1. (1) As used in this section:

   1. (a) “Affirmative action” means a program designed to ensure equal opportunity in employment and business for persons otherwise disadvantaged by reason of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or physical or mental disability or a policy to give a preference in awarding public contracts to disabled veterans.
   2. (b) “Disabled veteran” has the meaning given that term in ORS 408.225.
2. (2) The provisions of the Public Contracting Code may not be construed to prohibit a contracting agency from engaging in public contracting practices designed to promote affirmative action goals, policies or programs for disadvantaged or minority groups or to give a preference in awarding public contracts to disabled veterans.
3. (3) In carrying out an affirmative action goal, policy or program, a contracting agency by appropriate ordinance, resolution or rule may limit competition for a public contract for goods and services, or for any other public contract estimated to cost $50,000 or less, to contracting entities owned or controlled by persons described in subsection (1) of this section.

[2003 c.794 §13; 2009 c.235 §1]