Explanation
BACKGROUND: This resolution accepts the findings of the City of Columbus 2019 Disparity Study (Disparity Study) and requests that the Office of Diversity and Inclusion develop an implementation plan to address the disparities identified within the Disparity Study.
In 2016 the Office of Diversity and Inclusion advertised and solicited formal bids via RFQ002943 for an independent disparity study to determine whether statistical disparities exist between the City’s procurement with businesses owned by minority groups or women. Specifically, the study evaluated if there is a disparity between the availability of minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) 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 Associates, LTD 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 studies.
The City of Columbus 2019 Disparity Study included the following analysis and findings:
· The purchasing areas that the Disparity Study evaluated were prime contract utilization in the construction, professional services, and goods and services industries, along with subcontractor utilization in the construction and professional services industries.
· The Disparity Study compared the percentage of utilized contractors to the percentage of contractors available to perform the work in the relevant market areas.
· The Disparity Study 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...
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