If minority businesses want to weigh in on the state’s future inclusion program, now is the time to do it.
As part of the statewide disparity study, Collette & Holt Associates will hold interviews with business owners and stakeholders between March 31 and April 10. The firm invites business owners, stakeholders, organizations and other interested persons to participate in the interviews, which will last approximately two hours.
“We’ll be talking to business owners who have attempted to do work with the state and overall marketplace,” said Collette Holt, who is leading the disparity study contracted by the State of Missouri Office of Administration, “and with any barriers to the full and fair inclusion of all firms in state contracting opportunities.”
Interviews will be conducted in Kansas City, Springfield, Jefferson City, St. Louis and Cape Girardeau.
The disparity study will review the state’s minority- and women-owned business (MWBE) program and will help the state to establish new data-driven goals for contracting with minority and women businesses.
Missouri state government last completed a disparity study in 1996, and that’s how state officials established its 10 percent MBE and 5 percent WBE goals on all government contract spending. However, the 1996 study is now considered out-of-date.
The study will compare the total number of MWBEs in Missouri to the number being used in state government contracts. Disparity studies provide legal validity to inclusion programs. They can also provide evidence of racial discrimination and bring about lawsuits from MWBE communities.
The 2010 disparity study for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) found racial discrimination in the department’s contracting process.
The study – contracted by IDOT in 2009 – found that disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) represent 25.55 percent of the available construction firms. However, they only received 8.25 percent of the construction prime contracts under $500,000 from 2006 to 2009, according to the study conducted by Mason Tillman.
Seating is limited and persons wishing to participate must register to attend. To reserve your place, email missouri_study@mwbelaw.com or call 855-692-3529.
