Explanation
BACKGROUND: In 2016, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion advertised and solicited formal bids for an independent disparity study to determine whether statistical disparities exist between the City’s procurement with businesses owned by minority groups or women and white male businesses. Specifically, the study evaluated if there is a disparity between the availability of minority and women-owned business enterprises and the City's utilization of those businesses. The City’s previous disparity study was conducted over a decade ago, over which time Columbus has seen tremendous economic growth.
Mason Tillman Associates, LTD was selected as the contract vendor for the City’s 2019 Disparity Study. Mason Tillman is a nationally recognized African American owned consulting firm that has conducted disparity studies for numerous cities throughout the country. Mason Tillman Associates has conducted more than 140 disparity studies for municipalities across the nation.
The 2019 Disparity Study was completed in July 2019 and found that statistically significant disparities exist in the City of Columbus’ utilization of businesses owned and operated by specified minority groups and women in comparison to their availability for purchasing and contracting in all categories examined. Council accepted the findings and conclusions of the Disparity Study in 2019 (Resolution #0220X-2019). Over the past two years, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion has worked with both internal and external stakeholders to advance the implementation of the 2019 Disparity Study recommendations.
In 2012, Columbus City Council amended chapter 329 of city code to implement the construction prequalification program. As a part of the Disparity Study’s qualitative research, Mason Tillman discovered that numerous firms found the prequalification process to be a barrier to construction contracts. In addition to implementing small and local business enterprise policies, this ordinance amends the...
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