A. In recognition of the important policy issues addressed by these affirmative action regulations and in further recognition of the essential need to maintain viable procurement, service and construction contract procedures so that the business operations of state and local government may proceed in an efficient and timely manner, these affirmative action regulations shall be adopted to promote equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex or national origin, by prohibiting discrimination in employment, by ensuring equitable representation of minorities and women that will be consistent with both population parity and/or available work force and requiring affirmative action in the performance of contracts funded by the State of New Jersey.
B. These regulations establish affirmative action employment standards and practices necessary to comply with equal employment opportunity standards required by P.L. 1975, c. 127 (N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 to 10:5-38).