Project Overview
The study will encompass the utilization and availability estimates of firms in the marketplace and will calculate disparity and collect anecdotal data from business owners.
Legal Review & Framework: A review of the legal framework on which disparity studies are based, including standards established by the U.S. Supreme Court in City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson Co., as well as other relevant court cases with emphasis on program and methodological requirements.
Procurement Policies, Practices, & Procedures Review and Analysis: A detailed examination of the City’s procurement policies and procedures, and a review of the policies and procedures that currently govern the MWBE Program.
Data Evaluation, Collection, and Processing: Assessment of the availability of payments data maintained by the City of Waco, collection of all pertinent electronic and hard-copy data appropriate and available to execute various analyses associated with the disparity study. Data will include prime contractor and subcontract payment data for construction, architectural and engineering, goods and services, and professional services purchases within the scope of the study’s time period.
Relevant Geographic Market and Product Market Analyses: An evaluation to determine the relevant geographic market and product market areas of expended dollars with firms based on their location.
Public Sector Utilization: Collection and analysis of utilization data of MWBE firms on the City of Waco’s prime contracts and subcontracts.
Estimation of MWBE Availability: Using various sources, an estimation of the availability of MWBE firms in the relevant geographic and product markets.
Public Sector Disparity Ratios: Calculations that help determine whether a disparity exists by creating a disparity index, as well as statistical significance testing.
Private Market Disparity and Nongoal Analyses: Identification of the presence or absence of passive discrimination in the private sector.
Regression Analysis: Analyze whether disparity identified in the City of Waco’s contracting is attributable to factors other than discrimination.
Collection and Analysis of Anecdotal Information: Gathering of anecdotal information regarding contracting and purchasing practices in the relevant market area from MWBE and non-MWBE firms through the collection of formal complaints, community meetings, in-depth interviews, stakeholder interviews, and surveys.
Recommendations: Identify actions the City of Waco can take in its procurement and program policies to create a level playing field for all firms.
Goals Setting: Using the finding of the utilization and availability, establish an annual aspirational goal for the City of Waco.
Draft and Final Reports: MGT will develop a comprehensive draft then final report outlining the study methodology, research findings, data analyses, and recommendations.