Meeting_Body
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
MARCH 20, 2024
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
MARCH 21, 2024
Subject
SUBJECT: DISPARITY STUDY
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
CONSIDER:
A. RECEIVING AND FILING the Final 2023 Disparity Study Report; and
B. AUTHORIZING the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to develop a three-year pilot Micro Small Business Program and certification designation.
Issue
ISSUE
In accordance with guidance from the U.S. Department of Transportation, recipients that use race and gender conscious measures (DBE contract goals) as part of their DBE program must conduct a disparity study to determine if disparity and/or discrimination exists within their contracting market area. Metro commissioned BBC Research & Consulting (BBC) to conduct its 2023 Disparity Study to determine if there is evidence of discrimination or disparities in Metro's contracting market area. Information from the disparity study supports the remedial use of DBE race- and gender- conscious contract goals to promote and ensure equal opportunities for businesses that may face systemic barriers in competing for contracts. BBC analyzed $8.8 billion of worth of contracts and procurements Metro awarded during the study period to measure the participation and availability of People of Color (POC) and woman-owned businesses for Metro work to assess whether any disparities exist between those measures.
Based on qualitative data obtained during the study, the recommendation to establish a Business Technical Development Program (BTDP) enables Metro to seek a consultant team, with expertise within the transportation industry. The BTDP will include business consultants and industry partners to provide technical assistance and supportive services to POC- and woman-owned small and disadvantaged businesses. Such services can contribute to the growth and business efficiency of firms competing for prime and subcontracts and performing o...
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