Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) to enter into a contract for a disparity study. The disparity study will analyze city procurement operations to determine whether there is a disparity between the availability of minority and women-owned business enterprises (MBE/WBEs) and the city's utilization of those businesses. The courts have made it clear that in order to implement a race- and gender-based program that is effective, enforceable, and legally defensible, the city must meet the judicial test of constitutional strict scrutiny in order to determine the legality of such initiatives. Strict scrutiny requires current strong evidence of the persistence of discrimination, and narrowly tailored measures to remedy that discrimination. The last disparity study was conducted over a decade ago and Columbus has seen a tremendous amount of growth since then. The findings of this study will guide and inform ODI's work to ensure fairness, equity, and inclusion in the city's procurement practices.
RFP Information: RFQ002943 for the Disparity Study Request for Proposals was published on September 19, 2016 with responses due on October 28, 2016. The city received seven (7) responses.
Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. Vendor #019304
BBC Research & Consulting -
Keen Independent Research Vendor #019498
MGT America Consulting, LLC -
Griffin & Strong P.C. Vendor #009488
Miller3Consulting, Inc. Vendor #019606
Measurement Resources Company Vendor #008232
An evaluation committee of five (5) members independently scored the responses. The evaluation committee consisted of representatives from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Department of Public Service, Department of Public Utilities, an MBE Firm, and a WBE firm. Based on the initial scoring, the committee selected four (4) companies/firms for further consideration. Invitations for presentations were sent to these companies/firms on No...
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