It never made sense to me as an employee of the U of MN how they could hang a shingle up for work, when they exist as a non profit, tax financed educational institute. Working in one of the campuses machine shops, it was not uncommon to be competing against private industry for work and we had a great advantage, considering all the equipment, materials, wages and benefits were not indexed into the bid. The University of Minnesota is one of the most 'politically' corrupt industries in the state.