For registered companies that perform work for the Federal Government (and State governments), there is a program designated the 8(a) which allows to compete (or sometimes be handed as a set-aside) work.
This is an interesting link I came across
[
link to psemc.com (secure)]
"8(A) PROGRAM
An SBA (Small Business Administration) business development program created to help small
disadvantaged businesses compete in the American economy and access the federal
procurement market.
CERTIFICATION
Certification validates a diverse or small business person's ownership, controlling and
management stake in a for profit enterprise. Examples of third-party certification organizations
are National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) which certifies minority owned
businesses. Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certifies women owned
businesses.
...
LGBT BUSINESS
Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender Business
An LGBT business must be at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned, operated, managed, and
controlled by an LGBT person or persons who are either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent
residents, exercise independence from any non-LGBT business enterprise, have its principal
place of business (headquarters) in the United States, and have been formed as a legal entity in
the United States.
An LGBT business can be certified by the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce."
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More research needs to be done on whether this designation will actually allow you to apply for the 8(a). But this means any small business only has to self-identify as a minority or disadvantaged group member, and then you get a simple certification (rife for abuse), and then you get accepted into a program initially designed for people who could not get work otherwise.
Sounds like a slippery slope...
United States
Czechia