The program involves encouraging minority and women business participation in the county's central procurement system. The methods by which this is accomplished include the use of goals in contracts and the use of contract set-asides. The ordinance prescribes certain business size standards. Of its many tasks, SBO is the certifying agency for minority and women owned business for the county. On a quarterly basis, SBO publishes a directory of certified firms eligible to participate in the County's SDBE Affirmative Action Program.
Eligibility is determined by review of ownership, management and control, and business size.