Abstract
The current study examines contracts awarded by Johnson Space Center to Minority Business Enterprises from 2005 - 2007 with the goal of better understanding the degree to which MBE status was associated with specific industrial categories when compared with non-minority enterprises. Using NAICS code categories, findings indicated that MBEs are more-likely to serve as contractors within Construction (NA23), Administrative, Support, and Waste Management (NA56), and Educational Services (NA61). Within these NAICS codes, Socially Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB) were significantly more likely to be Construction (NA23) and Administrative, Support, and Waste Management (NA56) firms than were the other minority groups. Women Owned Businesses (WOB) were the most likely providers of Educational Services (NA61). Metal Manufacturing (NA33) is characterized by significantly more non-minority-owned small businesses contractors.