104 STAT. 4064 PUBLIC LAW 101-624—NOV. 28, 1990 design and implementation of affirmative action programs and policies, the appeals process for complaints of discrimination, and contracting and purchasing practices employed by the Department. (2) SCOPE. —The study shall include— (A) an assessment of the successes and failures of these affirmative action programs and policies; (B) a review of the reasons for the successes and failures described in subparagraph (A); (C) a review of procurement, contracting, and purchasing policies of the Department, the level of participation of socially disadvantaged businesses in such activities, and the impact of those policies on the participation of members of socially disadvantaged groups in such contracting with the Department; (D) a review of the reasons for participation or lack of participation of businesses owned by members of socially disadvantaged groups in the activities described in subparagraph (C); and (E) a review of the appeals process for all complaints or allegations regarding acts, practices, or patterns of discrimination filed with the Department by individuals or any other entities that shall include— (i) the number of complaints or allegations regarding acts, practices, or patterns of discrimination; (ii) the manner in which the complaints were investigated and resolved by the Department; and (iii) the longest, shortest, and average periods of time taken to investigate and resolve the complaints or allegations regarding acts, practices, or patterns of discrimination. (3) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report containing the information described in paragraph (2). (e) DEFINITIONS.— (1) SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED GROUP. —As used in this section, the term "socially disadvantaged group" means a group whose members have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities. (2) SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMER OR RANCHER. — As used in this section, the term "socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher" means a farmer or rancher who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group. (3) AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS. —As used in this section, the term "agriculture programs" are those established or authorized by— (A) the Agricultural Act of 1949; (B) the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act; (C) the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938; (D) the Soil Conservation Act; (E) the Domestic Allotment Assistance Act; (F) the Food Security Act of 1985; and (G) other such Acts as the Secretary deems appropriate.
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