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The 2017 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study will seek to identify barriers for minority- and women-owned businesses competing for government contracts
1/13/2017 9:05:53 AM
Saint Paul — The Minnesota Department of Administration is leading a partnership of state, regional, and local governments that will study disparities facing minority- and women-owned businesses that compete for government contracts.
“The State of Minnesota is committed to contracting practices that eliminate disparities and provide a fair and level playing field for minority- and women-owned businesses competing for government contracts,” said Commissioner Matt Massman. “We are pleased to partner with all of these entities to create a more robust study that can serve all of our needs.”
The 2017 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study brings together eight state, regional, and local government entities. Rather than working on their own, these entities will work together to achieve a more robust disparity analysis which supports the State’s vision for equity and inclusion.
“Working together, we can use data from a much broader group of businesses to create a better understanding of the disparities minority- and women-owned businesses face,” said Assistant Commissioner Alice Roberts-Davis. “With more data — and by sharing resources — we can develop a report to help implement better programs and policies to address disparities and help these businesses compete.”
The study will examine procurement of construction, professional services, goods, and other services in the public and private sector. In addition, the study will research conditions for veteran-owned businesses and companies owned by people with disabilities.
The following eight entities are participating:
The State of Minnesota’s Department of Administration is coordinating this effort and Keen Independent Research is leading the study team.
Keen Independent Research will prepare a draft study for public review in fall 2017, and will complete the final study by the end of the year.
The study team will invite interested groups to attend public forums where they will provide information for the study. Participants will be encouraged to comment on marketplace conditions and doing business with the participating agencies. Input will help shape and inform the study team’s report.
Comments can also be provided online by emailing Disparity.Study@state.mn.us or by calling the project hotline at (612) 888-2017. Anyone interested in email updates about the project can sign up at http://bit.ly/2dvF0OG.
For additional information, contact:
Jake Seamans at (651) 201-2557 or jake.seamans@state.mn.us
