“When Republicans have controlled the presidency and Congress, have they tried to do away with set-asides? “
I don’t know that they tried, but they have been a feature of government contractors through both Bushes at least. I’d guess, no.
Not at all.
There are many more set asides besides on race.
Small business
Women owned
Veteran owned
Minority owned
Alaska Native (google the stories on Alaska Native Corps)
They all end up serving essentially as “front” companies on major procurements to the big boys and cost tax payers extra money
So let’s help elect more Democrats?
The set-asides most definitely add cost and no value.