In 2015, the Colorado General Assembly passed HB 15-1317, which authorized the Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) to enter into Pay for Success (PFS) agreements. Colorado continues its Pay for Success programs to improve outcomes for youth at risk of out-of-home placements. These contracts seek to achieve equitable outcomes by targeting youth “involved in the child welfare system or juvenile justice system”, which are systems that disproportionately impact low-income populations and youth of color. Evaluation metrics include attendance rates, reductions in suspensions, and improvement in credit accumulation; and research by The Brookings Institute and other entities show strong correlation between high school education attainment and upward economic mobility.

Additionally, the Code of Colorado Regulations states that “it is the policy of this State that all procurement offices shall make a special effort to solicit and encourage minority-owned and women-owned business participation for state contracts and awards.” The regulations also state that evaluation factors for RFPs include preferences for veterans of military service.