ART - Essay - Challenging A Preference Program from an Ethical Perspective 2010

The document discusses the ethical implications of preference programs in public procurement processes. These programs are designed to assist businesses that are deemed disadvantaged in the marketplace. However, the document argues that preference programs challenge the fairness and ethics of an organization, as they create a new process that expresses favoritism and establishes a market that is no longer fair to all interested parties. The document emphasizes the importance of fairness in public procurement and how preference programs disrupt this fairness. It also highlights that preference programs may only benefit businesses in the local agency's jurisdiction, putting them at a disadvantage when competing for private business outside of government procurement. The document suggests that instead of implementing preference programs, local agencies should focus on providing outreach and education to help vendors compete effectively. Overall, the document argues that preference programs undermine fairness and ethics in public procurement.