Mississippi Code Title 31. Public Business, Bonds and Obligations § 31-31-13

(1) The commission, for the purpose of promoting fairness and equity in the awarding of state business and contracts under the provisions of this chapter, may set aside for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals not more than twenty percent (20%) of its contracts and anticipated expenditures for the planning and construction of the facility. The term “socially and economically disadvantaged individuals” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term under Section 8(d) of the Small Business Act (15 USCS, Section 637(d)) and relevant subcontracting regulations promulgated pursuant thereto; except that women shall be presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged individuals for the purposes of this section. Neither the Department of Finance and Administration or any other agency or department of the state shall adopt or enforce any policy, practice or procedure that conflicts with or that would have the effect of superseding the provisions of this section.

(2) If the twenty percent (20%) set aside for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as provided in subsection (7) of this section is not met, the commission shall state in its minutes the reasons why the set-aside percentage was not met. No liability shall accrue to the state, any agency of the state, the commission, any member of the board or any officer or employee of the state or the board as a result of the twenty percent (20%) set aside for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals not being achieved.