Since the City of Madison adopted an affirmative action plan, vendors, contractors and other firms must abide by it, thus ensuring equal employment and subcontracting opportunities. According to the policy, 10% of the City's public works funds must be expended with certified small business enterprises. Funds are also provided to federal agencies, and the City requires contractors to comply with applicable federal regulations governing the participation of minority business enterprises (MBE), women business enterprises (WBE) and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE).