Contra Costa County Cleared of Contract Bias

Contra Costa County was cleared Thursday in a federal suit accusing it of discriminating against women- and minority-owned businesses in awarding contracts.

Minority business owners and civil rights advocates sued in 1998, alleging the county had taken no action in response to a 1992 report that found a large portion of county contracts went to companies owned by white males, who then subcontracted duties to other companies owned by white males.

U.S. District Judge William H. Orrick ruled Thursday that the county is not legally liable in the case because it is not deliberately discriminating against people. Still, the judge ruled that the county could “more aggressively” recruit women and minority contractors to bid on projects.