuals that are in place who are not adhering to the rules and regulations,” Thomas said. “You cannot talk about equity and inclusion when you have commissioners not abiding by those rules.”
Contractors further allege that municipalities sometimes rely on procedural steps—such as pre-bid meeting attendance—to demonstrate compliance with equity goals, rather than ensuring meaningful participation in projects.
Another major concern involves how the state defines “minority-owned” businesses. Under current rules, companies qualify if at least 51% is owned by a minority individual, a category that includes women. Critics argue this has led to a significant share of contracts going to firms owned by white women rather than racial minorities.
A review of certified minority business enterprises found that a majority are owned by non-minority women, raising questions about whether the program is meeting its intended purpose. Some contractors and industry advocates allege that ownership structures are sometimes arranged to meet certification requirements without reflecting actual control of the business.
“To mix white women with minorities takes even more away from our minority Black and Brown contractors,” Thomas said. “When you go check it is clearly lopsided, and even when information is brought forward, everyone wants to turn a blind eye and not make the necessary changes to make things correct.”
Despite these concerns, state reports indicate that spending on minority business enterprises has exceeded targets in recent years. However, critics argue those figures may not accurately reflect participation by historically underrepresented groups.
.jpg)
The issue has also drawn attention from lawmakers, with recent legislative changes shifting from fixed set-aside requirements to more flexible spending allocation goals based on industry categories and available businesses.
For many contractors, the debate highlights ongoing challenges in translating policy into practice. While equity initiatives aim to expand opportunities, industry voices say meaningful reform will require stronger oversight, clearer definitions and improved access to bidding opportunities.
“I can tell you from all our contractors and from the Minority Construction Council, I’d like to know how many of those are truly legit,” Thomas said. “We are definitely not getting our percentage.”
Originally reported by Marc E. Fitch and Sophie Bellwoar in Inside Investigator.
.png)
.png)
