Baltimore City Disparity Study Community Forum 2021

MWBOO i is pleased to announce the new Disparity Study has begun and your voice counts! (SEE ATTACHED FLYER FOR DETAILS)

The City of Baltimore is currently conducting a disparity study for its Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) Program for City procurement and contracting activities. To determine that this Program remains legally defensible and administratively successful, the City in undertaking this study to gather and analyze the type of evidence required by the federal courts.

A disparity study helps ensure any race-or gender-based remedial programs will withstand scrutiny in a court of law. The primary goal of the study is to assess, quantify, and evaluate the prevalence, significance (degree and weight) and scope of discrimination in the marketplace, if any, against minority- and women-owned business enterprises. Since that time, our team has been providing these studies to public agencies across the country.

Our lead consultant collects and examines quantifiable procurement and contracting data to determine the prevalence of disparity, or if any exists. The data types we use include census data on minority and female business owner populations, agency contractual and purchasing procedural methods, recent contracts awarded, and purchases issued. Anecdotal data is collected as well through focus groups, public hearings, telephone surveys of firms, online surveys, personal interviews and policy interviews. This is also where it’s key to have the proper community engagement professional examining your communications strategy to maximize effectiveness.

Please see attached flyer and register for the upcoming Community Forum scheduled for March 17, 2021 with two sessions 12PM to 2PM or 4PM to 6PM.

Please be advised that MWBOO is not the host for this platform; therefore, please direct any questions or concerns to the following:

Andres Cernal - abernal@mgtconsulting.com

MGT Consulting

Again, your voice, feedback, suggestions, and testimony is welcome to help Baltimore City continue bringing equity and balance to its procurement/contracting landscape.

Community Forum flyer.pdf